Japan's emperor intends to abdicate in a few years: NHK

Tokyo

JAPANESE Emperor Akihito, who has spent much of his time on the throne trying to heal the wounds of World War II, intends to abdicate in a few years, public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday, a step that would be unprecedented in modern Japan.

The 82-year-old monarch, who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer in recent years, expressed his intention to the Imperial Household Agency, NHK said.

It did not cite a reason and officials at the agency could not immediately be reached for comment. Emperor Akihito has been cutting back on his official…