Japanese Emperor Makes Subtle Plea to Abdicate

Japanese Emperor Akihito made a rare televised address to the nation Monday to argue that he is becoming too old and too frail to carry out his duties. “When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being, as I have done until now," Akihito said in his address. The 82-year-old emperor is reportedly in declining health.  In recent years he has had...

© La Voix de l'Amérique - lundi 8 août 2016