Japanese Emperor Akihito's address in full ((excerpts))

[nitpicker]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37008210

Japanese Emperor Akihito's address in full


40 minutes ago

Japan's Emperor Akihito has made a televised address to the nation, to say his declining health means it is difficult to continue in his role. While he stopped short of saying he wanted to abdicate, he suggested it might be wise to hand over his responsibilities at some point. Under current laws there is no provision for him to abdicate, but PM Shinzo Abe has said the government will "seriously" look into that.

Emperor Akihito's speech
(snip)

It was some years ago, after my two surgeries that I began to feel a decline in my fitness level because of my advancing age, and I started to think about the pending future, how I should conduct myself should it become difficult for me to carry out my heavy duties in the way I have been doing, and what would be best for the country, for the people, and also for the Imperial Family members who will follow after me. I am already 80 years old, and 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 difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now.
(snip)

In coping with the aging of the Emperor, I think it is not possible to continue reducing perpetually the Emperor's acts in matters of state and his duties as the symbol of the State. A Regency may be established to act in the place of the Emperor when the Emperor cannot fulfil his duties for reasons such as he is not yet of age or he is seriously ill. Even in such cases, however, it does not change the fact that the Emperor continues to be the Emperor till the end of his life, even though he is unable to fully carry out his duties as the Emperor.

When the Emperor has ill health and his condition becomes serious, I am concerned that, as we have seen in the past, society comes to a standstill and people's lives are impacted in various ways. The practice in the Imperial Family has been that the death of the Emperor called for events of heavy mourning, continuing every day for two months, followed by funeral events which continue for one year. These various events occur simultaneously with events related to the new era, placing a very heavy strain on those involved in the events, in particular, the family left behind. It occurs to me from time to time to wonder whether it is possible to prevent such a situation.
(snip)

[Cooley Hurd]

1. He's begging to step down and let Crown Prince Naruhito take over

...will the Diet acquiesce and allow it?