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Japanese emperor plans to abdicate Japanese Emperor Akihito 'plans to abdicate'
(35 minutes later)
Japanese emperor says he will abdicate in coming years - Akihito, 82, has had health problems Japan's Emperor Akihito has announced his intention to abdicate in the coming years, public broadcaster NHK reports.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. The 82-year-old, who has had health problems in recent years, did not cite a reason for his decision.
If you want to receive Breaking News alerts via email, or on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App then details on how to do so are available on this help page. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. He has been head of state for 27 years and his abdication would be an unprecedented move in modern Japan.
Crown Prince Naruhito, 56, is next in line to succeed him.