日本時間8月8日下午3時，82歲的明仁天皇向國民發表了罕見的電視講話。天皇在講話中表明，考慮到自己的年齡，已經準備好隨時可能到來的退位。

A major milestone year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II has passed, and in two years we will be welcoming the 30th year of Heisei.

戰后70年這一大的節點過去，2年后，將迎來平成三十年。

As I am now more than 80 years old and there are times when I feel various constraints such as in my physical fitness, in the last few years I have started to reflect on my years as the Emperor, and contemplate on my role and my duties as the Emperor in the days to come.

我已超過80歲，在體力方面等有時也感到種種局限，這幾年來，在回顧作為天皇的自身足跡的同時，也開始思考關于將來自己的應有狀態以及公務。

As we are in the midst of a rapidly aging society, I would like to talk to you today about what would be a desirable role of the Emperor in a time when the Emperor, too, becomes advanced in age. While, being in the position of the Emperor, I must refrain from making any specific comments on the existing Imperial system, I would like to tell you what I, as an individual, have been thinking about.

在社會老齡化日益嚴重的情況下，當天皇也已屆高齡，何種狀態才是理想的?站在天皇立場上不具體觸及現行的天皇制度，但今天，我作為個人，想談談至今為止思考之事。

Ever since my accession to the throne, I have carried out the acts of the Emperor in matters of state, and at the same time I have spent my days searching for and contemplating on what is the desirable role of the Emperor, who is designated to be the symbol of the State by the Constitution of Japan. As one who has inherited a long tradition, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect this tradition. At the same time, in a nation and in a world which are constantly changing, I have continued to think to this day about how the Japanese Imperial Family can put its traditions to good use in the present age and be an active and inherent part of society, responding to the expectations of the people.

即位以來，我在履行國事行為的同時，關于日本國憲法下被定位為象征天皇的理想狀態，每天都在摸索中度過。作為傳統的繼承者，我深感繼續守護傳統的責任，處在日新月異的日本和世界之中，日本的皇室如何將傳統寓于現代、使之鮮活地融合于社會并滿足人們的期待，對此我思考至今。

It was some years ago, after my two surgeries that I began to feel a decline in myfitness level because of my advancing age, and I started to think about the pending future, how I should conduct myself should it become difficult for me to carry out my heavy duties in the way I have been doing, and what would be best for the country, for the people, and also for the Imperial Family members who will follow after me. I am already 80 years old, and fortunately I am now in good health. However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now.

在這一過程中，幾年前我2次接受外科手術，加之因高齡感到體力減退之時起，我開始思考：今后，當出現難以像以往那樣履行繁重公務時，應當如何安置自身，對國家、對國民，以及對我身后的皇族而言才是適當的方式。我已逾80，盡管可說尚幸健康，但考慮到身體逐漸衰弱時，我擔憂或難以像至今為止那樣，全身心地完成象征天皇的公務。

I ascended to the throne approximately 28 years ago, and during these years, I have spent my days together with the people of Japan, sharing much of the joys as well as the sorrows that have happened in our country. I have considered that the first and foremost duty of the Emperor is to pray for peace and happiness of all the people. At the same time, I also believe that in some cases it is essential to stand by the people, listen to their voices, and be close to them in their thoughts. In order to carry out the duties of the Emperor as the symbol of the State and as a symbol of the unity of the people, the Emperor needs to seek from the people their understanding on the role of the symbol of the State. I think that likewise, there is need for the Emperor to have a deep awareness of his own role as the Emperor, deep understanding of the people, and willingness to nurture within himself the awareness of being with the people. In this regard, I have felt that my travels to various places throughout Japan, in particular, to remote places and islands, are important acts of the Emperor as the symbol of the State and I have carried them out in that spirit. In my travels throughout the country, which I have made together with the Empress, including the time when I was Crown Prince, I was made aware that wherever I went there were thousands of citizens who love their local community and with quiet dedication continue to support their community. With this awareness I was able to carry out the most important duties of the Emperor, to always think of the people and pray for the people, with deep respect and love for the people. That, I feel, has been a great blessing.

我成為天皇將近28年，這期間我與人們共同度過了我國許多歡喜之時、以及悲傷之時。作為天皇的公務，我一直深認為應將祈愿國民的安寧和幸福放在首位，同時在行事之時，我認為有時站在人們的身旁，傾聽他們的心聲，體察他們的心情也十分重要。

天皇作為象征的同時，為了扮演國民統合的象征這一角色，我感到天皇向國民就天皇這一象征立場謀求理解之外，也有必要深刻思考自身的應有狀態，加深對國民的理解，并培養永遠與國民同在的內在自覺。在這一意義上，我感到造訪日本各地、特別是偏遠地區及島嶼之旅，作為天皇的象征性行為也是很重要的。

包括皇太子時代，至今我與皇后一同前往的幾乎遍及全國之旅，在國內任何地方，都讓我認識到那里有著熱愛當地、勤勤懇懇支撐著家鄉的平凡的人們。我基于這一認識，作為天皇，抱著對人們深深的信賴和敬愛之情，心懷國民，得以履行為國民祈愿的重要公務是幸福的。

In coping with the aging of the Emperor, I think it is not possible to continue reducing perpetually the Emperor's acts in matters of state and his duties as the symbol of the State. A Regency may be established to act in the place of the Emperor when the Emperor cannot fulfill his duties for reasons such as he is not yet of age or he is seriously ill. Even in such cases, however, it does not change the fact that the Emperor continues to be the Emperor till the end of his life, even though he is unable to fully carry out his duties as the Emperor.

伴隨天皇趨于高齡的應對方式，無限縮小國事行為及作為象征天皇的行為或許很難。此外，因天皇未成年或病重等無法發揮應有的作用時，可考慮設置代行天皇行為的攝政。但是，即使是這樣，天皇持續不能充分履行理應完成的公務，直到生命終結其作為天皇的身份始終不會改變。

When the Emperor has ill health and his condition becomes serious, I am concerned that, as we have seen in the past, society comes to a standstill and people's lives are impacted in various ways. The practice in the Imperial Family has been that the death of the Emperor called for events of heavy mourning, continuing every day for two months, followed by funeral events which continue for one year. These various events occur simultaneously with events related to the new era, placing a very heavy strain on those involved in the events, in particular, the family left behind. It occurs to me from time to time to wonder whether it is possible to prevent such a situation.

當天皇健康狀態嚴重不佳時，如以前曾出現的那樣，有可能導致社會停滯、給國民的生活也帶來各種影響。而且作為至今為止的皇室慣例，天皇過世之后，連日舉行的隆重殯葬儀式將持續近兩個月，之后與喪葬有關的儀式會長達一年。這一系列儀式及與新時代相關的各種事項同時進行，因此與之相關的人們，尤其是天皇的家人不得已將處于非常艱難的狀況。難道不能避免這樣的事態嗎?這一想法也不時縈繞于心。

As I said in the beginning, under the Constitution, the Emperor does not have powers related to government. Even under such circumstances, it is my hope that by thoroughly reflecting on our country's long history of emperors, the Imperial Family can continue to be with the people at all times and can work together with the people to build the future of our country, and that the duties of the Emperor as the symbol of the State can continue steadily without a break. With this earnest wish, I have decided to make my thoughts known.

正如開頭所說，根據憲法，天皇沒有參與國政之權能。這種情況下，此次在重新回顧我國漫長的天皇歷史的同時，衷心祈愿今后無論何時皇室都能與國民同在、攜手共筑這個國家的未來，以及象征天皇的公務永遠不會中斷、穩定持續下去，我在此講述了自身的想法。

I sincerely hope for your understanding.

懇切希望能夠得到國民的理解。

日本時間8月8日下午3時，82歲的明仁天皇向國民發表了罕見的電視講話。天皇在講話中表明，考慮到自己的年齡，已經準備好隨時可能到來的退位。

A major milestone year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II has passed, and in two years we will be welcoming the 30th year of Heisei.

戰后70年這一大的節點過去，2年后，將迎來平成三十年。

As I am now more than 80 years old and there are times when I feel various constraints such as in my physical fitness, in the last few years I have started to reflect on my years as the Emperor, and contemplate on my role and my duties as the Emperor in the days to come.

我已超過80歲，在體力方面等有時也感到種種局限，這幾年來，在回顧作為天皇的自身足跡的同時，也開始思考關于將來自己的應有狀態以及公務。

As we are in the midst of a rapidly aging society, I would like to talk to you today about what would be a desirable role of the Emperor in a time when the Emperor, too, becomes advanced in age. While, being in the position of the Emperor, I must refrain from making any specific comments on the existing Imperial system, I would like to tell you what I, as an individual, have been thinking about.

在社會老齡化日益嚴重的情況下，當天皇也已屆高齡，何種狀態才是理想的?站在天皇立場上不具體觸及現行的天皇制度，但今天，我作為個人，想談談至今為止思考之事。

Ever since my accession to the throne, I have carried out the acts of the Emperor in matters of state, and at the same time I have spent my days searching for and contemplating on what is the desirable role of the Emperor, who is designated to be the symbol of the State by the Constitution of Japan. As one who has inherited a long tradition, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect this tradition. At the same time, in a nation and in a world which are constantly changing, I have continued to think to this day about how the Japanese Imperial Family can put its traditions to good use in the present age and be an active and inherent part of society, responding to the expectations of the people.

即位以來，我在履行國事行為的同時，關于日本國憲法下被定位為象征天皇的理想狀態，每天都在摸索中度過。作為傳統的繼承者，我深感繼續守護傳統的責任，處在日新月異的日本和世界之中，日本的皇室如何將傳統寓于現代、使之鮮活地融合于社會并滿足人們的期待，對此我思考至今。

It was some years ago, after my two surgeries that I began to feel a decline in myfitness level because of my advancing age, and I started to think about the pending future, how I should conduct myself should it become difficult for me to carry out my heavy duties in the way I have been doing, and what would be best for the country, for the people, and also for the Imperial Family members who will follow after me. I am already 80 years old, and fortunately I am now in good health. However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now.

在這一過程中，幾年前我2次接受外科手術，加之因高齡感到體力減退之時起，我開始思考：今后，當出現難以像以往那樣履行繁重公務時，應當如何安置自身，對國家、對國民，以及對我身后的皇族而言才是適當的方式。我已逾80，盡管可說尚幸健康，但考慮到身體逐漸衰弱時，我擔憂或難以像至今為止那樣，全身心地完成象征天皇的公務。

I ascended to the throne approximately 28 years ago, and during these years, I have spent my days together with the people of Japan, sharing much of the joys as well as the sorrows that have happened in our country. I have considered that the first and foremost duty of the Emperor is to pray for peace and happiness of all the people. At the same time, I also believe that in some cases it is essential to stand by the people, listen to their voices, and be close to them in their thoughts. In order to carry out the duties of the Emperor as the symbol of the State and as a symbol of the unity of the people, the Emperor needs to seek from the people their understanding on the role of the symbol of the State. I think that likewise, there is need for the Emperor to have a deep awareness of his own role as the Emperor, deep understanding of the people, and willingness to nurture within himself the awareness of being with the people. In this regard, I have felt that my travels to various places throughout Japan, in particular, to remote places and islands, are important acts of the Emperor as the symbol of the State and I have carried them out in that spirit. In my travels throughout the country, which I have made together with the Empress, including the time when I was Crown Prince, I was made aware that wherever I went there were thousands of citizens who love their local community and with quiet dedication continue to support their community. With this awareness I was able to carry out the most important duties of the Emperor, to always think of the people and pray for the people, with deep respect and love for the people. That, I feel, has been a great blessing.

我成為天皇將近28年，這期間我與人們共同度過了我國許多歡喜之時、以及悲傷之時。作為天皇的公務，我一直深認為應將祈愿國民的安寧和幸福放在首位，同時在行事之時，我認為有時站在人們的身旁，傾聽他們的心聲，體察他們的心情也十分重要。

天皇作為象征的同時，為了扮演國民統合的象征這一角色，我感到天皇向國民就天皇這一象征立場謀求理解之外，也有必要深刻思考自身的應有狀態，加深對國民的理解，并培養永遠與國民同在的內在自覺。在這一意義上，我感到造訪日本各地、特別是偏遠地區及島嶼之旅，作為天皇的象征性行為也是很重要的。

包括皇太子時代，至今我與皇后一同前往的幾乎遍及全國之旅，在國內任何地方，都讓我認識到那里有著熱愛當地、勤勤懇懇支撐著家鄉的平凡的人們。我基于這一認識，作為天皇，抱著對人們深深的信賴和敬愛之情，心懷國民，得以履行為國民祈愿的重要公務是幸福的。

In coping with the aging of the Emperor, I think it is not possible to continue reducing perpetually the Emperor's acts in matters of state and his duties as the symbol of the State. A Regency may be established to act in the place of the Emperor when the Emperor cannot fulfill his duties for reasons such as he is not yet of age or he is seriously ill. Even in such cases, however, it does not change the fact that the Emperor continues to be the Emperor till the end of his life, even though he is unable to fully carry out his duties as the Emperor.

伴隨天皇趨于高齡的應對方式，無限縮小國事行為及作為象征天皇的行為或許很難。此外，因天皇未成年或病重等無法發揮應有的作用時，可考慮設置代行天皇行為的攝政。但是，即使是這樣，天皇持續不能充分履行理應完成的公務，直到生命終結其作為天皇的身份始終不會改變。

When the Emperor has ill health and his condition becomes serious, I am concerned that, as we have seen in the past, society comes to a standstill and people's lives are impacted in various ways. The practice in the Imperial Family has been that the death of the Emperor called for events of heavy mourning, continuing every day for two months, followed by funeral events which continue for one year. These various events occur simultaneously with events related to the new era, placing a very heavy strain on those involved in the events, in particular, the family left behind. It occurs to me from time to time to wonder whether it is possible to prevent such a situation.

當天皇健康狀態嚴重不佳時，如以前曾出現的那樣，有可能導致社會停滯、給國民的生活也帶來各種影響。而且作為至今為止的皇室慣例，天皇過世之后，連日舉行的隆重殯葬儀式將持續近兩個月，之后與喪葬有關的儀式會長達一年。這一系列儀式及與新時代相關的各種事項同時進行，因此與之相關的人們，尤其是天皇的家人不得已將處于非常艱難的狀況。難道不能避免這樣的事態嗎?這一想法也不時縈繞于心。

As I said in the beginning, under the Constitution, the Emperor does not have powers related to government. Even under such circumstances, it is my hope that by thoroughly reflecting on our country's long history of emperors, the Imperial Family can continue to be with the people at all times and can work together with the people to build the future of our country, and that the duties of the Emperor as the symbol of the State can continue steadily without a break. With this earnest wish, I have decided to make my thoughts known.

正如開頭所說，根據憲法，天皇沒有參與國政之權能。這種情況下，此次在重新回顧我國漫長的天皇歷史的同時，衷心祈愿今后無論何時皇室都能與國民同在、攜手共筑這個國家的未來，以及象征天皇的公務永遠不會中斷、穩定持續下去，我在此講述了自身的想法。

I sincerely hope for your understanding.

懇切希望能夠得到國民的理解。