Japan approves bill on emperor’s abdication

TOKYO: The Japanese government on Friday approved a one-off bill allowing ageing Emperor Akihito to step down from the Chrysan

The bil l will now be sent to par

within three years of the bill

Earlier this year reports suggested that 83-year-old Akihito

Reports of his desire to retire surprised Japan when they

interpreted as his wish to hand the

-

The status of the emperor is highly sensitive in Japan given its in the name of Akihito’s father

Revered as a demigod before

Akihito has won plaudits for and there is wide sympathy for his

While a majority of the Japanese sake of realizing Akihito’s smooth

‘Real danger’

unknown in Japanese history, the

The leading opposition Demo but is reportedly on side with the

The issue has also highlighted -

A government panel in April issued a warning over the dwindling

Only men are allowed to be though Japan has had empresses

Female members of the imperial family must give up their royal status - of Akihito’s granddaughters plans to

- his younger brother Akishino will be

But after that there are no more - broken if Hisahito fails to have a

Many Japanese believe the sus solved by allowing for female -

the situation, a government panel -

“The sustainability of the imperial system is in real danger,” Takashi Mikuriya, head of the panel,