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…
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Rich China tourists drive luxury demand in Japan on weak yen
Philippine central bank’s deputy governor sees upside risks to inflation
IMF says US, China debt pose risks for global public finances
US economy growing at ‘modest’ pace in many regions: Federal Reserve
‘No trade war’, says Biden, pushing to triple tariffs on Chinese steel
China slams US move to investigate its shipbuilding industry