Emperor Akihito: Japan considers moves to allow 2018 abdication - reportsAbout 47,000 well-wishers attended the emperor's annual New Year speech, where he called for peace Japan is considering legal changes to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate at the end of 2018, say local media reports citing government sources. Crown Prince Naruhito could then ascend the throne on 1 January 2019, according to the reports. Akihito, 83, hinted in August that he wanted to stand down, sa
