The Emperor's video message made me astonished, then made me sad ("Emperor hints at desire to abdicate," Aug. 9). He is 82 years old and still responsible for public duties and rituals.
As he is not allowed to make any political remarks, he deliberately avoids saying anything definite, yet it is obvious that he wishes to abdicate. He even worries about the aftermath of his own death.
Why hasn't the government made a policy in advance? Since our country is facing a rapidly aging society, one-time special law would not be appropriate. Similar situations can be expected in the future.
In addition, it is crucial for the stability of the royal line without a system of concubinage to allow females to ascend the throne and to create female family branches. There are precedents of female emperors.
It is an urgent matter to give female succession a go so long as we hope for the sustainability of the Imperial family. It is not a good option to listen to the noisy minority who insist on male-only succession. They are rebels trying to exterminate the royal family. The Emperor has been supporting our people greatly. It is our turn to support the Emperor.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.