Japan’s Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate

TV sets showing Japanese Emperor Akihito’s address are seen at an electronic shop in Tokyo, Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo August 8, 2016. “However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am anxious that it may become more hard for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state”, Akihito, 82, said in the 10-minute recorded speech broadcast on national television.

Other conservatives worry that devoting political energy to discussing abdication could sidetrack Abe’s push to revise the US-drafted pacifist constitution, which many conservatives see as a symbol of Japan’s humiliating defeat in World War Two.

The message appears to have been received by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “I think we have to thoroughly think what we can do to accommodate his concerns, taking into consideration the emperor’s age and the current burden of official duties”, he said.

FILE – Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito (L-R), Emperor Akihito, Crown Princess Masako and Empress Michiko stand in front of well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the monarch’s 80th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, December 23, 2013.

His eldest son, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, is first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, followed by his younger brother Prince Akishino.

“The emperor was so distressed by the fact (his father’s death) had slowed down social activities that he has been thinking what can be done to make a transition smoother in the future”, Isao Tokoro, a Kyoto Sangyo University expert on the imperial family, said on public broadcaster NHK.

All Japan came to a halt mid-day Monday as people gathered before outsized outdoor televisions and huddled in front of screens in the home and office to hear their emperor speak.

But complicating the emperor’s wishes is Japanese law, which doesn’t allow for the emperor to abdicate.

But Japanese parliament may be loath to consider such changes, Kingston said in an email to CNN.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito has said he fears age and deteriorating health mean he is finding it hard to continue in his role, BBC reported. Akihito claimed that he is no longer able to fulfill his duties.

Hirohito died at age 87; Akihito was 55 when he succeeded his father.

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito, can not succeed her father because women are not allowed to inherit the throne.

In recent years, the emperor has suffered from declining health. Heart surgery and treatment for cancer have taken a toll on his ability to carry out his duties.

Akihito said the more than yearlong period of mourning and funeral events after an emperor’s death also places a heavy strain on those involved, in particular the imperial family.

The speech was only the second given by the 82-year-old emperor and he did not actually say he wanted to abdicate, because it is not legal for an emperor to step down. Almost half of Japan’s emperors quit the throne while alive, according to Japanese state broadcaster NHK.