Crown Prince Naruhito to model himself after father
TOKYO: Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito turned 57, saying he is ready to become emperor after his father Akihito, who could abdicate as soon as next year, and that like him, he will be an emperor who “shares the pain and joy of the people”.
A government panel is debating how to allow the 83-year-old Akihito, who has had heart surgery and prostate cancer treatment, to step down after he said in August that he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties.
The last time an emperor abdicated was in 1817 and current law does not allow it.
In January, media reports said the government was considering steps that would allow Akihito to abdicate and for Naruhito to ascend the throne on Jan 1, 2019. The government could submit a special abdication law to par- liament as early as this spring.
Naruhito told reporters he was “profoundly moved” when Akihito suggested he would like to step down.
“I accept the emperor’s thinking with sincerity and will bear it in mind all the time as I carry out my duties,” Naruhito said.
He added that he would continue in the footsteps of Akihito, who has worked hard to heal the wounds of WWII, waged in the name of his father, Emperor Hirohito.
“As a symbol of the state and the people of Japan, I will share their pain and their joys, praying for their happiness,” Naruhito said.
The prince, who married former diplomat Masako Owada, has one daughter, 15-yearold Aiko, who is not allowed to ascend the throne because female inheritance is not permitted. — Reuters