Japan's Emperor Akihito eyeing abdication: government source

Japan's 82-year-old Emperor Akihito, who has reigned since 1989 and worked tirelessly to encourage the nation through multiple disasters, has expressed his intention to abdicate, a government source said Wednesday.

The next in line to the Chrysanthemum throne is the emperor's 56-year-old son, Crown Prince Naruhito. But the succession would need a revision to the Imperial House Law as it does not envisage abdication, another government source said.

The process of revising the law, involving deliberations by an expert panel to the government, is expected to require a few years.
 ==Kyodo
13/7/16
--
-
Related:

• Japanese emperor, empress in Philippines for state visit 

• Japan's Emperor Akihito expresses "deep remorse" for war 

--

• Japan enacts laws allowing combat missions abroad