What do you think will be some of the biggest challenges that Crown Prince Naruhito will face when he becomes emperor on May 1?

He'll have plenty of challenges. But he's a very smart and widely knowledgable guy, so I think he will be a great emperor.

One of the biggest challenges he'll have is distancing himself from a certain politcian who thinks he's the saviour and real emperor of Japan.

Probably keeping his wife stress free. She's been a basket case since she married into this family even though her husband is chill.

Distancing the imperial family from its imperial past, and dealing with succession issues.

Relevancy of an emperor in the 21st century seems like a big one.

Following in his father's footsteps will be difficult at first. I remember when Akihito became emperor, no one knew what kind of emperor he would be like. It wasn't really until he and the empress got older that they began to be admired and highly regarded by people, especially older Japanese. By the time they were in their 70s and then 80s, they were a familiar sight comforting disaster victims.

I think for Naruhito, a lot will depend on Masako. She has to be seen with her husband everywhere he goes and whenever they greet visiting foreign dignitaries. This excuse given out by the Imperial Household Agency that she suffers some sort of stress won't cut it when she becomes empress. If her husband has to go out and about alone, he won't be highly regarded.

Getting over the fact that it's a paper title, nothing more.

Being the figurehead of a nation in full economic freefall once the parasitic Olympics have drained the coffers.