Can Japan’s Emperor Akihito retire?
USA TODAY NETWORKEditors, USA TODAY NETWORK2:05 p.m. EDT August 8, 2016
Japan’s Emperor Akihito said Monday that the he worries his health will prevent him from fulfilling his duties as the head of state.
The 82-year-old has been in poor health in recent years and has cut back on a busy schedule that includes public appearances and goodwill missions across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
While it may not seem like a big deal that Akihito is hinting that he may want to retire, stepping down is not as simple as you’d think.
Here’s why Akihito signaling he may step down is a big deal:
People retire all the time, so why can’t Emperor Akihito?
It’s complicated. While Emperor Akihito never said he would “abdicate,” or step down during his Monday address, he did make it clear that his declining health has made it difficult for him to continue in his official capacity.
Stepping down may not be easy, however. No Japanese monarch has abdicated in nearly 200 years, no law governs such cases, and the popular 82-year-old monarch’s retirement could raise delicate questions about a ban on female succession and the imperial family’s place in society.
How much power does the emperor have?
Under Japan’s post-World War II constitution, the emperor is “the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people,” but he has no governmental authority and is not permitted to take part in political activity.
But despite a lack of government authority, Akihito and Empress Michiko are venerated by the Japanese, and the imperial family remains a popular institution. The emperor’s birthday — Dec. 23 — is a national holiday, when tens of thousands of well-wishers gather outside the Imperial Palace to greet the royal couple.
Who would succeed him?
Akihito is the 125th emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne in January 1989, at age 55, following the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, who led Japan during the country’s harsh colonial era and the world war that followed.
Akihito would like to abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 56, according to scores of news reports.
Japan’s long-reigning emperor addresses the nation
Japan’s long-reigning emperor addresses the nation
Could a woman become emperor?
The imperial family traces an unbroken male line dating back at least 1,500 years. The government briefly discussed revising the law in 2005 to permit women to succeed to the throne if there were no male successors, but the effort was strongly opposed by traditionalists and the matter was dropped.
Some have hinted that if Akihito abdicates, it may open the door for more discussion about permitting women to succeed to the throne.
Crown Prince Naruhito has one daughter, so the crown would pass from his family to his brother, Crown Prince Akishino, followed by Akishino’s son, Prince Hisahito.