Will forces jockeying for power keep this plan in place, or insert someone else to become Japan's next emperor?

Crown Prince Naruhito set to become emperor on April 1, 2019
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
October 20, 2017
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Crown Prince Naruhito is expected to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne on April 1, 2019, according to government sources.

The final decision will be made by the government after it summons the Imperial Household Council, which comprises imperial family members, the prime minister, top Diet officials and Supreme Court justices as early as November.

The government has been weighing two plans for when to switch to a new imperial reign.

One is to allow Emperor Akihito to step down at the end of March 2019, ending his reign and the current Heisei Era, with a new era under Naruhito starting on April 1, 2019.

The other option is to enable Akihito to abdicate at the end of December 2018, with the new era beginning on Jan. 1, 2019.

The Imperial Household Agency was opposed to the plan to start a new era on Jan. 1, 2019, saying the ascension at that time would add to a number of important rituals and events scheduled for the imperial family each autumn and winter.