December 2, 2017
The Imperial Household Council chaired by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on December 1 held a meeting and decided on the date for the Emperor’s abdication. The Abe Cabinet will approve the date in a week.
Later on the same day, asked by the press about the council’s decision, Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Kasai Akira said, “What is important is that the abdication procedure should be kept in line with the principle of the Constitution of Japan.”
According to the council, Emperor Akihito will officially retire on April 30, 2019 and the Crown Prince will succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne on the following day, May 1.
Past related articles:
> JCP endorses bill to enable aging Emperor to step down [June 2, 2017]
> Hibakusha celebrate ICAN winning Nobel Peace Prize [October 7&8, 2017]
Later on the same day, asked by the press about the council’s decision, Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Kasai Akira said, “What is important is that the abdication procedure should be kept in line with the principle of the Constitution of Japan.”
According to the council, Emperor Akihito will officially retire on April 30, 2019 and the Crown Prince will succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne on the following day, May 1.
Past related articles:
> JCP endorses bill to enable aging Emperor to step down [June 2, 2017]
> Hibakusha celebrate ICAN winning Nobel Peace Prize [October 7&8, 2017]
