Japan's 85-year-old Emperor Akihito prayed to a Shinto sun goddess, starting a day of ceremonies to mark the end of a three-decade reign in which he sought to ease painful memories of World War II and bring the monarchy closer to people, Aljazeera reports.
Akihito, 85, was the first monarch to take the Chrysanthemum Throne under a post-war constitution that defines the emperor as a symbol of the people without political power.
Akihito will end his three-decade reign on Tuesday when he abdicates to his son Crown Prince Naruhito.
Only part of the ritual was released to the public.
In a palace ritual later in the day, he will announce his retirement before other members of the royal family and top government officials.
He's the first emperor to abdicate in 200 years. The last abdication by a Japanese monarch was in 1817.
Naruhito will become emperor on Wednesday, but his formal enthronement will take place at a more elaborate ceremony in October.