Emperor of Japan and the flow from Heisei to Reiwa
Sawako Uchida and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
Japan is hailing the natural flow from the Heisei to Reiwa era without the shadow of death. Hence, despite many Japanese nationals feeling a sense of sorrow with the abdication of Emperor Akihito, a sense of deep love is equally felt knowing that he can focus on the rest of his life. Therefore, the stalk of death evaded this smooth transition to Emperor Naruhito that will be declared fully later on Wednesday.
Akihito served the people of Japan with great warmth and respect during his 30-year reign. Indeed, Akihito reached out internationally based on sincerity and the inward doctrine of peace and common respect.
During the abdication ceremony, Akihito warmly stated, “Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the Emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so. I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the State.”
He continued, “I sincerely wish, together with the Empress, that the Reiwa era, which begins tomorrow, will be a stable and fruitful one, and I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world.”
Of course, his feelings are reciprocal because the people of Japan – irrespective if supporting the monarchy or being against this institution – know that he reached out to people throughout his reign. Hence, with health issues blighting the 85-year-old Akihito for many years, then people fully understand the need for him to abdicate.
The BBC reports, “Prince Naruhito will become Japan’s 126th emperor – and will officially lead the country into the new Reiwa era. It will mark the end of the current Heisei era, which began when Akihito ascended the throne in 1989.”
Overall, the internal economic convulsions in Japan since 1989 have been on the whole negative based on the failure of successive governments. Similarly, politicians – often from elite backgrounds – have failed to take the demographic issue seriously.
However, while politicians have failed the Japanese people over the last three decades, the gentleness of Akihito was a shining light throughout. This includes his role in visiting all prefectures based on sincerity and feeling the pain and suffering of people blighted by horrendous natural disasters. Therefore, people await the next era in Japan in the knowledge that Akihito and Michiko can enjoy their remaining years without the enormous pressure of the past.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-48020703
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