Toshihiko Saito of Gakushuin University, author of the book Emperor Akihito and Pacifism, said the government “can’t ignore his intention but must act on his words.”[ Japan’s emperor wants to retire. No provision for abdication was included in the constitutional and legal changes following Japan's surrender at the end of World War II. [ Japan’s emperor appears to part ways with Abe on pacifism debate ]Last month NHK reported that the emperor wanted to abdicate, although the Imperial Household Agency denied the report. Under the U.S.-drafted constitution imposed on Japan after World War II, the emperor was stripped of all his powers, becoming a figurehead only. Japan’s popular emperor sent an unprecedented signal Monday of his desire to abdicate and hand over power to his son, sending the country into constitutionally uncharted waters.

Source: Washington Post August 08, 2016 06:49 UTC