Reading behind Akihito's words

In a video address to the Japanese people on Monday, Japanese Emperor Akihito, 82, said he was concerned that his failing health would make it difficult for him to fully carry out his duties, which was widely interpreted as expressing his desire to abdicate.

In the address, Akihito said he is worried that it may become difficult for him to carry out his duties as the symbol of the state with his whole being, as he has done until now.

The emphasis on being the "symbol" of the state is believed to be Akihito's way of saying no to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's attempt to revise Japan's Constitution to restore the monarchy system of the past.