abdicate #2
天皇陛下が生前退位の意向を示されたというニュースが報道されました。天皇の生前退位は，200年前に行われたのが最後となっております。
見出しの中で気になった単語は"abdicate"です。『Wisdom英和辞典第三版』(三省堂)には「<責任･権利･職位など> を放棄する <受賞など> を辞退する(give up), <王位> を放棄する」などという意味がありました。Oxford Dictionaries.comには"(Of a monarch) renounce one’s throne"と定義されております。世界各国の報道機関も，このニュースを伝えております。(Ume)
Japanese Emperor Akihito 'plans to abdicate'
Japan's Emperor Akihito has announced his intention to abdicate in the coming years, public broadcaster NHK reports.
The 82-year-old, who has had health problems in recent years, reportedly does not wish to remain emperor if he has to reduce his official duties.
He has been head of state for 27 years and his abdication would be an unprecedented move in modern Japan.
His eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 56, is next in line to succeed him to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
He plays a largely ceremonial role but is respected deeply by many Japanese and has been admired for distancing the monarchy from its association with the aggressive nationalism of World War
Two.
