Commentary / Japan Aug 15, 2016
Modernizing the Imperial house's succession law
by Hugh Cortazzi
The government should find ways of modernizing the Imperial succession law so that the Emperor can abdicate if he so desires.
National Aug 10, 2016
Japan's Crown Prince ready for throne, but no fairy tale for his unhappy Crown Princess
by Elaine Lies
When Crown Prince Naruhito proposed to a reluctant Masako Owada, he promised to protect her with all his might, a vow that may get tougher to keep if, as expected, his father Emperor Akihito abdicates, and the woman who has struggled to adjust to ...
National Aug 9, 2016
Overseas media outlets praise Emperor's efforts for peace, reconciliation
by Eric Johnston
Overseas media reaction to Monday's recorded video address by Emperor Akihito, in which he indicated a desire to abdicate, praised his efforts at peace and reconciliation in Okinawa and parts of Asia. Some suggested that Japan's political debate will now shift from constitutional revision to ...
National Aug 9, 2016
War, disaster survivors sympathetic to Emperor's intent to abdicate
Survivors of disasters in Japan and World War II battles express acceptance of Emperor Akihito's readiness to abdicate.
National Aug 9, 2016
Emperor wanted to express views on his role at December's birthday news conference
Officials in the Imperial Household Agency reportedly didn't act fast enough when the Emperor wanted late last year to offer his opinion on abdicating.
Language | MORNING ENGLISH Aug 8, 2016
Emperor Akihito does not necessarily intend to relinquish the throne early but has indicated he is prepared to abdicate if he becomes unable to fulfill his duties.
Editorials Aug 8, 2016
The government should discuss what steps are necessary to allow the Emperor to abdicate.
National Aug 8, 2016
The 82-year-old Emperor Akihito has worked tirelessly to encourage the nation through multiple disasters and made numerous trips to former battlegrounds at home and abroad to mourn the war dead.
National Aug 8, 2016
Emperor signals wish to abdicate in near future
by Reiji Yoshida
Emperor Akihito expresses concern about how his advanced age is affecting the performance of his public duties.
National Aug 8, 2016
This is the official translation of Emperor Akihito’s video message broadcast Monday.
National Aug 6, 2016
Emperor's video message could herald major changes to Japan's Imperial system
Japanese citizens are awaiting Emperor Akihito’s forthcoming statement, which comes just weeks after news reports said he wishes to hand over the throne to Crown Prince Naruhito.
National Aug 5, 2016
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering releasing some comments after Emperor Akihito's widely expected video message Monday, as speculation grows about his potential abdication, sources close to the plan said. The comments, most likely to take the form of a statement, will reflect Abe's personal ...