Japan honors anniversary of Hirohito death

TOKYO, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Nearly 80 people, including Japanese royal and government leaders, honored the 20th anniversary Wednesday of the death of Emperor Hirohito.

The Imperial Household Agency said the country's beloved former leader was honored with a ceremony at the Musashino Mausoleum in Tokyo and a traditional ceremony at the Imperial Palace, the Kyodo news service reported.

Among those taking part in the ceremony at the mausoleum, which holds Hirohito's remains, were Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Also among those attending event were Prime Minister Taro Aso, and Prince Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako honored Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, at Tokyo's Imperial Palace.

Kyodo said the royal pair honored the late emperor, who died in 1989, by dressing in traditional garb to represent the emperor and the empress.