Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping met Emperor Akihito of Japan in Tokyo Tuesday. Critics say the meeting used the Emperor for political purposes. Policy in Japan requires at least one month's notice for such meetings. China asked for the meeting with the Emperor in late November. Political opponents in Japan say the meeting was permitted to please China. Former Japanese Prime Minister and opposition member Shinzo Abe has accused the government of using the Emperor for political purposes. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama says, "The meeting was approved because of the important effect it would have on relations between Japan and China." Mr. Xi is considered the likely candidate to replace Chinese President Hu Jintao when his term ends.