Japan’s 83-year-old emperor ‘will abdicate in 18 months’

Japan’s Emperor Akihito is expected to abdicate by March 2019, allowing his son Crown Prince Naruhito to become the new Emperor by April.

The 83-year-old, who has ruled over Japan for more than two decades, is expected to become the first monarch to step down in the country for nearly 200 years. 

The government is now in the final stages of formalising an 18-month plan for when he finally leaves his post, local media claim.

In June, Japan’s parliament passed a law which would allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate after he has undergone heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer.

Emperor Kokaku was the last Japanese monarch to step down in 1817 – and the move to allow Emperor Akihito the chance to step aside has been met with resistance. 

Japan’s leading government spokesman denied that an 18-month timetable had been drawn up.

Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said: ‘We are not aware of the report and there is not such fact.

‘We will continue to discuss appropriately and will do our best to carry out the emperor’s abdication smoothly.’

The Imperial Household agency are thought to be keen on a spring 2019 deadline as many ritual events are scheduled during the autumn and winter months.

The emperor himself last year admitted that he feared his age might make it hard for him to keep up his duties.

Empress Michiko said in an address on her 83rd birthday that this year’s travels around Japan with Emperor Ahikito might be their last.

She said that she felt an ‘immeasurable sense of peace’ that her husband would be allowed to spend quiet days at home once he abdicates. 

Crown Prince Naruhito (far right) is expected to take over from his father and become Emperor within 18 months