Prince Akishino turns 44; seeks imperial involvement in deciding future

Monday 30th November, 07:14 AM JST

TOKYO —

Prince Akishino, on the occasion of his 44th birthday Monday, said imperial family members should be involved in the debate over the ideal future role of the family. ‘‘I think it might be necessary to have the process of listening to the opinions of the crown prince and other parties concerned,’’ said Prince Akishino, who is second in line to the Chrysanthemum throne after Crown Prince Naruhito, at a recent press conference ahead of his birthday.

While saying the issue of the system of imperial succession should be left to deliberations in the Diet, he also said there could be occasions where others will ask him his opinion on how the family should stand.

With the size of the imperial family steadily shrinking, its role is feared to possibly be downsized as well, but the prince said it is difficult to comment on the matter, while adding, ‘‘It’s not such a bad thing to have fewer imperial family members when looking at it from the standpoint of a burden on national coffers.’‘

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12 Comments

franz75 at 08:26 AM JST - 30th November

what about finding a regular job?
Potsu at 08:38 AM JST - 30th November

Gee,duh...
cleo at 10:02 AM JST - 30th November

So he does realise that he and his family are a 'burden on national coffers'.

It would be a nice gesture if he paid back all that tax money and got a proper job to support himself and his family.

Did you know his kids each get an annual clothing allowance that is more than most folk's salary?
ratpack at 11:40 AM JST - 30th November

Could he perhaps mention why on earth an imperial family is needed in the first place. Perhaps on his 44th birthday he could justify to everyone why he deserves to be paid by national coffers instead of getting out and doing a real job.
guest at 03:08 PM JST - 30th November

Did you know his kids each get an annual clothing allowance that is more than most folk's salary?

so, you down with the Emps, on that point...?
chotto at 03:23 PM JST - 30th November

Could he perhaps mention why on earth an imperial family is needed in the first place

Because even elected politicians are corrupt. Just look at America and Britain.
Junnama at 03:26 PM JST - 30th November

Could he perhaps mention why on earth an imperial family is needed in the first place. Perhaps on his 44th birthday he could justify to everyone why he deserves to be paid by national coffers instead of getting out and doing a real job

As one of the family that handles matters of "Head of State" he has a pretty busy schedule (greeting foreign dignataries, attending cultural events, etc.). Someone would have to do it they didn't. Every country does and it isn't free...
ashika1009 at 04:01 PM JST - 30th November

Having the emperor remain in place is a fine tradition and one of greater length, much greater length, that that of Britain, for example.

It has historical value and should be preserved.

However, I would submit that some new blood is necessary to improve the fitness of the future emperors. They are getting a little weak in the genes.

Bring in an intelligent female athlete from an intelligent and athletic family and have her marry into the family at some point.

Should improve the the blood line.
yabusama at 05:29 PM JST - 30th November

> Because even elected politicians are corrupt. Just look at America and Britain.

or Japan for that matter. Ashika I agree with you up to your last two lines. Didn't they try that with Masako? How's that working out?
bdaniel08 at 06:02 PM JST - 30th November

ashika, for how long have you been in Japan ? Please review (use Internet, its so easy !) Japan recent history...The wife (Michiko) of Japanese Emperor is a commoner, his elder son wife (Masako) is too a commoner, his second son wife (Kiko) is also a commoner...thats all new blood !
Sarge at 11:07 PM JST - 30th November

"It's not such a bad thing to have fewer imperial family members"

Has the budget for the imperial family actually decreased?
sydenham at 05:25 AM JST - 1st December

He should really be seeking a better haircut. Or at least one that differs from his wife's.