A unique governmental system of Japan
upholding Emperor as the symbol of unification is shaken these months. The
announcement of Emperor Akihito about his wish to step down has caused broad
and deep discussion over whether Japanese government introduces abdication in
its imperial system or not. News reports indicate that Akihito has been
embracing that idea for a long time.
It was six years ago when Akihito revealed
his wish of abdication to his councilors. According to a report of Asahi
Shimbun, he made a remark for his abdication in an ordinary meeting of
councilors, including Grand Steward of Imperial Household Agency or Grand
Chamberlain at Imperial Palace on July 22nd of 2010. “If we are making
no change, I will not be able to do my duty as the Emperor. I think that I
should abdicate the throne before that,” told Akihito.
Akihito continued his remarks before the
participants apparently shocked. “Although I would like to do my duty until the
age of 80, I hope to abdicate afterward,” said Akihito. He was seriously
worried about the possibility of not fulfilling his role as the symbol of the
state, as he would become old. His idea seemed to be connected to the situation
of highly aging society of Japan.
At the age of 76 at that time, Akihito was
suffering from deteriorating health condition. Medical doctor found
inflammatory phenomena in his stomach and duodenum two years before, which was
caused by psychological stresses. Imperial Household Agency made a draft of
reforming official duty of the Emperor accordingly.
Akihito’s wish for abdication in 2010 urged
his staff serious discussion over abdication. The participants of councilors
meeting proposed having Regency and Emperor’s acts in matters of the state to
be surrogated by Prince Naruhito. But, Akihito rejected that idea with firm
conviction that status and activity of the state symbol had to be integrated as
one. Empress Michiko understood his wish, although she was negative in the
early stage.
The firm belief is stemming from his
experience in the last moments of Showa Era. When Hirohito fell in the illness
before the death in early 1989, Akihito represented his father in the meeting
with state guests, embracing a feeling of rudeness to them. His insufficiency
in the ceremonies in front of the public also made him embarrassed. “I don’t
have much time. It is too late to begin preparing for my aging when I am
unable,” said Akihito to his staff. Pride as the state symbol fundamentally
mattered for him.
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