Emperor Akihito

The 83-year-old said last year that his age and health were making it hard for him to fulfil his official duties.

But there was no provision under existing law for him to stand down.

The government will now begin the process of arranging his abdication, expected to happen in late 2018, and the handover to Crown Prince Naruhito.

Akihito, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, has been on the throne in Japan since the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989.

The 83-year-old emperor said last year that his age and health were making it hard for him to fulfil his official duties.

But there is no provision under existing law for him to abdicate and be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito.

The bill will now pass to the parliament, where it is widely expected to be passed.

It would be the first time a Japanese emperor has stepped down since Emperor Kokaku in 1817.

The event was attended by Japan's Ambassador to PNG Morio Matsumoto, representatives from other embassies including Australia and the United States, Japanese people living in PNG and other stakeholders.

Akihito is the reigning Emperor of Japan, the 125th Emperor of his line according to Japan traditional order of succession.

Mr Matsumoto said at this age, Emperor Akihito remained actively dedicated to his official duties.

He spoke about the good relationship between PNG and Japan and how both countries had agreed on further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.