Japan cabinet approves the preset abdication date

NewsBharati    08-Dec-2017
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Tokyo, December 8: Finally, the date of abdication of Japan Emperor Akihito has been officially approved by Japan cabinet. The Japanese cabinet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved that April 30, 2019, will be the day when Emperor Akihito abdicates the Chrysanthemum Throne. In the history of Japan, this will be the first abdication in 200 years.

One week ago, the date was decided by a meeting of the Imperial House Council chaired by Shinzo Abe and included parliamentary leaders, Supreme Court judges, and imperial family members. In deference to the wish of Emperor Akihito to give up the responsibility in view of his age and falling health, the Japanese parliament ‘diet’ approved his ‘abdication’ in June with a three-year deadline.

“While people are celebrating the occasion, we would like to take all possible measures to ensure that Akihito will abdicate the throne and Naruhito will succeed the position without any problem,” Japan PM Abe said at the meeting. A council will be set up in early 2018 to discuss ceremonial issues. 

 The abdication created controversy across the country. As per the 1947 Imperial House Law, an old rule, abdication was not allowed. The last abdication was back in 1817. Emperor Akihito in a video message in last year expressed his concern over his declining fitness and continuation of duty. After the video went viral, it was interpreted as his wish to step down but then abdication was not allowed.

The country will welcome Prince Naruhito's succession to the throne on May 1, 2019. To celebrate the crowning of the Prince smoothly, Japan govt is planning for a consecutive 10 days off. 10 consecutive days off is being planned from April 27 to May 6 in 2019.