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Japan's Emperor Hints He Wants To Step Aside

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Japanese Emperor Akihito delivers his opening address for the extraordinary Diet session at the National Diet in Tokyo on Aug. 1, 2016. (Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Emperor Akihito delivers his opening address for the extraordinary Diet session at the National Diet in Tokyo on Aug. 1, 2016. (Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images)

Emperor Akihito made a rare televised address Monday, expressing concern about fulfilling his duties as he ages.

The 82-year-old did not use the word abdicate because he is barred from making political statements. He has had some health issues in the past.

Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with Shihoko Goto of the Wilson Center about how Tokyo is reacting.

Guest

Shihoko Goto, senior associate for Northeast Asia at the Wilson Center. She tweets @gotoeastasia.

This segment aired on August 8, 2016.

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