What to Know About Japan’s Emperor Akihito: A Lifetime of Firsts

Aug 09, 2016, 12:29 AM

Japan's Emperor Akihito confirmed reports on Monday, in a rare public address, that he's thinking of stepping down from the "Chrysanthemum Throne" in the next few years due to health concerns.

"Fortunately I am now in good health," the 82-year-old said in his first televised broadcast since the Fukushima nuclear disaster.