As Japan prepares for the first imperial succession in about 200 years involving a living monarch this coming spring, it has yet to address concerns about the future of the imperial line and the shortage of royals performing official duties.Japanese Emperor Akihito, 85, is set to abdicate on April 30, 2019, to be succeeded by his eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito, 58, the following day, as the emperor indicated his desire to step down due to concern about his age and weakening health.A number of imperial rituals are scheduled in the year, including a ceremony on May 1 in which the new empero…READ FULL ARTICLE
