At 3 p.m. on August 8, 2016, Emperor Akihito spoke to the nation in a video message. He said he was past eighty and fortunately in good health. But considering his gradually declining strength, he worried that it might become difficult to carry out his duties as a symbol with his whole being, as he had until then. He closed by saying that he earnestly hoped for the people’s understanding.
The message did not contain the word taii, abdication. It also avoided speaking concretely about the current imperial system.