The government has begun preparations to revise the law governing the Imperial family system as early as during next year's regular Diet session, in response to Emperor Akihito's reported desire to abdicate, government sources have said.
The Imperial Household Agency is also considering organizing an occasion for Emperor Akihito to publicly express his own thoughts soon about a possible abdication, agency sources said Friday.
The 82-year-old Emperor would be expected to express his thoughts on his role as the symbol of the state following reports that he wishes to hand over the throne to his 56-year-old son, Crown Prince Naruhito.