The Emperor of Japan hinted at his imminent departure from the throne due to health problems

Emperor Akihito of Japan addressed his subjects with a speech in which he stated that it had become difficult for him to cope with his responsibilities due to his advanced age and health problems. reports this Bloomberg .

The 82-year-old Emperor of Japan has heart problems. In 2012, he underwent surgery and was also hospitalized with pneumonia.

Due to health problems, Akihito addressed the people with a speech in which he said that it was difficult for him to fulfill the duties of a monarch and hinted at a possible abdication of the throne, although he did not directly state this.

At the same time, as the publication reports, Japan does not provide for a procedure for the abdication of a monarch. Therefore, if Akihito’s health deteriorates, he will have to appoint an official representative in his place, while officially remaining on the throne himself, or the country’s legislation will have to be changed.

Emperor Akihito has ruled Japan since 1989. During his reign, he became known for his desire to improve relations with countries with which Japan had ever had military confrontation. In 1990, he apologized to the people of Korea for the colonization of 1910-1945, and also acknowledged that Japan had brought a lot of suffering to the people of China.

Akihito was the first from the royal family to marry a girl of non-aristocratic origin. Today he is the only reigning emperor in the world.

On July 13, 2016, Akihito already announced that he was ready to abdicate the throne in favor of his son, Prince Naruhito.