Emperor Akihito hints at inability to fulfill his duties

Law would have to be changed for abdication

In a rare televised speech on Monday, Japan's Emperor Akihito, 82, told the Japanese people directly about his health and indicated readiness to abdicate.

"When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, 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," the emperor said.

Japan's Constitution does not envisage an abdication by a reigning emperor. To let Akihito's abdication happen, Japan's parliament needs to revise the law or have a special legislation.

The Constitution, promulgated in 1946, strips the emperor of political power and relegates the monarchy to a purely ceremonial role.

As the symbol of his country, Akihito has traveled widely around the world. Together with Empress Michiko, he made a historic and cordial visit to China in October 1992, the first by a Japanese emperor.

At the welcoming banquet China threw for the Japanese imperial couple in the Great Hall of the People, Akihito acknowledged that Japan "inflicted severe suffering upon the Chinese people. This is a deep sorrow to me".

Their six-day China visit took them to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. They came into brief contact with some ordinary Chinese. The imperial couple was treated with friendly politeness.

"I felt that most of the Chinese people hope for friendly relations between our two peoples," Akihito said at a news conference in Shanghai on the eve of his departure.

"If people deal sincerely with each other heart to heart, I believe borders can be bridged."

In his New Year statement last year when the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat was observed, the emperor said: "I think it is most important for us to take this opportunity to study and learn from the history of this war, starting with the Manchurian Incident of 1931, as we consider the future direction of our country."

"Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse over the last war, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated," he said at the ceremony of observing Japan's war dead on Aug 15, 2015.

LyuYaodong, researcher with the Institute of Japanese Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it is noteworthy that Japan's emperor made public his intention to abdicate at the time when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is intent on rewriting the country's Constitution. They, in Lyu's words, are divided on views of history and pacifism.

Akihito's abdication could redefine Japan's royal family, the world's oldest hereditary monarchy - the Chrysanthemum Throne, which has been held by the emperor's family for almost 2,700 years. Akihito is Japan's 125th emperor.

His abdication would only have an impact on Japan's domestic affairs, according to Jia Xiudong, researcher with the China Institute of International Studies.

Contact the writer at caihong@chinadaily.com.cn