After shock, Japan warms up to emperor's possible abdication

Akihito still works, though some of his duties have moved to Crown Prince Naruhito, his elder son and most likely successor

Japanese will tune in to Emperor Akihito's rare video message tomorrow following reports that he would abdicate in the next few years, which initially came as shock but was welcomed by many as a deserved rest for the 82-year-old beloved monarch.

In the pre-recorded message, Akihito will talk about his duties as a "symbol emperor" as stipulated by the constitution, palace officials said.

He will most likely avoid the explicit expression of abdication, which would involve political and legal procedures that he is not allowed to discuss.

Akihito still works, though his aides have shifted some of his duties to Crown Prince Naruhito the elder of his two sons and most likely successor. Yet, Akihito has referred to his old age in recent years, admitting to making small mistakes at ceremonies.

During the August 15, 2015, anniversary of the end of World War II, Akihito started reading a statement when he was supposed to observe a moment of silence.

After the initial surprise, the public warmly welcomed the reported abdication plan, saying the hard-working emperor deserves to enjoy his long-overdue retirement. Lifting the abdication ban, a practice inherited from the prewar constitution, would also bring the imperial life closer to the public.

"Changing that will reflect the reality of Japanese society first of all, the way that almost all people here feel about working and life and career building," said Robert Campbell, a University of Tokyo professor and expert on Japanese history and culture.

According to a nationwide telephone survey by Kyodo News agency this month, nearly 90 per cent of the respondents said Akihito is given too much work, while more than 85 per cent said an abdication should be legalised as an option to Akihito and his successors.

Akihito has reportedly told palace officials and his families that he doesn't wish to cling to his title with drastically reduced responsibility or by arranging a substitute, and his two sons have accepted the idea. The quiet discussion reportedly started about five years ago, around the time he had health problems he was hospitalised for bronchitis in 2011, and had heart bypass surgery in 2012.

Palace officials quickly denied the report, because the emperor is not supposed to say anything that would cause a change to the existing system, including his constitutional status.

Experts and media have speculated that Akihito will seek to abdicate while he is still in good health so he can monitor Naruhito, who is seen not quite ready for succession.