Japan's parliament passed a law that gave way for Emperor Akihito to step down. This is the first time in 200 years of Japanese history.
The 83-year-old emperor had previously surprised the public by announcing the desire to withdraw from the throne. His desire was triggered by age and health problems.
This led to a challenge given that no law governed the emperor's abdication. The office of the Japanese Emperor is generally held for life. So reported AFP
This tightly discussed rule is now in the final phase of the upper house on Friday, June 9, 2017. The lawmakers gave their blessing without dispute, after the lower house gave a similar agreement last week.
Under the new rules, the process of descending the Japanese throne takes place within three years. This rule will only apply to Emperor Akihito.
According to Japanese media, the government expects the end of 2018 to be a deadline for Akihito's throne.
The status of the emperor is very sensitive in Japan, especially with the history of war in the 20th century, when the Land of the Rising Sun was led by Emperor Hirohito.
Some observers and politicians fear that changing the rule of law to allow the emperor to descend the throne could threaten the continuity of the Japanese monarchy. This is feared could become a weapon of political manipulation.
The throne of a Japanese Emperor took place 200 years ago. But now the new rules have been approved and Crown Prince Naruhito must be prepared to replace his father.
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