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Japan royal agency denies Akihito plans to abdicate
Published Thu, Jul 14, 2016 · 09:50 PM
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Tokyo
JAPAN'S ancient monarchy was in tumult on Thursday, with the imperial household insisting its ageing emperor had no plans to abdicate after reports he wanted to step aside.
Respected national broadcaster NHK - citing palace and other sources - said on Wednesday that 82-year-old Akihito wanted to pass the throne to his son.
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