Emperor Akihito is to abdicate on April 30, 2019, in accordance with a government decision under a special law enacted last year. As preparations get underway for the first Imperial abdication both in Japan's modern history and under the postwar Constitution, the event should provide a chance for people to think about the future roles of emperors under the Constitution, which says the emperor "shall be the symbol of the state and the unity of the people" who derives his position from "the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power."

The government will soon kick off a preparatory organization to consider how rituals should be carried out for Emperor Akihito's abdication — which is not provided for in the Imperial House Law — and the subsequent enthronement of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

On his 84th birthday last month, Emperor Akihito said of his abdication, "Over the remaining days, as I continue to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state, I would like to make preparations for passing the torch to the next era." His remarks echoes his August 2016 video message, in which he said he "felt a deep sense of responsibility" to carry out his duties as the symbol of the state but expressed concern as to "how I should conduct myself" if it becomes difficult to carry out the duties as his age advances and his health declines. The message eventually led to the enactment of the special law, which paves the way for him to retire without instituting an Imperial abdication.