PRINCE NARUHITO

Japan’s crown prince says he will model himself after his father Akihito as emperor

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Akihito last August expressed his apparent wish to abdicate, citing that concerns his age and health may start limiting his ability to fulfil his duties as emperor

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A government panel is debating how to allow Akihito to step down — the last time an emperor abdicated was in 1817 and current law does not allow it

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Naruhito said he is open to discussing ways to have the imperial succession fit the modern era. “The role of the imperial family changes from an era to another, as a new era brings in fresh breeze,” he said.