Let's start our look at the rest of the day's world news in Tokyo.
Crown Prince Naruhito will soon ascend the emperor's throne,... beginning a new era in Japan.
For more on this and other news around the world, let's turn to Hong Yoo.
So Yoo, Tuesday's abdication of the Emperor Akihito officially started Japan's new era of Reiwa.
How did the Japanese welcome their new era?
Well Mark, at midnight, a huge countdown event was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district to welcome Reiwa and today the state enthronement ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m local time.
Crown Prince Naruhito, the son of the Emperor Akihito, is set to inherit the three sacred treasures of Japan which are the sword, the mirror and the jewel, in his first ritual as emperor.
These imperial regalia will be the proof of his succession as the nation's 126th emperor.
Naruhito's wife Masako and daughter Aiko will not be attending the ceremony due to a palace tradition that does not allow female members of the royal family to do so.
The ritual of celebrating Naruhito's succession will continue throughout the year until November 15th.
Naruhito said he would largely emulate his father's pacifist stance and compassion for the people, but also said he will seek a role of his own, possibly in issues related to water, disaster resilience, and environment, something that would appeal its people from postwar generations.
