Emperor Akihito: Japanese monarch declares historic abdication

Japanese Emperor Akihito in ceremonial outfit, 1990

At some point in his education, some say under the influence of his American tutor Elizabeth Gray Vining, Akihito became a confirmed pacifist, and he remains so today. He has told people his greatest contentment comes from knowing that during his reign, not a single Japanese soldier has been killed in war or armed conflict. MORE VIDEO