Trout Lily leaves

Explain to me why the abdication of Emperor Akihito of Japan and ascension of his son to the Chrysanthemum throne isn't all over the news?  I've been following it on the BBC since I can't find it even mentioned on other news sources.  Compare this w/ the English monarchy.  Both the Japanese emperor and the English queen are nominal positions but revered in their countries.  Both rule an island nation that was once our enemy and is now our close ally and partner in commerce.  Just as w/ English ceremonies, the induction of a new emperor entails pomp / pageantry / interesting foreign customs.  Everyone is dressed in rich regalia.  There is even drama since the new Emperor Naruhito's daughter won't be able to inherit the throne under current Japanese law (no girls) so next in line will be his brother's son.   Why aren't US audiences eating this stuff up? Instead the morning US newscasters did note that there is no 'Baby Sussex' yet.  That kid will only be 7th in line for the English throne!  Naruhito is the 126th emperor of the oldest continuous monarchy in the world.  Talk about Game of Thrones...