A bill enabling Emperor Akihito to step down in what would be Japan's first abdication in roughly 200 years cleared the House of Representatives on Friday, setting the stage for its passage by the Diet on June 9.With political parties having reached a prior consensus, the lower house endorsed the legislation following deliberations lasting just two days. A House of Councillors committee is expected to start debate on the bill next Wednesday, with a plenary session slated to approve it two days later.Although the bill is a one-time measure specially designed for the 83-year-old emperor to re…READ FULL ARTICLE