For more than 27 years, he has been a much-loved symbol of national unity in Japan. But this week marks the start of a new chapter for the nation’s emperor, as formal discussions begin in relation to his desired abdication.

A top-level government panel is expected to meet for the first time on Monday to begin the painstaking process of exploring potential abdication procedures for Emperor Akihito.

It follows a rare televised message from the 82-year-old emperor in August, during which he voiced concerns that he would one day become unable to fulfil his duties due to his age.

The panel faces a task that is as weighty as it is sensitive. No abdication has taken place in Japan for nearly two centuries, and there is no current law that permits the emperor to step down.