Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday began a three-day trip to southwestern Japan, reflecting the 83-year-old emperor's desire to visit the country's remote islands prior to his expected abdication within the next few years.Their first stop, Yaku Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, was chosen as the emperor and empress want to meet people affected by a 2015 volcanic eruption on the nearby Kuchinoerabu Island. The eruption at one point led the residents of Kuchinoerabu Island to evacuate to Yaku Island.The imperial couple will then head further southward and stay overnight in Okinoera…READ FULL ARTICLE