National Aug 4, 2016
Emperor likely to issue video message Monday amid reports of desire to abdicate
It will be only the Emperor's second video message, following one released five days after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
National / Politics Aug 3, 2016
If the pope can retire, why can't Japan's elderly Emperor?
by Linda Sieg
Pope Benedict XVI did it. Dutch Queen Beatrix did it. So why is it so hard for Japan's elderly Emperor to abdicate? NHK reported last month that Emperor Akihito, 82, wanted to abdicate "in a few years," something unprecedented in modern Japan. Ordinary Japanese sympathize with ...
National Jul 29, 2016
Emperor may speak publicly about his future as early as Aug. 8, sources say
The remarks could be aired live on television, but are likely to avoid reference to abdication.
National Jul 29, 2016
Emperor Akihito, who is said to have indicated his wish to abdicate, will have a chance to speak about his thoughts to the Japanese people sometime next month, NHK reported Friday. Sources said the Imperial Household Agency is planning to broadcast a live message by ...
National / Politics Jul 22, 2016
Navigating succession under Japan's Imperial system
by Reiji Yoshida
Emperor Akihito's reported intention to abdicate in a few years because of his advanced age has shocked the nation, made headlines and triggered discussion among intellectuals on how the Imperial throne should be succeeded. But since the first report surfaced earlier this month, Imperial family ...
National Jul 15, 2016
World media abuzz over report of Emperor's reported wish to abdicate
News reports Wednesday that Emperor Akihito hopes to abdicate have attracted attention not only at home but abroad, with foreign media looking back on Japan's history and touching on current domestic issues. "For the first time in nearly two centuries, an emperor of Japan has ...
National Jul 14, 2016
Emperor's abdication plan poses challenges for Japan's Imperial system
by Reiji Yoshida and Tomohiro Osaki
A day after news broke of Emperor Akihito’s plans to abdicate, discussion turned to when and how an emperor can be allowed to quit.
Editorials Jul 14, 2016
Public discussion should be launched to discuss the issues that must be resolved to permit the abdication of the Emperor.
National Jul 14, 2016
Japanese voice surprise, support for Emperor's plan to abdicate
Many Japanese expressed surprise at the news Wednesday that Emperor Akihito plans to abdicate, but they said his wish should be respected. The Imperial Couple left their Imperial villa in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Thursday after arriving on Monday. "The Emperor opened a car window and ...
National Jul 13, 2016
Government source says Emperor has been speaking privately about his intentions for at least a year but that it does not indicate immediate health concerns.
National Jun 12, 2016
Crown Princess Masako attends Chiba Prefecture greenery event with Crown Prince
Crown Princess Masako, who is receiving treatment for a stress-induced illness, attends a greenery conservation event in Chiba Prefecture together with Crown Prince Naruhito.