Japan moves to let Emperor Akihito abdicate his throne
TOKYO — A government panel studying a possible abdication of Japanese Emperor Akihito is set to release a report today that supports enacting special legislation that would apply to him but not to future monarchs.
The panel is looking at how to accommodate Akihito’s apparent abdication wish, which he expressed last August when he cited concerns that his age and health conditions may start limiting his ability to fulfill his duties. Akihito turned 83 last month.
The report will pave the way for a parliamentary discussion. Its primary positions were disclosed in media reports during the day, but the emperor’s title, role and other details of his post-abdication life would be addressed later.
The six-member panel, after interviewing constitutional and monarchy experts, agreed that allowing an abdication was the most appropriate way to meet Akihito’s request.
If legislation is enacted, Emperor Akihito would be the first to abdicate in 200 years. Panel members have said they planned to list both sides of the opinion. Some experts have said the Imperial House Law, the supreme law overseeing Japan’s monarchy, needs to be revised.
The current law, established in 1947, is largely inherited from a 19th century constitution that banned abdication as a risk to stability. But the experts said there was no such risk in today’s political system.
Throughout much of its history, Japan’s monarchy served more of a ceremonial and religious function than a governing one. But late 19th century modernizers elevated the throne to use as a rallying point for the nation.
