Japan's Emperor Akihito expressed his desire to abdicate. In his video addressed to the nation the 82-year-old Emperor stated that the health problems prevent him from carrying out the duties fully.

 But, Akihito hasn't declared directly that he wants to abdicate as, according to the Constitution of the country, he has no right to make political statements. Akihito makes public addresses seldom, this address as mass media noted, was the third one.

“When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being, as I have done until now”, he said, The Guardian reported.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/japans-emperor-akihito-health-abdication-rare-tv-address

According to the Constitution, Japan’s emperor is defined in the constitution as a symbol of the “unity of the people” and has no political power.  Most Japanese are sensitive to Akihito’s desire to abdicate, but the conservatives supporting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, are opposed to this.

It should be noted that last time a Japanese emperor abdicated nearly 200 years ago.