Japanese emperor Akihito reveals desire to abdicate

Japanese emperor Akihito reveals desire to abdicate. August. 09, 2016 06:43. by 도쿄=서영아특파원 sya@donga.com.

Japanese emperor Akihito spoke publicly about the possibility of leaving throne in a televised address on Monday. It has been almost 200 years since a living emperor's abdication took place when Emperor Kokaku stepped down in 1817.

“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,” the emperor said in an address that lasted for about 10 minutes. It was also posted on the official Imperial Household Agency webpage.

Though his words were characteristically vague, the message was clear that he was preparing for stepping down. If the 82-year-old emperor steps down, the succession controversy including the current emperor's abdication may emerge as a political issue to the Japanese government. The Imperial Household Act needs to be changed as there is no provision for abdication. The Imperial Household Act is a statute in Japanese law that governs the imperial succession and matters pertaining to the administration of the Imperial Household.

“We must think the emperor’s address carefully,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. If the debate over the change of the Imperial Household Act gets started, it is difficult for Mr. Abe to continue his argument to revamp the constitution to make Japan a “normal” country, meaning one capable of engaging in war.