TOKYO—Japan’s Emperor Akihito has expressed his intention to retire and relinquish his title in the next few years, rather than reduce his duties as he ages, the country’s public television reported Wednesday.
The 82-year-old Akihito in recent years has referred to his old age and admitted to making small mistakes at ceremonies, and the Imperial Household Agency has suggested reducing his duties, while giving more responsibility to Crown Prince Naruhito.
The NHK report, citing unidentified agency sources, said Akihito has told palace officials that he doesn’t wish to cling to his title with drastically reduced responsibility or by arranging a substitute. Kyodo News agency carried a similar report quoting government officials.
Later Wednesday night, Kyodo said Imperial Household Agency official Shinichiro Yamamoto denied the report, adding that the emperor has avoided commenting because the postwar constitution bans imperial involvement in politics.
