Gov't panel report shows split of opinions over emperor's possible abdication in Japan

A government advisory panel released on Monday a mid-term report on the possible abdication of Japan's Emperor Akihito, showing a split of opinions on some key issues regarding the abdication.

One of the major disputed points is whether to create a permanent abdication system for every emperor, or just a mechanism to enable only the current emperor to abdicate.

The report, drafted by a six-member panel after hearing opinions of 16 experts on the Constitution and other fields, listed 23 opinions opposed to a permanent abdication system and only three opinions against a one-off abdication mechanism for just Emperor Akihito.

According to the report, creating one-off legislation that just applies to Emperor Akihito has the advantage of being flexible, as it allows people in the future to make their own judgment on whether to allow their emperor to abdicate.

The report emphasized "the merits of allowing the move under legislation applying only to him (Emperor Akihito) but not to future emperors, effectively backing the plan sought by the government," said Japan's Kyodo News.

According to local media, the government is in favor of one-off legislation instead of revising the Imperial House Law to set up a permanent system, as it would be more complicated and time-consuming, while some opposition parties demand otherwise.

Takashi Imai, honorary chairman of the Japan Business Federation and president of the panel, however, said that the panel is not leaning toward either of the stances, and the issue should be debated in the Diet.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for his part, said that he hopes the public will deepen their understanding of the issue through the report.

Japanese political parties will debate on the issue and the panel is expected to compile a final report on the issue in the spring. Endit