Emperor likely to issue video message Monday after abdication reports

Emperor Akihito is likely to express his thoughts on his role in a video message Monday amid growing speculation that he is considering abdicating, sources said Thursday. The Imperial Household Agency is arranging for the 82-year-old emperor’s message to be made public Monday afternoon, the agency sources said, adding he is expected to read out a statement prepared in consultation with senior agency officials. In a recent Kyodo News survey, 85.7% of respondents said they would accept the emperor’s abdication. In addition to media broadcasting, the video will be made available on the agency’s website together with the full Japanese text and an English translation, as the emperor has been keen to deliver messages to people overseas as well, they said.   The last emperor to abdicate was Emperor Kokaku in 1817. Source: Japan Today Image: ANN   Share this:TweetEmail