Japanese prince wants royals to fund Shinto rite, not public 30 SHARES Share it! Share TweetBy the Associated PressJapan’s Prince Akishino said that a highly religious ritual that is part of next year’s succession ceremonies should be covered privately by the imperial family, questioning the government’s decision to use public money. Emperor Akihito’s younger son spoke on the contentious issue in a news conference that was recorded for his 53rd birthday Friday. “It’s a royal family event, and it is highly religious,” Akishino told reporters. Abe’s government and his ultra-conservative supporters are also campaigning for a constitutional revision that would restore Japan’s paternalistic family values and society under the imperial family.

Source: Manila Bulletin November 30, 2018 14:03 UTC