Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stand together by Sokintei arbor. Photo / Getty Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stand together by Sokintei arbor. Photo / Getty The Japanese emperor, in a rare address to the public, signaled Monday his apparent wish to abdicate by expressing concern about his ability to carry out his duties fully. "When I consider my age of over 80, as well as my gradually
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