Officials in the former Imperial capitals of Kyoto and Nara are looking to invite Emperor Akihito to hold important ceremonies or stay for long periods in their prefectures after his expected abdication.
An association comprising officials from Kyoto prefectural and city governments, as well as representatives of businesses and local communities, began discussions on the feasibility of the 83-year-old Emperor visiting for an extended period or holding traditional ceremonies after the Diet enacted a law in early June to allow abdication.
According to the law, the Chrysanthemum Throne is set to be succeeded within three years by Crown Prince Naruhito, who will also take on role's constitutional duties as the symbol of the state. It will be the first abdication in two centuries.