On Monday last week, through a recorded video message, Japanese Emperor Akihito shared his thoughts on his duties as the nation’s symbolic figurehead, and indicated he has a strong desire to abdicate from the throne.
Given his age, 82 years old, and his gradually deteriorating health, Akihito said: “I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state,” and said he hopes the public will be able to understand.
Akihito emphasized the importance he attaches to the carrying out his responsibilities as emperor, saying, “It is my heartfelt wish that the nation’s figurehead is able to continue to carry out his duties without impediment.”
In order for Akihito to abdicate, an amendment would have to be made to the Imperial Household Law. Japan’s constitution limits the emperor’s powers to participate in matters of national politics. Akihito therefore refrained from specifically touching upon the current imperial system, but instead talked only of his personal thoughts.
In 2012 Akihito underwent heart surgery, after which his physical strength began to deteriorate.
(CNA, translated by Edward Jones)
日皇明仁上週一透過影片,表達作為象徵天皇關於公務的想法,顯示他有意實現生前退位的強烈意願。
明仁考量到自己八十二歲,且身體逐漸衰退,「擔憂難以全心履行象徵天皇的義務」,盼國民理解。
明仁強調皇室義務的重要性,他說,「衷心祈願象徵天皇的公務能穩定持續下去」。
為實現讓明仁生前退位,必須修改「皇室典範」。根據日本憲法,日皇沒有參與國政的權限,因此明仁此番「不具體觸及現行的天皇制度,談談作為個人的想法」。
明仁透露二○一二年接受心臟手術後,開始感覺體力衰退。(中央社)
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