05:11 30 November 2016
Prince Akishino turns 51, finds emperor's abdication message "good"
TOKYO, Nov. 30, Kyodo
Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, said on the occasion of his 51st birthday on Wednesday it was "good" that his father had expressed his desire in August to abdicate out of concern about his age.
"It was good that (the emperor) was able to express in an appropriate manner what he had been thinking for a long time," the prince told a press conference held on Nov. 22 ahead of his birthday.
This is the first time an imperial family member who can ascend the Chrysanthemum throne has officially expressed their impressions over the issue following the 82-year-old emperor's rare video message broadcast to the nation on Aug. 8.
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Prince Akishino turns 51, finds emperor's abdication message "good"
TOKYO, Nov. 30, Kyodo
Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, said on the occasion of his 51st birthday on Wednesday it was "good" that his father had expressed his desire in August to abdicate out of concern about his age.
"It was good that (the emperor) was able to express in an appropriate manner what he had been thinking for a long time," the prince told a press conference held on Nov. 22 ahead of his birthday.
This is the first time an imperial family member who can ascend the Chrysanthemum throne has officially expressed their impressions over the issue following the 82-year-old emperor's rare video message broadcast to the nation on Aug. 8.
To have fuller access to the Kyodo News website, it is necessary to subscribe. We offer a broad range of subscription options depending on your needs. Learn more.
