PHOTOS: Japan's emperor to step down in 200-year first; a look at vintage pictures of emperor Akihito

For the first time in more than 200 years, Japan's emperor will abdicate Tuesday, putting his son on the Chrysanthemum Throne and ushering in a new era for the world's oldest monarchy. Japan’s Emperor Akihito (R) Leaves the Kashikodokoro imperial sanctuary inside the Imperial Palace after a ritual to report the conduct of his abdication ceremony in Tokyo on April 30, 2019. (Photo by STR / Japan Pool / AFP)

Emperor Akihito began his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine Tuesday morning as Japan embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era. His reign runs through midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes new emperor and his era begins. (Photo by STR / Japan Pool / AFP)

In a set of solemn ceremonies, Emperor Akihito will hand over to his eldest son, 59-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, also kicking off the new imperial "Reiwa" era - meaning "beautiful harmony" - that will continue for the length of the new monarch's reign. Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne Wednesday.. (Photo by STR / Japan Pool / AFP) / Japan OUT / NO SALES - No Archives

Crown Prince (later Emperor) of Japan, Akihito and Michiko Shoda (later Empress Michiko) driving through Tokyo after their wedding at Tokyo Imperial Palace, 10th April 1959. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Members of the Japanese Imperial Family are photographed for their New Year's Day picture at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1st January 1961. Left to right: Prince Yoshi, aka Prince Hitachi, Crown Prince Akihito, Empress Nagako (1903 - 2000), Prince Hiro, aka Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Michiko and Emperor Hirohito (1901 - 1989). (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

JAPAN - JANUARY 09: On April 10, 1959, AKIHITO, the crown prince to Japan's imperial crown, married Michiko SHODA, who became Princess MICHIKO. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

JAPAN - JANUARY 09: On April 10, 1959, AKIHITO, the crown prince to Japan's imperial crown, married Michiko SHODA, who became Princess MICHIKO. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Crown Prince (later Emperor) of Japan, Akihito and Michiko Shoda (later Empress Michiko) driving through Tokyo after their wedding at Tokyo Imperial Palace, 10th April 1959. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

A Japanese policeman stands guard as People gather outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 30, 2019. - Japan's Emperor Akihito will step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne on April 30, the first abdication in the world's oldest imperial family for two centuries, ending 30 years of his popular reign and ushering in a new era. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)