In address to the nation, Emperor Akihito says age is making discharging duties harder
A couple looks at television screens showing a speech to the nation by Japanese Emperor Akihito
Tokyo: Japanese Emperor Akihito said yesterday he is concerned his weakening health may make it hard to fulfil his duties, in a speech that many have perceived as flagging a possible future abdication.
A couple looks at television screens showing a speech to the nation by Japanese Emperor Akihito. Pic/AFP
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“I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being as I have done until now,” he said in an address to the nation.
This marks only the second time for Akihito to speak directly to the nation, the first after the March 2011 triple earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster to bolster the nation.
Akihito spoke obliquely, but the government is expected to interpret his comments as his wish to eventually step down.
It can then begin creating the legal mechanism which currently does not exist. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a swift response said the government would take the remarks “seriously”. “Considering the emperor’s duties, as well as his age and the burden, we have to firmly look at what we can do.”
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