Politics

Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito recovering from heart failure

Tokyo, Jul 26 (EFE).- Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito is undergoing medical treatment and recovering after being diagnosed with heart failure, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday.

Akihito, 88, underwent heart checks Sunday at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Hospitalization was ruled out as he has mild symptoms and his condition is improving, the agency added.

Akihito stepped down on Apr. 30, 2019 due to concerns about his advanced age and deteriorating health.

His son, Naruhito, succeeded the throne the following day.

Akihito was diagnosed with angina 10 years ago and underwent a coronary artery bypass surgery.

He was also operated in 2003 for prostate cancer.

In 2008, he also suffered from stomach bleeding, the same disease that claimed the life of his father, Hirohito, in 1989 at 87.

Since abdicating the throne, Akihito has been away from public activities.

He has, however, appeared on several occasions with his son, Emperor Naruhito, for example, during the traditional New Year’s greeting from the balcony of the imperial palace held in 2020, before being suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. EFE

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