Crown Prince Naruhito expressed his readiness Tuesday to take on in the future his father's role as the symbol of the state, following the recent enactment of legislation to enable Emperor Akihito to abdicate.

"I would like to give my whole heart and soul to every duty, including official duties I have already inherited from His Majesty," the 57-year-old crown prince said at a press conference when asked about the emperor's constitutional role as the symbol of the state.

Asked about the enactment of the law to enable Japan's first imperial abdication in two centuries, however, the crown prince said "I would like to refrain from making comments on matters regarding the system."

The crown prince's first public comments since the enactment came before his weeklong trip to Denmark from Thursday to commemorate 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Japan's parliament on Friday enacted the law to allow the 83-year-old emperor to abdicate following his rare video address last summer that hinted at his desire to step down due to his advanced age. While the law states the government will determine the exact timing of the abdication within three years of its promulgation, government sources say December 2018 is the target.

Japan had no legal provision for abdication before the enactment of the law, which is only applicable to Emperor Akihito.

During his stay in Copenhagen, the crown prince is expected to make a speech at the opening ceremony of an exhibition on Japan and attend a luncheon with Queen Margrethe II and a dinner with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. He is scheduled to return home on June 21.