Abstract: Emperor Akihitos abdication in 2019, which marked the end of the Heisei era, has been a complicated issue for Emperor Akihito himself, the Abe administration and Japanese people. In appearance, the government prioritizes the Emperors wish and public opinion but had to make a concession and mediate between the Emperor, the conservative party and the public opinion. Public opinions are in favor of the Emperor, but tend to avoid an discussion on the issue of the symbol emperor system. Emperor Akihito, who respected the postwar constitution and royal tradition, is suspected of breaching the constitution and royal tradition. While much importance has been attached to “public opinion”by all sides, there has been a lack of due attention to the fundamental question - Is the public supportive of the Emperor himself, or the symbol emperor system？Public opinions should be respected, but not to be used selectively. As the continuation of prewar Japans system of government, the symbol emperor system matters not only to the past but to the future of Japan, and therefore is a problem that should be addressed properly by the Emperor,the government, and the public.

Key words: the Symbol Emperor System, Emperor Akihito, the Abe administration, Japans national polity