Japan’s Emperor Akihito Expresses Intention to Abdicate in a Few Years

Emperor Akihito expressed intention to retire while active in the next few years, reported NHK, July 13. At age 82, His Majesty still discharges numerous state functions as stipulated by the Constitution - ceremonies, greets foreign dignitaries, etc.

His Majesty has reportedly expressed wish neither to reduce his functions nor to employ a substitute in his place only to sit on the throne. Both the Crown Prince and Prince Akishino are reportedly in agreement with His Majesty in this regard.

The Imperial Household Law does not stipulate for abdication and His Majesty's intention will lead to a series of discussion including possible revision of the law itself.

Meanwhile, the overall workload on Their Majesties Emperor and Express has substantially increased in recent years and there has been much talk on how best to reduce it to match their ages.

In January, 2009, the Imperial Household Agency announced measures to reduce pubic speeches and ritual functions of His Majesty. Three years later, when His Majesty had a bypass surgery of the coronary arteries, the agency stressed on further cut on the workload.

At the outbreak of the earthquake in northeastern Japan, His Majesty expressed deep concern for the welfare of the quake-torn citizens, and barely a week after discharge from the hospital attended the memorial service for the quake victims.

At last year end, in the eve of 82nd birthday, His Majesty told the press:

"I am feeling more often than not the effect of my age and occasionally even make mistakes. I must restrict myself to minimize such instances."

This May, the Imperial Household Agency curtailed part of Their Majesties' public functions for reasons of health but only to a limited extent as His Majesty had so insisted.

The whole nation is relieved at the glad news - Long Live Their Majesties.(Nathan Shiga)