Dec 02, 2017 (Japan Today) - With Emperor Akihito set to abdicate on April 30, 2019, the focus will likely shift to Crown Prince Naruhito, who will ascend the throne, and Crown Princess Masako, who has long been in a battle with depression.
While the elder son of the 83-year-old emperor looks certain to breathe fresh air into the world's oldest hereditary monarchy, scholars and royal watchers expressed caution over the increased burden and added public attention on the crown princess, who is still recuperating from stress-induced illness.
At a press conference on his birthday in February, the 57-year-old crown prince said, "I want to pursue the desirable shape of the imperial household sought in accordance with (changes in) each generation."
His message suggested that he stands ready to take the Chrysanthemum throne and add his own colors to the imperial household, scholars said, adding that they expect him to play a greater role in addressing international issues.
As a former career-track diplomat, the Harvard-educated crown princess is seen as the best supporter for the crown prince assuming such a role, they said.
"Emperor Akihito has worked hard to heal the scars of World War II and support vulnerable people. The crown prince is likely to continue some of those tasks," said Hidekazu Kanda, a journalist covering the imperial household.
But the new emperor's activities "will likely encompass more of an international agenda as he has shown keen interest in such issues as conservation of water, environment and animals," said Kanda, also a part-time lecturer at J.F. Oberlin University.
Just as the current emperor and Empress Michiko often kneeled down and offered words of comfort during their visits to disaster-hit areas, the new imperial couple will most likely inherit the same attitude and demonstrate their eagerness to be together with people, observers said.
