In A Rare Message, Japan’s Emperor Talks of Abdication and Old Age

This is the second time Emperor Akihito has addressed the public in a video message after 2011.

The Japanese emperor, in a rare address to the public, signaled his apparent wish to abdicate by expressing concern about his ability to carry out his duties fully. (Photo: AP) 

Japanese Emperor Akihito has rarely addressed the public. On Monday, however, he spoke to the public in a televised video that could lead to historic changes in the Japanese monarchy. The 82-year-old Emperor spoke about his age taking a toll on him and his abilities to discharge the duties of the throne.

The Emperor is considered a “symbol of the state” in Japan and according to law, he serves till death. The law would need to be changed in order for him to retire.

The Law as an Impediment to Akihito’s Retirement

The Emperor has no political power. However, if he retires and passes the throne to Crown Prince Naruhito, this would bring about a major historical shift in Japan.

The idea has sparked opposition from traditionalists since it might lead to wider debates concerning women occupying the throne. Naruhito has one daughter. The rule book says only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, which, after Naruhito, should pass to his brother and then to 9-year-old nephew Hisahito.

Traditionalists Standing In the Way?

Prime Minister Abe’s conservative base is worried that investing political energy to discussing abdication could sidetrack the push to revise the US-drafted pacifist constitution, which they see as a symbol of Japan’s defeat in World War Two.

Opinion polls show the vast majority of ordinary Japanese sympathise with the emperor’s desire to retire. He’s undergone heart surgery and suffered from prostate cancer.

When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being, as I have done until now.

Emperor Akihito

With Akihito apparently rejecting a regency, the only option would be to revise the Imperial Household Law or enact a special law allowing Akihito to abdicate, said Naotaka Kimizuka, an expert in monarchies at Kanto Gakuin University.

(With inputs from Reuters)