Japanese emperor addresses abdication speculation 

 

TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese emperor, in a rare address to the public, signaled Monday his apparent wish to abdicate by expressing concern about his ability to carry out his duties fully.

 

"When I consider my age of over 80, as well as my gradually deteriorating physical condition despite being luckily healthy at this moment, I am concerned about being able to fulfill by duties as a symbol with the utmost efforts, as I have done so far," he said in a 10-minute pre-recorded speech broadcast on national television.

 

It may be the closet he could come to saying he wants to step down, given restrictions on what he can say as a symbolic monarch with no political power. As expected, he avoided using the word "abdication," which could have violated those restrictions.

 

The 82-year-old monarch spoke publicly after recent media reports that he may want to abdicate. If he does, it isn't expected to happen immediately, as legal changes would be needed to allow him to do so.

 

Akihito suggested in his speech a need to consider how to make the succession process smoother.

 

Akihito has reportedly told palace officials and his family that he doesn't wish to cling to his title if his responsibilities have to be severely reduced, and his two sons have accepted the idea.

 

-- © Associated Press 2016-08-08

He looks pretty good for 82 years old, and an amazing head of hair!

 

Good luck to him.

An off topic post has been removed. 

Nothing last forever. Born naked - die naked. From dust to dust.

At least he will enter history annals as an emperor for as long as Japanese are there to remember. (not that this will matter for him, I'm afraid)

I wonder how many Japanese under 50 or 60 really care that much.

Says a lot for the British and Thai monarchy and just how well they have managed to carry out their duties all these past years.

A pretty progressive emperor and his sons will be more progressive.  Job well done!

Pokemon Go has more popularity than the emperor.