word being retained only in its strict religious meaning, and
'inkyo' is the term in use to-day.

"In spite of the religious origin of abdication, its connection
with religion has long since vanished, and it may be said without
fear of contradiction that the Japanese of to-day, when he or she
abdicates, is in no way actuated by the feeling which impelled
European monarchs in past times to end their days in the seclusion
of the cloister, and which finds expression to-day in the Irish
phrase, 'To make one's soul.' Apart from the influence of
traditional convention, which counts for something and also
explains the great hold on the nation which the custom has
acquired, the motive seems to be somewhat akin to that which leads
people in some Western countries to retire from active life at an
age when bodily infirmity cannot be adduced as the reason. But with
this great difference, that in the one case, that of Western
countries, it is the business or profession, the active work of
life, which is relinquished, the position of the individual
vis-a-vis the family being unaffected; in the other case, it is the
position of head of the family which is relinquished, with the
result of the complete effacement of the individual so far as the
family is concerned. Moreover, although abdication usually implies
the abandonment of the business, or profession, of the person who
abdicates, this does not necessarily follow, abdication being in no
way incompatible with the continuation of the active pursuits in
which the person-in question is engaged. And if an excuse be needed
in either case, there would seem to be more for the Japanese head
of family, who, in addition to the duties and responsibilities
incumbent upon his position, has to bear the brunt of the tedious
ceremonies and observances which characterize family life in Japan,
and are a severe tax upon time and energies, while at the same time
he is fettered by the restrictions upon individual freedom of
action imposed by the family system. That in many cases the reason
for abdication lies in the wish to escape from the tyrannical
calls of family life, rather than in mere desire for idleness and
ease, is shown by the fact that just as in past times the
abdication of an Emperor, a Regent, or a state dignitary,