Japanese Emperor Akihito Eyes Abdication in Years

Tokyo, July 13 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Akihito is hoping to abdicate and pass on the Chrysanthemum throne to Crown Prince Naruhito in the next few years, sources in the Imperial Household Agency said Wednesday. The 82-year-old Emperor does acts in matters of state stipulated in the Japanese constitution and is actively performing other official duties, such as visits to areas affected by disasters. Although he has no health problems at the moment, the Emperor has told aides that he wants to cede the throne to the Crown Prince in the next few years due to his advanced age, the sources said. As the Imperial House Law has no rules on abdication, discussions on revising the law are expected to be held in the Diet, the country's parliament. END