Emperor Akihito hints at historic abdication

Emperor Akihito said on Monday his advancing age and weakening health mean he may no longer be able to carry out his duties, setting the stage for Japan to prepare for a historic abdication.

“There are times when I feel various constraints such as in my physical fitness,” the 82-year-old said in a national address. “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. Specu- lation about Akihito’s future emerged last month with reports he had told confidantes that he would like to step down in a few years, in what would be the first abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne in two centuries.

“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,” he said, wearing a dark suit and sitting at a table in the pre-recorded video.

Akihito spoke obliquely — never mentioning the word abdication and stressing he is legally prevented from commenting on the imperial system — but analysts and media said his intention was clear. “His majesty the emperor hints at abdication”, read a two-page extra edition by the top-selling daily, Yomiuri Shimbun. The comments will now allow the government to begin creating the legal mechanism for a royal departure, which currently does not exist.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in a swift response, said the government would take his remarks “seriously”. “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.

Tomitaro Hashimoto, an assistant professor at Reitaku University, said while the emperor did not use the word abdication, “his message clearly called on the public to concretely consider the way for that in the future”.