TOKYO -- Some 89% of the Japanese public support Emperor Akihito's wishes to step down, a recent opinion poll shows, which could help spur debate over lasting reforms to the Imperial system.
Support consistently came to about 90% across all age groups, genders, occupations and party affiliations in a randomized phone survey conducted by The Nikkei and TV Tokyo this week. Only 4% were opposed to Akihito stepping down.
