Japanese media reports said the government may consider enacting a special law allowing Akihito’s abdication that would not be applicable to his successors, because debate over a revision of the Imperial House Law could take too much time since it is likely to reignite debate over whether to allow female emperors and other divisive issues.
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Akihito succeeded his father, the former Emperor Hirohito, in 1989.
“However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am anxious that it may become hard for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now”, CNN quoted the Emperor as saying in his 10 minute pre-recorded address.
The occupying American forces stripped the emperor of his powers, and defined his role in the new post war constitution as “a symbol of the state and of the unity of the people”.
The message appears to have been received by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“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”, he said.
Akihito’s son and heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, has already taken over some of his father’s official duties.
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.
Polls have since shown that the public is supportive, with between 77 and 90 percent of respondents saying the government should create a system to allow the emperor to abdicate. The changes will also have to be approved by parliament.
In the 10-minute pre-recorded speech broadcast he said: “When I consider my age of over 80, as well as my gradually deteriorating physical condition despite being luckily healthy at this moment, I am concerned about being able to fulfil my duties as a symbol with the utmost efforts, as I have done”. “I sincerely hope for your understanding”, he concluded the statement.
Japan’s Emperor Akihito hinted in a televised speech that he wants to abdicate, saying age and health are impairing his abilities.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Akihito takes part in about 250 public meetings and 75 trips both at home and overseas a year. Only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, which after Naruhito would pass to his brother, Prince Akishino and then to nine-year-old nephew Hisahito. He’s had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer.
The emperor and empress have long maintained a demanding schedule of more than 250 public meetings per year and 75 annual trips within and outside of Japan, the IHA said in May. But more than 100 of those meetings per year will now be canceled or reassigned to the crown prince.
If he were to abdicate, it would be the first time a Japanese emperor has stepped down since Emperor Kokaku in 1817.
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Once revered as a living God, the Japanese emperor became a ceremonial figure in Japan’s constitutional monarchy after World War Two.
