Japan Press Weekly

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2009 December 16 - 22 [POLITICS]

Government’s arrangement of imperial audience is criticized

On December 15, Emperor Akihito had an audience with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping with the arrangement of the Japanese government. Prior to their meeting, the head of the Imperial Household Agency expressed concern that it would constitute the use of the emperor for political purposes. However, ruling Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ozawa Ichiro rejected the concern, saying that the Constitution should be read more carefully.

In response to Ozawa’s remarks, JCP Shii told reporters on December 15 that Ozawa is the one who should carefully read the Constitution.

Shii pointed out that the Constitution does not include an imperial audience with foreign guests as “acts in matters of state” that the emperor shall perform with the advice and approval of the Cabinet.

Shii stressed that according to the Constitution, the emperor’s public acts other than the ones in matters of state should not have any political meaning, adding, “The government’s involvement in the imperial audience has given it a political characteristic. This violates constitutional principles.”

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On December 21, DPJ Secretary General Ozawa Ichiro stated that the emperor’s meeting with foreign guests is not an act of state affairs that requires the Cabinet’s advice and approval. He added that it is the Cabinet that bears the responsibility for the emperor’s acts.

- Akahata, December 16 & 22, 2009