By Kelly Olsen, Agence France Presse Emperor Akihito said Monday his advancing age and weakening health mean he may no longer be able to carry out his duties, setting the stage for Japan to prepare for an historic abdication. “There are times when I feel various constraints such as in my physical fitness,” the 82-year-old said in a national address. “As we are in the midst of a rapidly ageing society, I would like to talk to you today about what would be a desirable role of the emperor in a time when the emperor, too, becomes advanced in age,” he said. Television screens show a speech by Japanese Emperor Akihito to the nation while displayed at an electronics shop in Tokyo on August 8, 2016. Emperor Akihito said on August 8 his advancing age and weakening health may mean he will no longer be able to carry out his duties, setting the stage for [...]
