Japanese emperor to have heart bypass surgery

Japan's Emperor Akihito, left, accompanied by Empress Michiko, leave University of Tokyo Hospital after he received tests in Tokyo Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, A Japanese television report said Akihito will have heart bypass surgery. AP PHOTO/KYODO NEWS

TOKYO — Japanese Emperor Akihito will have heart bypass surgery later this month, his palace said Sunday after the 78-year-old monarch was hospitalized for tests over the weekend.

Akihito returned to the palace on Sunday after the tests and has scheduled the surgery for Feb. 18, the Imperial Household Agency said.

A medical team from the University of Tokyo and Juntendo hospital will carry out the surgery at University of Tokyo Hospital, as his heart condition had worsened compared to tests a year ago, the agency said.

The palace’s statement said the surgery will help the emporer enjoy a relatively active life

Akihito has had various health problems in recent years, including pneumonia and prostate cancer. He has cut back on public duties but still appears regularly at events.