Abstract: The intention of Emperor Akihito “living abdication” has brought great shock to Japanese society.Emperor Akihito grew up in the war,and he was the first emperor acceded to the throne under the pacifist constitution.Since the emperor Akihito acceded to the throne,he has always insisted on maintaining peace constitution,fulfilled the symbol function,and played the special role of Japan and the royal.Emperor Akihito’s hope to abdicate “living” was mainly due to health reasons caused by aging,etc.Although the abdication in law and the procedure were very complicated,facing many difficulties,the emperor Akihito hoped to establish a more modern symbolic Emperor System to maintain the stability of the royal family.

Key words: Emperor Akihito, living abdication, symbol of the emperor