In pictures: Japan's Emperor AkihitoPublished8 August 2016Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, NHKImage caption, In only his second-ever television address, Emperor Akihito told the nation about the difficulties of continuing his role as he struggles with age and poor health.Image source, KyodoImage caption, Emperor Akihito was formally enthroned in 1990, after the death of his father, Hirohito, the year before.Image source, APImage caption, Emperor Akihito married Empress Michiko, a commoner, in 1959. It was dubbed the "tennis court romance" as they met at the nets.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Akihito has adopted a more modern style since assuming the throne, making efforts to draw the imperial family closer to its people.Image source, APImage caption, Historically, the emperor was seen as semi-divine, however the role was redefined as "the symbol of the nation" in a new constitution written by the Allied forces in the wake of Japan's World War Two defeat.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The emperor has repeatedly expressed remorse for Japan's actions in World War Two, putting him out of step with a growing number of revisionist politicians.Image source, ReutersImage caption, In 2011, the imperial couple were widely admired for travelling to parts of Japan hit by the devastating tsunami and earthquake. Emperor Akihito also made his first ever video address to the public.Image source, APImage caption, The emperor and empress have presided over a period of rapid change in Japan and increasing closeness to the public. Thousands turn out every new year at the royal residence to wish them well.Image source, AFPImage caption, Reports in July that Emperor Akihito might abdicate - which would be unprecedented in modern Japanese history - caused considerable surprise.Image source, EPAImage caption, But the constitution forbids him from interfering in politics, and the law change required to allow him to abdicate would be seen as just that.Image source, AFPImage caption, The emperor, who has suffered from ill health in recent years, has said he is keen to hand some duties over to his family.Image source, APImage caption, He will eventually be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito, seen here to his left on the palace balcony.Image source, EPAImage caption, In 10-minute pre-recorded message, the Emperor said he hoped the duties of the emperor as a symbol of the state could continue steadily without any breaks.More on this storyJapanese emperor 'wishes to abdicate'Published13 July 2016Japan emperor 'remorseful' over WW2Published15 August 2015Japan emperor leads WW2 service. Video, 00:02:19Japan emperor leads WW2 servicePublished15 August 20152:19Japan emperor marks Palau war deadPublished9 April 2015Emperor's presence drives Japan v ScotsAttributionSportPublished24 June 2016Japanese prince warns on war historyPublished23 February 2015