In a rare televised address, Japan’s Emperor Akihito said if his health worsens he fears he will not be able to fulfill his duties. The revered ruler did not use the word abdicate in his 10-minute pre-recorded speech, but did strongly indicate that he wants to hand over his duties. In a 10 minute pre-recorded message, the 82 year-old Emperor reflected upon his years on the throne, and spoke about how his age and health issues are making it hard for him to fulfill his royal duties.
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“There are times when I feel various constraints such as in my physical fitness”.
For instance, the current monarch has been active in promoting reconciliation efforts both within and outside of Japan after World War II, which was fought by the East Asian country under his father’s name, Emperor Hirohito.
Opinion polls show the vast majority of ordinary Japanese sympathise with the emperor’s desire to retire, but such a step would need changes to the law. However, this requires a legal change in Japanese law which says an emperor serves until death.
The comments are unusual as Japan’s royals are not supposed to wade into political matters under a post-WWII Constitution imposed by occupying USA forces, which stripped Akihito’s father of his divine status.
Under the constitution, the emperor is not allowed to make any political statements.
Much of Japan came to a brief halt in the mid-afternoon, as Akihito’s message was broadcast on national television.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he takes seriously what Akihito said.
Akihito sent a clear message that he wants to pass over his duties to his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, saying that simply making him a regent, as legally allowed, would not be sufficient.
“As we are in the midst of a rapidly ageing society, I would like to talk to you today about what would be a desirable role of the emperor in a time when the emperor, too, becomes advanced in age”, he said.
Why can’t the emperor abdicate?
Over the years, Akihito, who is 82, has had to undergo heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, factors that have contributed to his decline in fitness and increased speculation about a rare abdication.
“Considering the emperor’s duties, as well as his age and the burden [of the job], we have to firmly look at what we can do”.
The last Japanese monarch to step down was Kokaku, who gave up the throne in 1817. Five years ago – when Japan was hit by an natural disaster, tsunami and nuclear meltdown – the emperor abandoned formality to comfort the Japanese people.
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“Even in such cases (of a regency), however, it does not change the fact that the emperor continues to be emperor until the end of his life, even though he is unable to fully carry out his duties as the emperor”, Akihito said.
