Japan’s ageing emperor hints at abdicationTOKYO: Emperor Akihito said 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 an historic abdication. Akihito spoke obliquely—never mentioning the word abdication and stressing he is legally prevented from commenting on the imperial system—but analysts said his intention was clear. ‘Concretely consider’“The emperor did not use the word abdication, but his message clearly called on the public to concretely consider the way for that in the future,” said Tomitaro Hashimoto, an assistant professor at Reitaku University. A survey by Kyodo News last week showed that 85.7 percent of people surveyed were in favour of legal changes that would allow abdication. “Legally, he can’t request a revision of law,” said Hashimoto, an expert on Japan’s imperial system.

Source: Manila Times August 08, 2016 08:15 UTC