Emperor Akihito to address Japan amid abdication rumors
Japan's ailing emperor is scheduled to address the nation next week amid spreading news of his eminent abdication.
The Imperial Household Agency said on Friday that the 82-year-old monarch, Emperor Akihito, will make a video address to the nation on Monday at 3:00 p.m. local time (0600 GMT).
Japan’s state TV reported last month that the emperor, who suffers from both heart and prostate problems, had revealed his intention to abdicate in a few years.
Ordinary Japanese are said to sympathize with the monarch's desire to retire from his high position. However, no legal provision exists for the abdication of the emperor.
In addition, Akihito's retirement faces strong opposition from the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"I think the Japanese people want to allow the emperor to abdicate," said Miiko Kodama, a professor emeritus at Musashi University.
"However, it would be unfortunate for the Crown Prince if he takes the throne because the people do not have the same emotional response to him as they do to the Emperor."
The octogenarian emperor, who had been cutting back on his official chores due to his declining health, had been replaced by his heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, who has one daughter, Princess Aiko, as his apparent heir.
The conservative traditionalists in the Abe administration believe if provisions are made for Akihito to step down, some liberal politicians in parliament will take the opportunity to push for women to be allowed to become emperor, among other reforms.
Since Japan’s current law only allows males to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, the throne after Naruhito would pass to his brother, Prince Akishino, and then to the nine-year-old nephew Hisahito.
Before Hisahito’s birth, no male had been born into the imperial family for more than four decades. This prompted discussion of equal inheritance for women, a move opposed by the traditionalists eager to preserve a male line they believe goes back more than 2,000 years.
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