Is 'The burden of his spiritual functions as high priest of Shinto and the tasks of administration led the emperor to welcome an early abdication, frequently to retire to a life of Buddhist meditation and scholarship.' a fitting logical lead-up to 'The emperor loved his political duties and refused to abdicate.'
The burden of his spiritual functions as high priest of Shinto and the tasks of administration led the emperor to welcome an early abdication, frequently to retire to a life of Buddhist meditation and scholarship.###The emperor loved his political duties and refused to abdicate.