Japan Crown Prince vows to follow father’s footstep
TOKYO — Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito marked his 57th birthday Thursday with a pledge to follow in his father’s footsteps as a symbol of the nation if his father’s wish to abdicate is realized.
Naruhito is first in line to Japan’s Chrysanthemum throne and would succeed Emperor Akihito, now 83.
Akihito expressed last August his apparent wish to abdicate, citing concerns his age and health may start limiting his ability to fulfil his duties. The government is currently discussing a special law to allow Akihito to step down.
“I would like to continue to pray for, always stand by, and share joys and sorrows with the people,” Naruhito said in a birthday message released Thursday.