Emperor Akihito, who for the past three decades has carved out a role as a symbol of the state, conducted his abdication ceremonies on Tuesday — nearly three years after indicating his wish to step down in a video message, broadcast in August 2016, based on the concern his age would make it difficult for him to fulfill his duties.
With constraints on his physical fitness becoming more visible over the years, the emperor's abdication, which is expected to be an exception in the passage of Imperial succession, has sparked calls for revision of the system amid concerns his successors may face similar problems during their reign in the future.
While reflecting on his past in a speech delivered to the nation during a government-organized ceremony at the National Theater on Feb. 24 to mark the 30th year of his reign, the emperor accidentally skipped parts of his remarks.