International royalsJapan

Debate over Japanese Emperor’s abdication turns to details about title and role

Japan is now poised to create a one-time law to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate the throne in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, and so the official debate is turning to the finer details. In particular need of clarity is the appropriate title for a former Emperor and whether women should remain part of the Imperial family after marriage to allow for the continuation of the…
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International royalsJapan

Emperor Akihito opens Japanese National Diet

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan, opened the Japanese National Diet this Friday. Reading a prepared speech within the upper assembly, it marks Japan’s 189th Ordinary Session since the first Imperial Diet was opened by Emperor Meiji on 29 November 1890. In accordance with the Japanese Constitution, it is one of the Emperor’s numerous duties to formally open the Japanese…
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International royalsJapan

Video of Japanese Imperial Family released for New Year's Day

The Imperial Household Agency released a video for New Year’s Day showing members of the Imperial Family together. The video does not have any sound but it shows Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, their two sons, Crown Prince Naruhito and Fumihito, Prince Akishino and their families.  In the video. they are examining candy bowls created to commemorate the Emperor’s marriage and…
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International royals

Concerns Raised Over Japanese Emperor's Abdication

At the ripe old age of 82, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan has long since passed the age that many other Japanese would usually enter retirement by at least a couple of decades. After succeeding his father, Emperor Showa, upon the latter’s death on 7 January 1989, Emperor Akihito’s reign has largely been marked by Japan’s continued economic boom, subsequent bust…
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