In an unusual comment by a Cabinet member, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada urged the Imperial Household Agency on Friday to arrange for Emperor Akihito to deliver his own words at the opening ceremonies of Diet sessions.
The Constitution says the Emperor shall, with the advice and approval of the Cabinet, perform the convocation of the Diet.
The Emperor has repeated in those ceremonies such ritual phrases as, "It is my great pleasure to gather with one and all who represent the whole nation," and, "It is my sincere hope that in dealing with domestic and international problems we face, the Diet as the highest organ of state power will fully accomplish its mission and comply with the trust of the people."
Speaking to reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Okada said he presented his proposal during an informal conversation among fellow ministers that followed the day's Cabinet meeting.
"I want it (the agency) to consider arranging things so we are given words in which the Emperor's feelings are included to some degree," Okada told reporters.