Japanese Emperor Akihito will end his three-decade reign this week when he abdicates on Tuesday.
His son Crown Prince Naruhito will become emperor on Wednesday.
Akihito has cited concerns about his age and declining health and is the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in 200 years.
James Lindsay from the Council on Foreign Relations says it's a huge transitional moment for the Japanese people.
India's 'cockroach' youth party to protest, demand poll chief's resignation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced renewed pressure on Friday as the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party and a separate coalition of student and activist groups stage fresh protests, demanding the resignation of the elections commission chief over a controversial voter roll revision.
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000, government data shows
The number of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000, government data showed on Friday, as the worst epidemic in the country's history resists containment efforts.
About 400 French schools closed as some student protests turn violent
About 400 schools in France are expected to remain closed on Friday after student protests that began over education-related grievances escalated into violence in some places.
Yemeni air force carries out strikes on Houthi targets in Taiz province
Yemen's armed forces spokesperson said on Friday its warplanes carried out around 40 precision strikes targeting Houthi movements, reinforcements, gatherings, personnel, vehicles, and military equipment in Taiz province.
Arab League condemns Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Arab League has condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by more than 1,300 Israeli settlers and the performance of religious rituals in its courtyards, warning against attempts to alter the mosque’s established historical and legal status quo.
Flydubai says its focus remains on supporting affected passengers and crew while authorities investigate the safety incident involving flight FZ1073.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has praised the courage and swift response of the captain, crew and passengers of flydubai flight FZ1073, saying their decisive actions helped contain the situation and avert more serious consequences.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US Senator Joni Ernst, with talks focusing on strengthening strategic cooperation between the UAE and the United States.
