Japanese emperor to issue video message amid abdication speculation
Xinhua, August 5, 2016 Adjust font size:
Japanese Emperor Akihito will issue a video message expressing his thoughts on Monday, Japan's Imperial Household Agency said on Friday.
The announcement came amid growing speculation on the emperor's abdication after local media reported last month that the 82-year-old emperor wishes to hand over the throne to his 56-year-old son Crown Prince Naruhito.
The emperor is expected to share his view in the video message at 3 p.m. local time on Monday about fulfilling his duties in the future as a symbol of the state, but will not directly refer to abdication, said Kyodo News.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering releasing comments after Emperor Akihito's video message, local media reported quoting sources close to Abe.
According to local media, if the emperor is to abdicate, the Imperial House Law might need revision, as the law, enacted in 1947 to rule for imperial affairs, does not include any provision for a reigning emperor to abdicate.
The process of revising the law, involving deliberations by an expert panel to the government, might require years, said earlier reports. Endit