Japanese Emperor Akihito was admitted to a Tokyo hospital on Thursday for an operation for prostate cancer, set for this weekend.
Doctors who examined the emperor, aged 69, said they believe the cancer hasn't spread and that he has a good chance of a full recovery, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Thursday's hospitalization marks the first time a Japanese emperor has received major medical treatment outside of the moat-ringed Imperial Palace grounds, the agency added. The operation is scheduled to take place Saturday at the University of Tokyo Hospital.
Akihito is expected to remain in the hospital for about a month. Crown Prince Naruhito has assumed his father's constitutional duties until the monarch is in condition to resume them. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
