Daijō-tennō is a title used in Japan to refer to a retired emperor. This term specifically denotes an emperor who has abdicated the throne, often to allow a successor to take over. The practice of abdication has historical roots in Japan, where emperors would step down for various reasons, including age or health. The most notable example of a Daijō-tennō in recent history is Emperor Akihito, who abdicated in 2019. His decision was significant as it marked the first abdication in over two centuries, reflecting a shift in the traditional views of the imperial succession in Japan.