As the government's panel of experts begins discussions this week on the questions raised by Emperor Akihito's expressed wish to abdicate, the Abe administration, contrary to what the prime minister says, is reportedly seeking to wrap up the issue quickly. The aim, apparently, is to propose a one-off measure to the Diet next year that would be applicable only to the current Emperor, instead of institutionalizing abdication by revising the Imperial House Law.

Prompt action to address the questions would be desirable, given the Emperor's advanced age. Opinion polls indicate that more than 80 percent of the people support allowing the Emperor to step down. Still, Imperial abdication is an issue that closely relates to an emperor's status under the Constitution as the "symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power." The administration needs to make sure that any conclusion will be consistent with the Imperial system as defined by the Constitution.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is said to be leaning against touching the Imperial House Law itself, partly out of concern that the process could extend the discussion to other questions surrounding the Imperial family, including whether to allow an empress to reign and open up Imperial succession to the maternal lineage — an idea opposed by conservatives who cherish male succession as called for under the law. An advisory panel to the administration of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in the 2000s proposed extending Imperial succession to maternal lineage — given the dearth of boys among the youngest generation of the Imperial family — but the issue was shelved following the birth of Prince Hisahito in 2006 to the family of Prince Akishino, the brother of Crown Prince Naruhito. However, it is an issue that cannot be shelved indefinitely — if sustainability of the Imperial family is to be sought.