In first address as PM, Fumio Kishida vows 'to never repeat tragedy of the war' but does not mention Japan's responsibility, war's victims -- a precedent set by late Shinzo Abe

59-year-old first in decades to ascend Chrysanthemum Throne following father's abdication, as Tokyo pardons 550,000 people

PM's office had not confirmed trip, but diplomats were gearing for premier to attend ceremonies honoring Japan's emperor day before deadline to form coalition

Netanyahu said to intend to attend ceremonies honoring Japan's Naruhito and meet PM Abe, one day before his deadline for building a coalition

A day after his father abdicates, the new monarch vows to fulfill his duty as a symbol of state and people