Emperor Akihito of Japan asks to leave throne

Japanese Emperor Akihito, 82, in a rare video address to the public, said on Monday that he worried that it might become difficult for him to carry out his duties fully due to his age Though his words were characteristically vague he discussed his age, his rigorous daily schedule, and what he called his increasing physical limitations the message was unmistakable He said to want to retire and pass the title to his son Crown Prince Naruhito, 56 But succession is complicated because of Japanese law, which says an emperor serves until death