The oldest Royal family in the world (11) 2016/08/13
Whether the current Emperor Akihito will abdicate in several years ?
Emperor Akihito hinted his intention to abdicate in several years and make the way for his son Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the crown through a prepared video tape message on August 8th.
Emperor Akihito is 82 years old and it is presumed he worries until when he can meet huge obligations of Emperor. The current Imperial House law does not allow Emperor to abdicate before his death, therefore people presume Emperor wishes Japanese government to revise the law so that Emperor is able to step down in life.
According to Imperial era, it is 2676 years from the foundation year of Japan and Emperor Akihito is 125th Emperor. We did not have letters and written records until 5th or 6th century, therefore it is extremely difficult to know exactly about the foundation and ancient history. However it is clear that the pedigree of Royal family has been continuously taken over from 26th Emperor Keitai who died in 531.
Japanese Royal family is by far the longest family in the world and there were so many stories and battles on Imperial succession.
For example, in Heian era, which last for 400 years, there were 33 Emperors and among 33 Emperors, to our surprise, as many as 19 Emperors took the position when they were under 20 years old. Moreover among those 19 Emperors, 12 Emperors took the position under 9 years old. It was common for young Emperors to abdicate the crown to their premature children.
Child Emperors who naturally needed supports from experienced adults and there was system of Regents who were supposed to assist Emperors. It became a custom for maternal family, such as Fujiwara family, to take the position of Regents in Heian era.
Later it became popular for retired Emperors to seize the power instead of Regents. Retired Emperors were free from official engagements and various restrictions which bound free activity of Emperors. They preferred to step down in young and took advantages of such free position.
Most Japanese understand Emperors’ heavy burden for his old age and agree to revise the law, however long history tells difficulties of the abdication which may cause infighting of Royal family, especially surrounding supporters, and social confusion.
Emperor is the symbol of Japanese long history and precious culture. Moreover, Emperor is a spiritual pillar for many Japanese.
We need to take time and think deeply about an abdication together with a long history of Royal family.
Emperor visiting a disaster area of Earthquake
