In pictures: Japan's Emperor Akihito

The Emperor making his televised address, 8 August 2016NHK

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.

Japan's Emperor Akihito clad in ancient court robes is headed by a carriage for his enthronement at Ise Grand Shrine in Japan, 27 November 1990.Kyodo

Emperor Akihito was formally enthroned in 1990, after the death of his father, Hirohito, the year before.

Akihito, left, and his bride Michiko Shoda, who became Princess Michiko pose in the ceremonial robes they wore during wedding ceremony in Shinto temple on the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, April 1959AP

Emperor Akihito married Empress Michiko, a commoner, in 1959. It was dubbed the "tennis court romance" as they met at the nets.

Japanese Emperor Akihito (L), Empress Michiko (C) and Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama (L) arrive at the national theater 18 December to attend the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War II.Getty Images

Akihito has adopted a more modern style since assuming the throne, making efforts to draw the imperial family closer to its people.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II accompanies Japanese Emperor Akihito to the State Banquet Hall at Buckingham Palace in London on 26 May 1998.AP

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.

Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) bow before the altar during the annual memorial service for war victims in Tokyo on 15 August 2015Getty Images

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.

Emperor Akihito (centre) and Empress Michiko (behind Akihito, right), being followed by a number of people, look at overturned ships and the damaged fishing port in Otsu town in Kitaibaraki, about 70km (42 miles) south of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 22 April 2011.Reuters

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.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wave to locals as they take a walk on a coast near the Hayama Imperial Villa in Hayama, near Tokyo. (5 February 2016.)AP

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.

A Japanese newspaper with a story about reports the Emperor might abdicate on its front page, being held up for the camera in front of a view of people boarding a metro train in Tokyo. 14 July 2016.AFP

Reports in July that Emperor Akihito might abdicate - which would be unprecedented in modern Japanese history - caused considerable surprise.

The Emperor hands over his speech document to the Speaker of the Lower House after delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of the 191st extraordinary Diet session in Tokyo, 1 August 2016.EPA

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.

Emperor Akihito waves from a bullet train in Tokyo (25 July 2016)AFP

The emperor, who has suffered from ill health in recent years, has said he is keen to hand some duties over to his family.

Japan's Emperor Akihito, third from left, waves with Empress Michiko, right, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, to well-wishers from a balcony during a New Year's public appearance at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. 2 January 2014.AP

He will eventually be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito, seen here to his left on the palace balcony.

People in a electronics store in Tokyo, Japan, 08 August 2016 watch a TV screen broadcasting Japanese Emperor Akihito, 82, delivering a video message to the public.EPA

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.

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