The Emperor of Japan, Akihito, 82, plans to abdicate "in the coming years" Chrysanthemum Throne, according to sources of the Agency of the Imperial Japanese Townhouse state broadcaster NHK said today.
Akihito has already announced his intention to abdicate his wife, Empress Michiko, and his son and Crown Prince of Japan, Naruhito.
The emperor has taken this decision because his fragile health prevents him from fully developing their functions, and has already begun the necessary preparations to ensure "a stable succession," according to sources cited.
The Agency of the Imperial Japanese House plans to organize an event for Akihito explain its decision to the Japanese people, according to sources quoted by NHK, which said that the abdication would take place "in the coming years."
The health of the emperor of Japan has been weakened in recent years as it underwent a coronary operation "bypass" in 2012 and also suffered from prostate cancer in 2003 after he suffered osteoporosis, due to the effect of therapy hormone that was prescribed time.
Because of their age and health problems, the Japanese public has debated in recent years the possibility of reducing the workload of Akihito, who has delegated his son Naruhito some of the duties of his agenda, such as visits to kindergartens or senior centers.