Under Japan’s constitution, the emperor holds no political power—a point that Emperor Akihito himself mentioned in his message twice. Emperor Akihito didn’t directly use the word “abdication” in Monday’s message. Since taking the throne in 1989 on the death of his father, Emperor Akihito has sought to bring himself closer to the Japanese people. Polls show the Japanese public is overwhelmingly in favor of changing the law to permit the emperor to abdicate. Emperor Akihito has had health problems and has cut back on his official duties in recent years.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 08, 2016 06:27 UTC