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Unhappy Anniversary for Japan's Royals?

AOL
posted: 5 HOURS 3 MINUTES AGO
comments: 17
filed under: World News
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(Jan. 7) -- Emperor Akihito marked the 20th anniversary of his ascent to Japan's throne with a visit to the grave of his father, Hirohito. The event was subdued because of Akihito's health problems -- and, some officials say, tensions within Japan's royal family.
The Associated Press has a concise report on the anniversary observance. The story notes that Akihito's heir, Crown Prince Naruhito, was absent from the service.
"Crown Prince Naruhito, and Crown Princess Masako held a small observance of their own at the Imperial Palace," it says.
Reuters takes a deeper look at the state of Japan's royals. Akhito's recent ailments -- high blood pressure and intestinal bleeding -- may be a direct result of family fighting, some officials told the wire service. (Reuters also offers up some quick facts about the monarchy.)
What is at the heart of the squabble? Succession, it seems. Only males are allowed to occupy Japan's throne, and they're in short supply in this family. Click through the gallery below for a look at how the succession debate has set off struggles in the family.
2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2009-01-07 04:49:50
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Vandybgood

05:53 PMJan 07 2009

I DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE IS TRULY ROYAL... THEY JUST MAKE THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY HAVE A BIRTHRIGHT ABOVE ALL OTHERS...TAKE ME... IF I CHOOSE I'M A 'ROYAL' PAIN IN THE BUTT!!!!HOWS' THAT FOR 'POWER TRIPPIN'..... LOL

AVG RATING:
(1)

POETAMELIE

05:22 PMJan 07 2009

The Japanese need to formally acknowledge and apologize to the Koreans and Chinese and other nations they occupied for the atrocities they committed. They need to compensate any living survivors (i.e., the Korean comfort women). Australia has apologized for its record of inhumanity to the aborigines. The U.S. can take an important step by formally apologizing for her sins as well. Truth and reconciliation are the tools a nation needs to more forward without further resentment festering and poisoning ensuing and innocent generations. Grown ups and good people of conscience apologize and then make an effort never to commit the same wrong again.

AVG RATING:
(3)

Rocky Mtn 1500

04:35 PMJan 07 2009

Regardless of what is being taught in schools today, the USA did NOTcause WW 2 or the Pearl Harbor attack !As to the royal parasites..they should all be done away with the world over. They all killed and murdered their way to the top of the heap if you go back far enough.

AVG RATING:
(3)

Rovarose

04:28 PMJan 07 2009

Japan believes they fought WWII to free Asians from colonialism. Stalin is the second most popular man in Russian history. Germans are rehabilitating Hitler, and the Rebel flag and the genocide of American Indians is condoned by the American public. Great!!!

AVG RATING:
(1)

Rovarose

04:27 PMJan 07 2009

Japan believes they fought WWII to free Asians from colonialism. Stalin is the second most popular man in Russian history. Germans are rehabilitating Hitler, and the Rebel flag and the genocide of American Indians is condoned by the American public. Great!!!

AVG RATING:
(1)

SHansNVa1

04:25 PMJan 07 2009

Several years ago our family visit Pearl Harbor where we had lost two family members on December 7th, 1941. It was swarming with Japanese tourists which was surprising, but we figured they wanted to see history. We next visited the battleship USS Missouri, where the Japanese signed the formal surrender document on September 2nd, 1945 (in Tokyo Bay). NOT ONE JAPANESE TOURIST WAS AT THE MISSOURI, NOT ONE!!!! We realized that the only reason they were in Pearl Harbor was to gloat. It they really wanted the true picture of history, they should have finished their tours with a visit to the USS Missouri. Surrender is as much a part of Japanese history as is the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

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(9)

GODZILLA1954R

04:04 PMJan 07 2009

he`s excuse the spelling!

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GODZILLA1954R

04:03 PMJan 07 2009

i hope h`s ok!

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bimprel

04:00 PMJan 07 2009

The royal systems are more cruel for members of any royal family than anyone else. www.royalescape.net

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JffrySmit

03:57 PMJan 07 2009

The Japanese royals,..... hmm. Care even less about them that the British ones. Thanks for wasting more electrons AOL on this drivel.

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(2)

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