Japan's Lower Parliament Passes Law Allowing Its Emperor to Abdicate
While attempting to relieve an ailing emperor of his duties, new legislation raises questions about the future of Japan’s monarchy.
When Japanese Emperor Akihito announced his plans to retire last summer following a bout of ill health, he faced a major logistical barrier: The Imperial Household Law, which governs Japan’s royal line of succession, did not allow for his abdication. Before Akihito’s reign, the last abdication in Japan occurred in 1817. On Friday, Japan’s lower parliament agreed on a solution to its
