Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, in 2016 proposed cutting the cost of a key Shinto-linked Imperial succession ritual by using an existing hall rather than constructing a new one, Imperial Household Agency sources said Tuesday.

The prince shared the idea with then Imperial Household Agency Grand Steward Noriyuki Kazaoka, expressing his opposition to the use of state funds for the Daijosai grand thanksgiving rite that is now set to be held in November next year to mark the enthronement of his brother Crown Prince Naruhito.

After the 85-year-old Emperor indicated his desire to step down in a rare video message in August 2016, Prince Akishino told Kazaoka the expenses for the rite should be covered by inner court budgets — personal expenses dedicated to the families of the Emperor and Crown Prince, the sources said.