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Japan's Emperor Akihito to make rare public address Japan's Emperor Akihito to make rare public address
(about 2 hours later)
Japan's Emperor Akihito is set to deliver a rare televised address to the nation. Japan's Emperor Akihito is set to deliver his second ever televised address to the public.
Last month, public broadcaster NHK reported that the Emperor wanted to step down in coming years, which would be unprecedented in modern Japan. Last month, Japanese media reported that the emperor wanted to step down in coming years, which would be unprecedented in modern Japan.
He is not expected to use the word "abdicate" because he is barred from political involvement.He is not expected to use the word "abdicate" because he is barred from political involvement.
This is only the second time Emperor Akihito has delivered a video message to the Japanese people. The palace said on Friday he would be speaking about his "feelings regarding his duties as a symbol of the nation".
The first was after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011. There is no legal provision for abdication in Japanese law, which would mean a law change would be required.
A pre-recorded message from the 82-year-old will be made public at 15:00 local time (06:00 GMT). Under the constitution the emperor is not allowed to have political powers so a wish to abdicate could be seen as him interfering in politics.
NHK reported the Emperor, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, would ask Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife to take over many of his public duties. PM Shinzo Abe is expected to issue a statement after the emperor's speech.
There is no legal provision for abdication in Japanese law, which would mean a law change would be required. Under the constitution the Emperor is not allowed to have political powers. A pre-recorded message from the 82-year-old emperor, who is revered in Japan, will be made public at 15:00 local time (06:00 GMT).
If Emperor Akihito expresses publicly that he wishes to abdicate, that could be interpreted as him interfering in politics. Public broadcaster NHK reported the emperor, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, would ask Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife to take over many of his public duties.
The 56-year-old crown prince is first in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, followed by his younger brother Prince Akishino. Women are not allowed to inherit the throne and so Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito, cannot succeed her father.
Last month, Japanese media reported that Emperor Akihito told close aides and his family that his age and health were making it difficult for him to perform his duties.
If he was to abdicate, it would be the first time a Japanese emperor stood down since 1817.
A nationwide survey by Kyodo News Agency showed that 90% of respondents said Emperor Akihito is given too much work, with more than 85% saying that abdication should be legalised as an option.
Historically, the emperor of Japan was seen as semi-divine. But after Japan's World War Two defeat, Emperor Akihito's father Hirohito was the first to give up his god-like status to become a "symbol of the state and of the unity of the people".
This is only the second time Emperor Akihito has delivered a video message to the Japanese people. The first was after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
Five things about Japan's emperor: