Emperor Akihito told Japan today that old age and health issues had led him to think about what would be best for the future of his country and its people through a pre-recorded speech on NHK, the national broadcaster. “When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining,” the 82-year-old emperor said, “I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being as I have done until now.”Japanese law forbids the emperor from explicitly arguing for abdication, but reports in Japan since July…

Source: The Times August 08, 2016 07:52 UTC