Japan emperor turns 75 amid health, succession worries (Roundup)

Dec 23, 2008, 8:00 GMT

   Tokyo - Thousands of Japanese greeted Japan's Emperor Akihito Tuesday on the occasion of his 75th birthday, as he reassured his subjects that his health was improving.

   'I feel my physical condition is getting better,' Akihito, with his wife Empress Michiko at his side, told a crowd waving Japanese flags and cheering him with loud shouts of 'Banzai,' which had gathered at Tokyo's imperial palace.

   The Japanese public has only two opportunities each year to get this close to the emperor, after New Year on January 2 and at his birthday on December 23.

   The Tenno, or celestial emperor, also voiced concern over the deepening economic crisis: 'I am concerned that there are many people facing difficulties and having a hard time at the end of the year,' Akihito said.

   At the emperor's side were also his daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Masako, who is recovering from a lengthy, stress-related illness, her husband Crown Prince Naruhito, as well as Prince Akishino and his wife, Princess Kiko.

   Akihito, who marks his 20th anniversary on Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne this year, had cancelled a customary press conference and several of the festivities surrounding his birthday due to a cold.

   Only recently, doctors found traces of internal bleeding in the emperor's stomach and intestinal tract, which were put down to stress, after he was forced to cancel appointments because of high blood pressure.

   In a statement released by the palace, Akihito told the Japanese public that he and his wife hoped to support the crown prince and his wife, who had been absent from most public duties since late 2003, as the former career diplomat struggled to adjust to life at the palace, with its restrictive rules.

   He hoped that Naruhito and Masako would take over more significant roles, Akihito said.

   'Since the crown princess is now sick, it is natural that all members of the family support her,' the Tenno said.

   'I and the empress wish to help the crown prince and princess, who will assume a heavy position in the future,' he added.

   Akihito's remarks come at a time when speculation abounds over a growing rift between the crown prince and his father because of Masako's illness.

   Naruhito caused a public stir in 2004 with unusually candid remarks, saying there had been 'attempts' at court to negate the career and personality of his wife. Masako was 'exhausted' from years of trying to adapt to the royal family, he said.

   For years, Masako had been under pressure to produce a male heir to the throne. The couple had a daughter, Princess Aiko, 7, who, however, is banned from acceding to the throne by Japanese law.

   The succession problem has been temporarily solved by the birth of Prince Hisahito, a son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.