Many Issues Need to Be Cleared before Japanese Emperor's Abdication

Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--While Japanese Emperor Akihito hopes to relinquish the Chrysanthemum Throne to Crown Prince Naruhito in a few years, there are many issues that would need to be addressed before his possible abdication. Neither the Japanese constitution nor the Imperial House Law has a provision on abdication while the Emperor is alive. The Diet and other organs are now expected to begin deliberations on the possibility of establishing an abdication system. Non succession from a living emperor has taken place for about 200 years. In a closely watched video message to the public, released on Monday, Emperor Akihito expressed his concern that his age could make it difficult for him to fulfill his official duties. Among other things, the 82-year-old Emperor said, "When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being as I have done until now." A new "gengo," or Japanese era name, would have to be decided if an abdication takes place. The 1979 gengo act stipulates that the era name shall be changed only when the throne is handed down. When Emperor Hirohito, the father of the current Emperor and posthumously known as Emperor Showa, passed away on Jan. 7, 1989, the government picked "Heisei" to replace "Showa" as the new era name from three candidates, based on a recommendation from a related panel of experts. The new gengo was announced within the day, some eight hours after Emperor Hirohito's demise, following a cabinet decision. What the current Emperor should be called after he steps down and what kind of new role he would assume also need to be statutorily clarified. In history, there were several titles used for former Emperors after their abdications, but these do not seem to fit the modern age, pundits said. The position of Crown Prince shall be filled by the son of the Emperor who is the Imperial heir, according to the Imperial House Law. Therefore, if Crown Prince Naruhito, who has no son, becomes Emperor to succeed his father, the position would be vacant. Meanwhile, Prince Akishino, the second son of Emperor Akihito, would be first in the succession line after the Crown Prince ascends to the throne. To prepare for this, his new title and role are also expected to be studied. Another issue is where Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who now live in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, would reside after the Emperor's abdication. Soon after his accession to the throne, Emperor Akihito, until December 1993, commuted to the palace for official business while living in what is now the Togu Palace, the residence of the current Crown Prince and his family in the Akasaka district in the capital. The Crown Prince's birthday, Feb. 23, would become a national holiday after his coronation. Discussions are also expected on how to treat the current Emperor's birthday, Dec. 23. END