Former President Jerry John Rawlings and his family visited the Japanese Embassy on Monday to sign the congratulatory book for newly crowned Emperor Naruhito.

After 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated on 30 April 2019, being the first Japanese emperor to do so since 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era.

Former President Rawlings who was at the embassy with his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, his daughters the Member of Parliament of Osu Klottey Korle, Zanetor Rawlings and Asantewaa Rawlings, in a tweeted message, said: “We are hopeful that the new Emperor will emulate the splendid leadership of his father, Akihito.”