Japanese man crashes into boat after jumping off bridge in celebration He decides to take the plunge as the Heisei era ends with abdication But instead of making a splash he crash lands into a passing boat Japan's Emperor Naruhito took over the throne on Wednesday The new Emperor has pledged to be a 'symbol of the state and unity'
By Liz Perkins For Mailonline
Published: 23:10 BST, 1 May 2019 | Updated: 23:10 BST, 1 May 2019
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A Japanese man was in for a right royal surprise as he jumped off a bridge in celebration to mark the end of the Heisei era.
The man, who was dressed in a yellow T-shirt, appeared to be full of joy but as he plunged off the bridge he crash-landed into a boat travelling below.
Emperor Akihito's decision to abdicate at the age of 85 following a 30-year reign led to the end of the Heisei era, paving the way for his son Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
It is the first abdication since 1817, with the step being taken on
