Divided Discussion on Abdication

The discussion over abdication of Emperor Akihito is divided in two. In the hearing of Experts Meeting on Reducing Official Tasks of the Emperor, five experts made their presentations on Emperor’s abdication. Two supported it, other two were against it, and one was neutral. The discussion is focused on approving the will of living but aging Emperor or insisting on tradition or the Constitution.

Each presentation was made for twenty minutes on eight points including the role of Emperor in the Constitution. Masayasu Hosaka, non-fiction writer with broad knowledge of Japanese imperial system, argued that the issue should be discussed on the viewpoint of humanity, which indicated necessity of respecting Akihito’s idea and establish the system of abdication. Isao Tokoro, Professor of Kyoto Sangyo University, also supported the abdication as an issue limited to negative impact of aging.

Conservative experts like Sukehiro Hirakawa, Professor Emeritus of University of Tokyo, argued that abdication would not be needed for dealing with the problem of aging. “Meaning of Emperor inhabits in maintenance and prayer. If we introduce a value of capability into hereditary Emperor, maintenance of Imperial system will be difficult,” said Hirakawa.

Yasuo Ohara, Professor Emeritus of Kokugakuin University or a leader of ultra-conservative movement supporting Shinzo Abe administration Japan Conference, also opposed abdication, asserting that the symbol of integration of the nation was based on eternal existence of one Emperor. “In a situation that no school or media does not teach the reason of lifetime throne, sentiment of hoping Emperor’s comfort is leading the discussion. I am skeptical to decide it in this kind of air,” told Ohara.

Takahisa Furukawa, Professor of Nihon University, basically against introducing abdication to maintain stability of succeeding throne, while having no opposition to approve abdication as the will of the people. He argued that amendment of Imperial House Law would be needed, not relying on temporary special legislation applied only to Akihito, if Japan would introduce abdication. “On reduction of official tasks of the Emperor, temporary deputy can deal with matters of the state and other Imperial families can act for official events,” insisted Furukawa.

Seeing divided opinions on abdication, it is likely that the discussion can take certain period of time. One talking point is whether the Emperor is included in the system of constitution or not. Constitution of Japan has a provision about Regency, even how Akihito is negative on it. If the government upholds the Emperor as transcending legal system, it has no difference from obsolete politics in pre-war era of Japan.