Akihito could no longer cope with all provisions no obligation.
The Emperor of Japan Akihito admitted that it may be difficult to perform their duties as a “symbol of the state”.
He made it clear that he is ready for a possible abdication, but did not directly raise this issue in his address, the word “renunciation” in his speech has not sounded.
“Now I have more than 80 years, and I, fortunately, are in good health. When I think about the fact that my health is gradually deteriorating, I’m worried that I may become difficult to perform my duties as a “symbol of the state” with all my being, as I had done so far,” said the Emperor.
The Japanese monarch also recalled that the Emperor is not endowed with any governmental power under the Constitution of Japan. “I sincerely hope that the Japanese Imperial family, not forgetting their long history, will remain with his people at all times will help in building the future of our country,” he said. I hope that the duties of the Emperor will continuously continue to be done”.
Akihito expressed confidence that at all times when the health of the Japanese Emperor declined, as it had a huge impact on society, causing stagnation and negative impact on people’s lives. “I don’t think that because of the aging Emperor is constantly to reduce his duties, – said Akihito. – If the Emperor has not reached adulthood, or very sick, you can install a Regency. But he still remains Emperor until the end of his life.”
In turn, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, communitree speech of the Emperor, said that the government took seriously the words of Akihito and considers that they call for careful reflection. “We take very seriously the words of the Emperor addressed to the people,” said Abe. And we believe that they need to very carefully comprehend”.
In mid-July, Japanese media reported rumors that the Emperor wants to abdicate in favor of his son, 56-year-old crown Prince Naruhito. However, the current Imperial house Law, the house provides such an opportunity.
The current Constitution of Japan the Emperor is the first Chapter in which he called the “symbol of the state and unity of the people.” According to the basic law, it performs a number of ceremonial and formal functions like approval of the government on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, but no powers related to government, has not.
He’s not allowed to vote, to Express their political views, to own property. The Law on the Imperial house, he was also not given the right lifetime to abdicate – it is dynasty with the death of the Emperor.
Despite this, the hints that the Emperor would at least partly change their status, was introduced several years ago. In recent years, due to the deteriorating health of the 82-year-old Akihito was forced to withdraw from performing some of their public responsibilities, shifting them to the eldest son, the crown Prince, Naruhito.
With those duties that he performs, he also becomes increasingly difficult to cope – so, last year at the ceremony on 70th anniversary of surrender in world war II he confused the words.
Akihito was born December 23, 1933, he is the eldest son of Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) and Empress Nagako (1903-2000), speaks English well, plays the cello and is interested in history, interested in biology and aquatic science. Since 1986 is in the London Linnaeus society (an international society of biologists), member of the national ichthyological society.
Akihito married Michiko Seda – the eldest daughter of the President of a large flour milling company Nisshin Flour Milling Company. Their Union, concluded on 10 April 1959, was the first case of departure from the old tradition, according to which Japanese emperors and princes of the blood were to choose their wives from the girls exclusively aristocratic.
From Akihito and Michiko have two sons and one daughter: crown Prince of Naruhito (born February 23 1960), the second in line of succession to the throne, Prince Akishino (born November 30, 1965) and Princess Sayako (born 18 April 1969).
The dynasty of Japanese emperors has 2000 years of history. For centuries they were considered the descendants of the heavenly patron sun goddess Amaterasu and had the status of living gods. The Emperor is considered a symbol of the Japanese nation and the unity of the people. The Imperial throne is inherited by members of the Royal family in the male line.
The last time the Emperor of Japan abdicates in 1817.
