Crown prince to build image as next emperor by respecting his father

Kyodo -- Sep 06

Crown Prince Naruhito said Wednesday he hopes to build the image of the next emperor by respecting the way his father engages in duties, as he is set to ascend the throne in May.

"I will seriously think about what I can do (as emperor) at all times, while praying for the happiness of people in Japan and around the world," the 58-year-old crown prince said at a press conference for his trip to France from Friday.

The crown prince said Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko always have in mind promoting international friendship and goodwill when they engage in overseas trips and various events.

"I would like to engage in fostering friendship by paying respect to the feelings of the emperor and empress," he said.

The crown prince will make the nine-day trip to commemorate 160 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The trip could be his last official trip abroad as crown prince, as he is to ascend the Chrysanthemum throne the day after his 84-year-old father abdicates on April 30.