Japan’s emperor may move to Akasaka Estate in Tokyo after abdication

TOKYO — The residence of the crown prince and his family is being considered by the government as the new home for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in the event the emperor is allowed to abdicate, a government source said Sunday (March 27).

A bill is in the works to enable the emperor - and pertaining only to the current emperor - to relinquish the throne while living. Current legislation only allows posthumous succession.

After abdicating, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are expected to temporarily live in a residence within the grounds of the Akasaka Estate.

Crown Prince Naruhito, his wife Masako, and their only child Princess Aiko now live at the Akasaka Estate, and would continue to live there as the new emperor and empress for some time while the Imperial Palace is renovated, the source said.

Both the Imperial Palace and Akasaka Estate are located in central Tokyo.

The residence of the emperor’s second son, Prince Akishino, and his family is also located on the grounds of the Akasaka Estate.

A source from the Imperial Household Agency said the emperor and crown prince both wish to minimise costs related to the envisioned imperial succession.

The government will finalise the plan after the bill for abdication is enacted during the current session of parliament.

Since the emperor indicated his desire to step down last August, the government has been studying the matter. To do so, a legal amendment to the Constitution, to the Imperial Household Law, or special legislation is required.

Currently, the Imperial House Law that sets out rules for imperial affairs has no provision regarding abdication.

The reigning emperor and empress lived at the Akasaka Estate for around 33 years from June 1960, following their marriage the previous year.

Once Crown Prince Naruhito becomes the new emperor, his younger brother will be the first in line to the throne. Prince Akishino and his family are likely to remain in their current residence, the source said.

While the timing of the abdication has not been formally decided, the government apparently has in mind the emperor’s 85th birthday on Dec. 23, 2018. KYODO NEWS