Associated Press

Japan’s Emperor Akihito has announced at a ceremony that he is abdicating, in his final official address to his people.

In the ceremony at the palace on Tuesday, Akihito also thanked his people for their support during his 30-year reign as emperor.

He said it was fortunate for him that he could fulfil his duties with full trust and faith in his people.

Akihito’s reign ends at midnight Tuesday, after which his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, ascends the throne as new emperor.

Naruhito’s ascension will be formalized at a separate ceremony on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump expressed his appreciation for Akihito and Empress Michiko and used the occasion to "recognize the tremendous importance" of the U.S.'s relationship with Japan.

"Emperor Akihito welcomed five United States presidents to Japan and reigned from the end of the Cold War to the present day," Trump said in a statement. "Our bilateral relationship was critical to navigating the global challenges of those times."

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