Emperor Akihito joined an award ceremony in Tokyo on Friday, his last official duty outside of the Imperial Palace ahead of his scheduled abdication next week.He appeared at the Cabinet Office's ceremony, which was awarding the Midori Prize for those who made significant contributions to afforestation and research on greenery.The 85-year-old emperor, who has reigned since January 1989, will step down on Tuesday as the first Japanese monarch to do so in about two centuries. His eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne the following day.The emperor's final of…READ FULL ARTICLE
