Message from His Majesty1 The Emperor
August 8, 2016
A major milestone2 year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II has passed, and in two years we will be welcoming the 30th year of Heisei.
As I am now more than 80 years old and there are times when I feel various constraints3 such as in my physical fitness, in the last few years I have started to reflect on my years as the Emperor, and contemplate4 on my role and my duties as the Emperor in the days to come.
As we are in the midst of a rapidly aging society, I would like to talk to you today about what would be a desirable role of the Emperor in a time when the Emperor, too, becomes advanced in age. While, being in the position
