Sunday, December 3, 2017

Emperor Akihito resigns in 2019

Akihito, the emperor of Japan, will resign in April 2019, according to the media reporting the decision of Imperial Household Council.

Independent: Japan's Emperor Akihito says he will abdicate on 30 April 2019

In recent years, the emperor expressed the will of abdicating the throne considering his health status. The government examined the process of abdication. However, there is no previous case, neither legislation for this issue. Therefore, a broad argument emerged between the Imperial Household Agency and Prime Minister's office.


The date of abdication seems to be determined as the last day of April in 2019. In Japan, the fiscal year begins in April. Therefore, people are busy at the last week of March. On the other hand, April 20th is the birthday of the ex-emperor Hirohito and a national holiday. The first week of May is called "golden week" because 3rd, 4th, and 5th are sequential holidays. Also, it is warm in Japan, and cherry blossoms are open in this term.

But this decision making was troubled, according to some media. There are always dispute between the government and the Prime Minister's office. Lawmakers are eager to take a leadership in such a great decision. But, the issue regarding emperor is untouchable and should not be utilized in political context, according to the Constitution. Officials were also exhausted to set the negotiation, I guess.

I am affirmative to this decision. What should be prioritized is the will of the emperor. I hope the emperor will be relaxed and enjoy the life calmly after this historic event.

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