Report: Japan's Emperor may abdicate in March 2019

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Japan's Emperor Akihito is likely to abdicate at the end of March 2019 and Crown Prince Naruhito is expected to ascend the throne in April, the first abdication by a Japanese monarch in nearly two centuries, Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported on Friday.

The government is in the final stage of formalizing the schedule, said Asahi Shimbun, citing several sources.

Akihito, the Emperor of Japan. /Reuters Photo

Ahikito, 83, who has had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, said in rare public remarks last year he feared age might make it hard for him to continue to fulfill his duties.

He will be succeeded by Naruhito, 57, and a new era will start from April 1, Asahi Shimbun reported.

The expected schedule would minimize the impact on people in changing to a new imperial reign from the current Heisei era, which started in 1989 after the death of Akihito's father Hirohito, according to Asahi Shimbun.

Crown Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito wave to well-wishers celebrating the New Year at the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. /AFP Photo

Also, the Imperial Household Agency wanted the transition to take place in spring 2019 as many ritual events are scheduled for the imperial family in autumn and winter, the report said.

In written remarks on her 83rd birthday on Friday, Empress Michiko said that she thought this year her travels with Emperor Ahikito around Japan might be their last and have become deeply emotional.

AFP Photo

The Empress also said she felt "an immeasurable sense of peace" that Akihito will be able to rest and spend quiet days after years of pursuing how the Emperor should be.

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Source(s): Reuters