Emperor Akihito and his abdication

[Prisma]

The replacement of the head of the Imperial Household Agency on Monday is believed to have reflected the displeasure of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over Emperor Akihito’s address last month regarding his desire to eventually abdicate, according to comments from a government source.

Noriyuki Kazaoka, 70, stepped down as head of the agency, a position called grand steward, and Shinichiro Yamamoto, 66, was promoted from vice grand steward.

As personnel changes at the agency are usually conducted in the spring, Kazaoka had been expected to remain in office until the end of March.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Kazaoka said that in arranging the Aug. 8 address by the Emperor, he had consulted with the Cabinet Secretariat on the extent to which the Emperor could express his thoughts while maintaining his constitutional position as a symbol of the nation.
[...]
The Abe administration was displeased with the Emperor’s expression of his desire to abdicate, according to the source, as the administration believes that the Emperor has no freedom to voluntarily step down under the Constitution.
[...]
The agency "should have persuaded" the Emperor to refrain from the speech, the government source said. "Someone had to take responsibility (for failing to prevent it)."

Yamamoto said Tuesday that he is determined to support the Emperor and the Empress. But he quickly added, "I will closely cooperate with the Cabinet Secretariat" on the abdication issue.

As vice grand steward, the administration named Yasuhiko Nishimura, deputy chief Cabinet secretary for crisis management.

The appointment of Nishimura was unusual, since the post of vice grand steward has in the past usually been filled by former vice ministers.

Nishimura, former superintendent general of the Metropolitan Police Department, was sent to the Imperial Household Agency by [Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary] Kazuhiro Sugita, who also has a police background, so the Abe administration can have greater influence with the agency, sources familiar with the matter said.

Nishimura will represent the agency at the secretariat for a panel of experts set to launch discussions next month on measures to reduce the Emperor’s official duties.

Imperial agency chief replaced amid row over Emperor address on abdication hopes | The Japan Times

It has become convention for Grand Stewards to retire at age 70 anyway (which Noriyuki Kazaoka reached on September 15th), see Asahi (Google translation)

The new Vice Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura is age 61.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

After being informed of the Emperor’s wish to abdicate, administration staff, including Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiro Sugita, began considering ways to reduce the Emperor’s official duties in an effort to have him give up on the idea.
The agency “should have persuaded” the Emperor to refrain from the speech, the government source said. “Someone had to take responsibility (for failing to prevent it).”

That is a very plain-spoken admission of the government's motivations for firing an IHA chief who was to retire in six months.

Mr. Kazaoka was a vocal supporter of Akihito indeed.

On the reason why the Emperor himself expressed his view rather than the Grand Steward or other officials speaking on behalf of the Emperor, Grand Steward Kazaoka explained, "Because it is only the Emperor who has been acting as the symbol of the State, it is easiest for the public to understand if he expresses his thoughts himself that he has developed through his own activities as the symbol of the State." […] He added, "I believe that the Emperor spoke out of consideration for his role under the Constitution. I think we have come to a period that will be a major milestone (in Imperial Family history)."

http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160809/p2a/00m/0na/012000c

"I felt His Majesty's serious strain when I learned that he's been worried that it could be difficult for him to fulfill his duties due to a decline in his fitness level because of his advancing age. The Imperial Household Agency hopes that His Majesty's thoughts will be understood by the people," [Kazaoka] said.

It is an unwritten rule that the Imperial Household Agency cannot speak on behalf of the Emperor. Nevertheless, Kazaoka dared to emphasize the serious strain of the Emperor.

Commenting on Kazaoka's news conference, a retired official of the agency said, "[...] It (the grand steward's news conference) was the most effective appeal to the public on a day when it was easy to draw public attention."

Emperor began to consider abdicating after blood found in stomach 8 years ago - The Mainichi

Since the emperor has no desire for a lighter workload, the agency is not considering that option, Kazaoka said.

The grand steward also discussed the public reaction to the address. "Many members of the public likely listened to His Majesty's honest feelings on his position as a symbol and the significance of his duties with great interest," he said.

No constitutional issue with Emperor's address: Imperial agency chief- Nikkei Asian Review

"I'd like the cabinet to prioritize this," Grand Steward Noriyuki Kazaoka,the head of the agency, told reporters Wednesday.

Diverse abdication panel omits Imperial experts- Nikkei Asian Review

 

[SLV]

I am very happy that the Emperor has supporters within the IHA.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

It is often thought that the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) is an enemy of the imperial family. Nothing is less true. It is in the core interest of the IHA itself that there is an imperial family indeed, that the household is running in stealth mode and that the monarchy is out of any debate. After all: without a cooperative emperor there is no IHA...

 

[Prisma]

Despite needing each other and having the same goals (i.e. - maintain the monarchy), the IHA and Imperial family do not always agree. Not complete enemy or ally.

 

[SLV]

Well, I often have the idea that the IHA has the idea that the Emperor is there for them, instead of the other way around.

 

[Muhler]

Well, I often have the idea that the IHA has the idea that the Emperor is there for them, instead of the other way around.

I think that's pretty close to the truth.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The government is set to consider introducing a one-time special law that would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate, but it would likely struggle to clear the hurdle over the legislation's compatibility with the Constitution.
That's because Article 2 of the Constitution stipulates, "The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial House Law passed by the Diet." If it is strictly interpreted, the Imperial House Act needs to be revised to allow the Emperor to abdicate. To fend off criticism that the establishment of a new provision is unconstitutional, a proposal has emerged that the special legislation be regarded as part of the Imperial House Act.
[…]
Nonetheless, constitutional scholars are split over the issue. Many conservative scholars in particular take the position that emphasis must be placed on the phrase in Article 2 of the Constitution that "the Imperial House Law is passed by the Diet" and it must be strictly interpreted.
[…]
Meanwhile, there is a group of scholars who believe that stand-alone special legislation will be enough while attaching importance to the phrase, "in accordance with the Imperial House Law passed by the Diet," in Article 2 of the Constitution. Koichi Yokota, professor emeritus at Kyushu University, said, "The intent of the current Constitution is to determine the rules related to the Imperial Family by law, unlike the Meiji Constitution under which the (then) Emperor decided these rules."

Gov't faces struggle to clear constitutional hurdle over law on Emperor's abdication - The Mainichi
The Imperial House Law - The Imperial Household Agency

Well, I often have the idea that the IHA has the idea that the Emperor is there for them, [...]

I have thought the same of the ultranationalist monarchists.

 

[Muhler]

Good grief! Why make something less complicated, when you can completely go off the scale!

And I agree. To the ultra-nationalists, the Emperor should preferably be locked up in a palace in Kyoto and otherwise keep his mouth shut. Just like in the good old days...

 

[Prisma]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration may seek legislation by submission of bipartisan bills to enable 82-year-old Emperor Akihito to retire, rather than bills sponsored by the government, lawmakers in the administration said Thursday.

The idea is being floated among members of the administration because unanimous or close to unanimous passing of such bills based on a broad agreement by the ruling and opposition parties would be more consistent with the Constitution compared with the government-sponsored bills, the lawmakers said.

The Constitution stipulates that the emperor’s position derives from "the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power."

[...]

The administration is considering special legislation effective only for the current emperor.

But, as the main opposition force, the Democratic Party, and the Japanese Communist Party insist that amendments of the Imperial House Law should be made, coordination among both the ruling and opposition camps is expected to be a major challenge to realize the legislation. The opposition parties say the amendments should be considered to make abdication a permanent system.

[...]

Before beginning legal procedures, the government has set up an advisory panel to discuss the potential abdication. The discussion is expected to begin as early as mid-October.

After receiving proposals from the panel, speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses are expected to ask for opinions from representatives of the ruling and opposition parties.

The lawmakers said they intend to form the bills as the administration and the parliamentary officials coordinate over them.

While some members of the administration said the government should submit the bill, a senior member of the Abe administration said, "It’s desirable to clearly show the will of the Diet, which represents the Japanese people, through legislation initiated by lawmakers."

Abe camp to seek lawmaker-initiated legislation to pave way for Emperor's abdication | The Japan Times

Hmm, not sure what to make of this. I can understand that getting a bill via the Diet represents the people but it also seems like stalling. Interesting that the opposition want a permanent abdication provision.

 

[Muhler]

Abe camp to seek lawmaker-initiated legislation to pave way for Emperor's abdication | The Japan Times

Hmm, not sure what to make of this. I can understand that getting a bill via the Diet represents the people but it also seems like stalling. Interesting that the opposition want a permanent abdication provision.

Because it will:

A) Make it easier to "persuade" future emperors to abdicate.
B) By making the emperors "interchangeable" it may be easier to pave the way for an abolishment of the monarchy and eventually turn Japan into a soviet.
C) To annoy the nationalists.
- The Communists in particular and the opposition in general, don't do this just because of the Emperors pretty eyes.

 

[Jacknch]

From The Japan Times:

A special law the government is working on may specify the year Emperor Akihito is to step down, it has been learned.

The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thinks that specifying the timing of the abdication will ensure the law can only apply to the current emperor, sources said Friday.

Specific year mulled for emperor's abdication to ensure one-time use of law | The Japan Times

 

[Prisma]

A panel set up by the government to discuss the potential abdication of Emperor Akihito is likely to hold its first session on Oct. 17, government sources said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will join the first meeting of the six experts, the sources said Saturday. That session is likely to focus on how to proceed, with the second and later sessions likely to bring in people who are experts on historical aspects considered relevant to the issue, such the Constitution and the Imperial system, they said.

In an unusual move, the panel does not include specialists on the history of the Imperial family or matters related to the Imperial House Law.

[...]

A report on how to reduce the public duties of the Emperor is being drafted, but the panel is also expected to focus on talks about amending the law or creating a special abdication law that would only apply to Emperor Akihito.

[...]

After the panel finalizes the report, the leaders of both houses of the Diet will hear opinions from representatives of the ruling and opposition parties before beginning legal procedures.

Abdication panel plans first session on Oct. 17 | The Japan Times

 

[Prisma]

The opposition Democratic Party will propose revising the Imperial House Law to let emperors abdicate the throne, a different path from the Abe administration’s planned measure that would be limited to Emperor Akihito.

In an interview with The Asahi Shimbun on Oct. 4, Democratic Party Secretary-General Yoshihiko Noda said a party committee would be set up to compile a proposal to revise the law.

[...]

Noda said that any discussions about abdication should include talks about revising the Imperial House Law.

[...]

Government sources have indicated that abdication would be possible only through a special measures law limited to Akihito.

Referring to the government plan, Noda said in the interview: “While I can understand that from the standpoint of expediency, various issues will be involved in a complicated manner when it comes to abdication. I believe one reason for the concerns and worries felt (by the emperor) is due to the decrease in the number of imperial household members.”

Noda’s focus on revising the law rather than creating a limited special measures law may derive from his experience as prime minister between 2011 and 2012.

His administration considered various proposals on dealing with the declining number of imperial household members, including one that would allow female members of the imperial household to maintain their status even if they married a commoner.

However, nothing came of those discussions after the Noda administration was voted out of office in the December 2012 Lower House election.

“We will compile the thinking of the party through discussions by a small group of people while also taking into consideration what the government is doing,” Noda said, referring to the Democratic Party committee.

The committee will answer directly to Noda and will be chaired by Hiroyuki Nagahama, who served as deputy chief Cabinet secretary in the Noda Cabinet.

In that role, Nagahama was involved in organizing discussion points regarding the burden on the emperor from his official duties as well as the decrease in the number of imperial household members.

Noda: Revise Imperial House Law to resolve abdication issue : The Asahi Shimbun

 

[Muhler]

This is most interesting and about time as well!

The Imperial Family is running out of spares.

 

[Prisma]

The ruling bloc and opposition parties may yet come to a compromise over whether legislation to enable Emperor Akihito to abdicate should be a one-off or part of a wider revision to the Imperial House Law.

On Thursday Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hinted at his readiness to seek a consensus, telling a Diet meeting that an expert panel would first discuss the issue, with opposition parties to be involved “after a certain stage.”

The expert panel, slated to hold its first meeting on Oct. 17, is expected to focus on ways to allow the Emperor to abdicate.

Abe and other government officials have been lukewarm on changing the Imperial House Law amid concerns that discussions will be protracted and touch on other controversial issues, including whether to allow empresses to reign.

In light of the Emperor’s advanced age of 82, the legislation that allows him to abdicate should be drafted as soon as possible, a senior government official said.

“A final decision is the responsibility of the prime minister,” LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai said.

Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi said: “We’ll see the outcome of the experts’ discussions and consider a response following the government’s final decision.”

At a news conference on Thursday, Democratic Party leader Renho asked the government to consider a possible revision to the Imperial House Law. But discussions should not have a pre-defined outcome, she said.

[...]

The government plans to submit a relevant bill to the ordinary session of the Diet next year, and aims to have it enacted by a unanimous vote, given that the Constitution stipulates the Emperor’s position derives from the will of the people.

Ruling bloc, opposition may yet reach consensus on Emperor abdication bill | The Japan Times

Given that the current Imperial House Law does not provide for such an event as an abdication, the government is considering stipulating a new title and position for Emperor Akihito in a bill to be drawn up to allow the 82-year-old monarch to abdicate, a government source said Sunday.

How the current Emperor will be addressed and what his status will be after he relinquishes the throne will be worked out in detail after discussions by a panel set up by the government to tackle issues regarding his potential abdication, the source said. The panel will hold its first session on Oct. 17.

[...]

Historically, retired emperors took such titles as daijo tenno (retired sovereign), abbreviated as joko. Those who became Buddhist priests after their retirement assumed the title of daijo hoo (priestly retired sovereign), abbreviated to hoo.

Other legal issues that must be addressed include the residence for a retired emperor and staff arrangements.

Enacting a special law to enable an emperor to abdicate is viewed as unconstitutional by some legal experts, as Article 2 of the Constitution stipulates that the Imperial throne shall be “succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial House Law.”

The government panel will meet several times a month and listen to experts on the Imperial household system and constitutional scholars.

Their discussions may continue into next year.

Government considers stipulating Emperor's post-abdication title, status in bill | The Japan Times

 

[Prisma]

TOKYO -- A panel of government-appointed experts on Monday will hold its first meeting to discuss the potential abdication of Japan's Emperor Akihito. Along with practical considerations, such as whether and how to fulfill the emperor's wish to vacate the throne, the discussion will inevitably touch on intangibles.

What, for example, does it mean to be a "symbol of the state," as the emperor is defined in the constitution.

[...]

Akihito, who signaled his readiness to step down in a rare televised address in August, first confided in Imperial Household Agency officials and Empress Michiko on the night of July 22, 2010. The emperor said he hoped to make way for his successor before it became difficult for him to fulfill his duties. He expressed a desire to step down around the age of 80; he is now 82.

One participant in that night's discussion suggested setting up a regency, which would act on the emperor's behalf. This was done during the Taisho era, from 1912 to 1926. But Akihito was reluctant to go this route; he said the Taisho emperor, Yoshihito, was opposed to the establishment of a regency.

The meeting went on for hours. Everyone except the emperor and empress was opposed to the idea of abdication. In the end, no decision was reached, but the emperor's feelings were clear.

[...]

In parliament, Imperial Household Agency representatives had always denied that abdication was an option, saying it would undermine the stability of the emperor's status. Nevertheless, the agency quietly began studying the possibility.

Going public

The first step was to have Akihito express his wishes to the public. Since the constitution prohibits the emperor from taking political action, the agency sought advice from experts on how best to go about it.

There was talk of using the press conference for the emperor's 82nd birthday last December. As it turned out, his message was beamed to television audiences on Aug. 8 of this year.

Paying heed to the constitution, the emperor began by stressing that he wanted to share "what I, as an individual, have been thinking about."

"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 said, echoing his remarks at the meeting six years earlier. He again implied that a regency would not be the answer.

[...]

Should the Imperial Household Law be amended to allow the current and any future emperor to give up his throne? Or should parliament pass special legislation for a one-time-only abdication? Once a new emperor is in place, what role should his predecessor play?

The constitution states that the emperor derives "his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power." In the past, the government studied the possibility of allowing female and matrilineal succession to the throne, only to shelve the discussions.

Now, an unprecedented national debate -- one effectively triggered by the emperor himself -- is about to begin.

Weighty questions await panel on Japanese emperor's abdication- Nikkei Asian Review

 

[TLLK]

This is most interesting and about time as well!

The Imperial Family is running out of spares.

I agree Muhler. Yes I hope that the emperor is permitted to abdicate and that the option would be open to his successor should he feel the need to do so as well. Also I agree that the female members of the family should be able to maintain their status once they marry. If that doesn't change his sisters and cousin will be required to leave the family and little Prince Hishato would be one of the few members of the Imperial Family once his parents, uncle/aunt and grandparents have passed on.

 

[Biri]

I agree Muhler. Yes I hope that the emperor is permitted to abdicate and that the option would be open to his successor should he feel the need to do so as well. Also I agree that the female members of the family should be able to maintain their status once they marry. If that doesn't change his sisters and cousin will be required to leave the family and little Prince Hishato would be one of the few members of the Imperial Family once his parents, uncle/aunt and grandparents have passed on.

And if his medical examinations would have showed that he is (God forbid) infertile - what then?

 

[Al_bina]

If the situation is dire, the government will re-install the collateral branches.

 

[Prisma]

The government is mulling legal preparations to pave the way for Emperor Akihito’s potential abdication in 2018, a government source said Tuesday.

[...]

The Emperor indicated in a video message that was broadcast nationwide Aug. 8 that he wishes to step down, saying it has been more than 70 years since World War II and in two years he will have been reigning for 30 years.

His remarks were taken by members of the government to suggest he intends to step away in 2018.

[...] Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he hopes the panel will “quietly proceed with discussions without putting schedules first” as the matter pertains to the foundation of the state.

The panel is hoping to hear experts’ views on key issues, including whether abdication is possible and whether legislation should also cover future emperors.

Government preparing for Emperor's abdication in 2018: source | The Japan Times

ETA: another article...

The government is solidifying its blueprint on allowing Emperor Akihito to step down in 2018, a year mentioned by the monarch when he indicated his desire to abdicate the throne.

Given the time needed to prepare for such an event, the government needs to pass a special measures law in the regular Diet session next year, which will likely start in January, on the emperor’s abdication.

[...]

A senior official with the Abe administration said Akihito’s reference to a specific year carries “heavy meaning.”

[...]

During the inaugural meeting, Takashi Imai, honorary chairman of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), was selected chair of the council, while Takashi Mikuriya, professor emeritus of the history of politics at the University of Tokyo, was named deputy.

The council is expected to hold closed-door meetings with more than 10 specialists on the imperial household system and Japanese history. The hearings will be held on three occasions in November, and the minutes will be released about a week after each session.

The council will meet on Oct. 27 to decide who should be summoned to the hearings.

A summary of points of the council’s discussions is expected early next year.

Japan eyes 2018 as year to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate: The Asahi Shimbun

 

[Prisma]

NHK received an award from the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association for getting the scoop on Emperor Akihito's abdication intention.

Source: Nikkei

 

[Prisma]

Empress Michiko said Thursday that she was shocked and felt “pain” upon seeing the word “abdication” in news headlines of Emperor Akihito’s video message, televised on Aug. 8, in which he indicated his wish to abdicate in the near future due to his advanced age.

The Empress made the remark in a written statement released Thursday to mark her 82nd birthday, which is Oct. 20. Media outlets had jointly asked her to look back on events in the past year, including the Emperor’s rare video message.

“It was with awe and respect that I heard the thoughts revealed by His Majesty, which he made after thoroughly discussing the matter with the Crown Prince and Prince Akishino,” the Empress said in the message, which was released both in English and Japanese.

“It came as a shock to me, however, to see the words seizen taii (abdicate while living) printed in such big letters on the front pages of the papers. It could have been because until then I had never come across this expression even in history books that, along with surprise, I briefly experienced pain upon seeing those words,” the statement said.

The Empress added: “Perhaps I might have been a bit too sensitive.”

[...]

In Thursday’s statement, the Empress said she has “always felt” that if any important decision is made on the Imperial Household, it is a matter first related to “those in the line of Imperial succession,” not their spouses or relatives.
[...]

In written statement to mark 82nd birthday, Empress Michiko reveals 'pain' of seeing abdication headlines | The Japan Times

I wonder what word the Imperial couple / IHA used for "abdication" instead of seizen taii...

 

[Muhler]

Interesting.

It seems like the Imperial Couple is turning up the pressure for the government to get a move on, by invoking public sympathy - and just as importantly, by keeping this topic alive and personal...

 

[SLV]

Interesting.

It seems like the Imperial Couple is turning up the pressure for the government to get a move on, by invoking public sympathy - and just as importantly, by keeping this topic alive and personal...

And wisely so. Abdication in 2018....... I fear that they are really hoping to avoid the thing actually happening.

 

[Muhler]

Indeed.

It's like hoping he will die before it passes the Parliament.

 

[Mermaid1962]

Would abdication be a matter of deep shame in Japan? I know that "saving face" is very important there. How does one "save face" in abdication? Things must be very uncomfortable for the emperor if he's considering this step.

 

[carlota]

2018?! the emperor will be 85 years old then already... surely something could be arranged a bit sooner?

 

[TheBaron]

2018?! the emperor will be 85 years old then already... surely something could be arranged a bit sooner?

I suppose the Japanese Government is just really hesitant to let him go; he is just such a lovable character!

 

[Jacknch]

Would abdication be a matter of deep shame in Japan? I know that "saving face" is very important there. How does one "save face" in abdication? Things must be very uncomfortable for the emperor if he's considering this step.

No, I don't think this will be the case at all. It's an understandable situation in the case of, say, the head of a large corporation leaving his job on account of some scandal or problem with the product, with public apologies etc, but that situation is very different I think.