FILES-JAPAN-ROYALS-AKIHITO-MICHIKO

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 28, 1990 Japanese Emperor Akihito sits in a carriage on his way to visit the inner shrine at Ise. - Japan's outgoing Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko dramatically modernised the tradition-bound monarchy, bringing themselves closer to the public and boosting popular support for the household. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP PROFILE "JAPAN-ROYALS-AKIHITO-MICHIKO" BY HIROSHI HIYAMA