Japan's Emperor Akihito will deliver a message to the public on Monday afternoon. The Emperor has been informing close aides of his wish to abdicate. 
The Emperor will speak for about 10 minutes about his duties as the symbol of the state. 
The Emperor is 82-years-old, and performs a number of duties. He has been informing close aides that he wishes to hand over the throne to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, in the coming years. 
Japan's (NHK World) radio has learned that the Emperor has suggested he and Empress Michiko will support the Crown Prince and Princess through public activities. And he is said to have indicated that he will watch over the Japanese people from a new stance. 
There are no legal provisions for abdication under the Japanese law. So legal measures will be necessary to realize his wish. 
The Constitution stipulates that the Emperor shall not have powers related to government. If the Emperor expresses publicly that he wants to abdicate, such a remark could be taken as political. 
So he is expected to refrain from using the word "abdication" or other expressions that directly express his wish. But sources say the announcement will convey his feelings. 
This will be the Emperor's second video message to the public. 
The first was delivered after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan. 

Source : QNA