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Politics

Japan settling on 2019 as abdication date for emperor

New imperial era likely to begin New Year's Day

Japanese Emperor Akihito, left, with Empress Michiko.

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is looking to establish a framework that would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate on the first day of 2019, according to revelations Tuesday from multiple government sources.

Under this scenario, the ceremony marking the succession to the throne could take place either on New Year's Eve or the following New Year's Day. Akihito would be expected to abdicate on either of those two dates.

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