Tag: Japan’s Emperor Akihito

Japan emperor to address nation after abdication reports

by Kelly OLSEN TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan’s Emperor Akihito is set to make a rare address to the nation on Monday in remarks widely expected to signal that the 82-year old monarch wishes to abdicate — something that hasn’t happened in two centuries. Speculation about the emperor’s future emerged last month with reports he had told confidantes that advancing age was making it harder to perform his ceremonial duties and that he would like […]