Prince Akishino turns 51, calls Emperor's abdication message 'good' chance to air his thoughts
Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, said on the occasion of his 51st birthday Wednesday it was "good" that his father had expressed his desire in August to abdicate out of concern for his age. "It was good that (the Emperor) was able ...
Experts' opinions still divided in second meeting on Emperor's possible abdication
Opinions on Emperor Akihito's possible abdication remain divided among experts summoned to a government-commissioned panel looking at how the burden on the 82-year-old monarch can be alleviated. Three university professors, two journalists and a former deputy chief Cabinet secretary presented their views Monday during the ...
Experts weigh in as panel on issue of Emperor's abdication begins hearing
A government-commissioned panel on Monday started hearing opinions from experts on Japanese history and the Imperial Household system. Its purpose is to study Emperor Akihito's possible abdication, and to do so within a tighter schedule than previous hearings that have considered issues related to the ...
Prince Mikasa's death thrusts Imperial succession into spotlight
Prince Mikasa's death shoves Imperial succession back into the spotlight, pitting male-only traditionalists against those who see women's ascent to the throne as necessary, if not inevitable.
Panel draws 16 experts to weigh Emperor's possible abdication
An advisory panel to the government considering Emperor Akihito's possible abdication Thursday unveiled a list of 16 academics and other experts it will hear from starting next month. The panel is tasked by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to discuss how the burden on the ...
In 82nd birthday message, Empress Michiko reveals 'shock' and 'pain' of Emperor abdication headlines
Empress Michiko has described her "shock" and "pain" at seeing the word "abdication" in news headlines for the first time after Emperor Akihito's video message to the nation on Aug. 8. In a written statement released Thursday to mark her 82nd birthday, the Empress reflected ...
Government preparing for Emperor's abdication in 2018: source
The government is mulling legal preparations to pave the way for Emperor Akihito's potential abdication in 2018, a government source said Tuesday. Responding to the 82-year-old Emperor's concerns that his age could stop him from fulfilling his role under the Constitution as symbol of the ...
Imperial abdication committee holds first meeting
A government advisory panel met Monday for the first time to discuss measures to reduce Emperor Akihito's public duties, with the central issue expected to be whether and how an emperor should be allowed to abdicate due to advanced age. There is no provision for ...
Wide-ranging Imperial reform likely too sensitive to tackle for now
As an advisory panel readies to discuss the issue of the Emperor's abdication, some say Imperial reform is likely too sensitive a subject to touch for now.
It looks like the Abe administration will seek a quick fix to the abdication issue, rather than finding a long-term solution.
Government considers stipulating Emperor's post-abdication title, status in bill
Given that the current Imperial House Law does not provide for such an event as an abdication, the government is considering stipulating a new title and position for Emperor Akihito in a bill to be drawn up to allow the 82-year-old monarch to abdicate, ...
Thai monarchy could be heading for a crisis
The Thai monarchy is ill-prepared to cope with the uncertainties that will accompany the next king.
