Japan royal agency denies Akihito plans to abdicate

Tokyo

JAPAN'S ancient monarchy was in tumult on Thursday, with the imperial household insisting its ageing emperor had no plans to abdicate after reports he wanted to step aside.

Respected national broadcaster NHK - citing palace and other sources - said on Wednesday that 82-year-old Akihito wanted to pass the throne to his son.

Any such abdication - the first since 1817 - would be a severe jolt to a country where the 2,600-year-old royal family symbolises stability and continuity.

Media watchers say NHK and Kyodo News, which separately carried a similar report, would be extremely careful before committing on such an…