Japanese emperor makes rare televised address

Tokyo, Aug 8  Japanese Emperor Akihito on Monday, in a rare televised address, said if his health worsened, he feared he will not be able to fulfil his duties.

"I am already 80 years old and fortunately I am now in good health," said the monarch, who turns 83 in December.

"However, when I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now," CNN quoted the Emperor as saying in his 10 minute pre-recorded address.

This is the third time a Japanese emperor has spoken to the public in the television and radio era.

In 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced on the radio that Japan had lost World War II. Akihito, his son, addressed the nation on TV after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

Akihito said he may appoint a regent, most likely his son Crown Prince Naruhito, to serve in his place if he is seriously ill or incapacitated, CNN reported.

Japan's imperial household law requires the emperor serve in the position until death. If he becomes incapacitated, his successor can act as regent, according to the constitution.

Akihito acquired the throne in 1989 and is Japan's 125th emperor and records claim the imperial line has been unbroken for 14 centuries, CNN added.