Japan Approves Abdication Bill for Emperor
He will be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito
Emperor Akihito
The Japanese government has approved a one time bill that would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate from the throne reports BBC.
The 83 year old Emperor had made it known last year that he wished to step down as Japan’s nominal ruler saying his age was making it difficult for him to fulfill his official duties.
Japan has no provision under the current law for him to abdicate and a new bill was drafted to comply with Emperor Akihito’s request.
The bill has only to be passed by the parliament to become law. Emperor Akihito will be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Friday that the government “hopes for the smooth passage of the legislation”.
According to BBC, the date for the abdication will be set by the government and is expected to be in December 2018 and no future successors will be able to abdicate under the law.
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