Japan‘s Emperor has given a rare video address indicating that he might well be ready to abdicate, given his age and ailing health in recent years.
Emperor Akihito, who is 82 years old, has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer, and believes he might be getting too far along to carry out the full duties required of him:
“When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being, as I have done until now.”
Akihito hasn’t come out and said that he intends to abdicate, which is unprecedented in modern Japan, but Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported last month that he wants to call it quits in a few years.
It is only the second time ever that he’s ever addressed the nation, the first being after the Fukushima meltdown in 2011.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Akihito’s comments will be taken seriously:
“I will seriously consider the remarks of the emperor to the people. Considering the emperor’s duties, as well as his age and the burden (of the job), we have to firmly look at what we can do.”
Have a cheeky watch for yourself:
Source: ABC.
Photo: Getty Images / Jun Sato.
