Japan's crown prince Naruhito says he would like to maintain past emperors’ work
- Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 after Emperor Akihito abdicates
- Prince Akishino and his young son Hisahito are next in the line of succession after Naruhito
“I feel very solemn when I think about the future,” he said at an annual pre-birthday news conference on Thursday. His remarks were embargoed from publication until Saturday.
“While I continue to prepare for this role, I would like to maintain the past emperors’ work. I would like to think about the people and pray for the people,” he said.
His wife, Masako will also assume a new role as empress. The former diplomat has suffered from stress and has often skipped public events, and it’s unclear how she will manage her new role as empress.
“Although Masako is steadily recovering, her condition still fluctuates. I would like Masako to continue to slowly widen her contribution in her role,” Naruhito said, adding he hopes to support his wife just as she has supported him.