Emperor Akihito gives a video message on Japan TV, this event is very rare. Moreover, the topic of the televised video message is Emperor’s desire to abdicate. According to the current Imperial House Law, this act is not possible. An 82-year-old Emperor Akihito’s desire to leave his post became a reason of a concern among the people.
The concern expressed in the video message by the 82-year-old Emperor of Japan, raised a lot of questions. The Emperor remind of his age and pressing health problems, which need a lot of attention. Akihito said he doesn’t believe these problems requiring an immediate abdication, but he has a desire to step aside.
The 82-year-old Emperor of Japan had a heart bypass surgery in 2012, in 2003 he survived an operation (oncological tumor in the prostate), so his concerns and desire of abdication is quite understandable. In other words, Emperor in his video message reminded people about possible abdication due to unability to perform official duties. To hold the emperor’s position and to be a “symbol of the state” isn’t easy work, especially when Emperor is 82 years old.
The Imperial House of Japan also referred to as the Imperial Family and the Yamato dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties.
