In rare address, Japan’s emperor suggests he would like to abdicate

TOKYO—Japan’s emperor expressed concern Monday about fulfilling his duties as he ages, in a public address that was remarkable for its rarity and its suggestion that he would like to abdicate.

“Fortunately I am now in good health. However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become more difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state,” Akihito, 82, said in the 10-minute recorded speech broadcast on national television.

Japan’s post-World War II constitution restricts what the emperor can say as a symbolic monarch with no political power. Akihito repeatedly said he is aware of the constraints, and as expected, avoided explicit mention of abdication, which could have violated those restrictions.

The speech was seen in part as an attempt to explain to the public why he might want to abdicate, and presumably win public understanding when the time comes. Sources leaked the possibility to Japanese media almost four weeks ago, which set the stage for Monday’s address.

Abdication isn’t expected to happen soon, and would require parliament to approve a change in the law.

It was only the second time that Akihito has spoken directly to the Japanese people over television. In March 2011 he urged people to work hand-in-hand to help the victims of a massive earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he took Akihito’s comments Monday seriously.

“I think we have to thoroughly think what we can do to accommodate his concerns, taking into consideration the emperor’s age and the current burden of official duties,” Abe said.

Japanese media reports said the government may consider enacting a special law allowing Akihito’s abdication that would not be applicable to his successors, because debate over a revision of the Imperial House Law could take too much time since it is likely to reignite debate over whether to allow female emperors and other divisive issues.

Current law, set in 1947, is largely inherited from a 19th-century constitution that banned abdication as a potential risk to political stability.

While much of the discussion has centered on Akihito’s age and health, he obliquely introduced at the end of his address another possible argument for abdication: a smoother succession process.

Akihito raised concern about the impact on society when an emperor falls sick but remains in power, which experts said was an apparent reference to his father, Hirohito.