One-off law to allow Akihito to abdicate

JAPAN’S parliament passed a law yesterday clearing the way for its ageing Emperor Akihito to step down, in what would be the first imperial abdication in more than two centuries.

The monarch, 83, shocked the country last summer when he signalled his desire to take a back seat after nearly three decades on the Chrysanthemum Throne, citing health problems.

There was no law to deal with an emperor retiring from what is usually a job for life. However, a rule was passed that only applies to Akihito, allowing him to hand over to his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Japan’s parliament has also called for a debate on giving women a bigger role in the male-dominated monarchy.