The Emperor of Japan has expressed concern over his ability to carry out his duties fully as he ages.
In his second-ever televised address to the public, Emperor Akihito suggested a need to consider how to make the succession process smoother.
"When I consider my age of over 80, as well as my gradually deteriorating physical condition despite being luckily healthy at this moment, I am concerned about being able to fulfill by duties as a symbol with the utmost efforts, as I have done so far," he told the nation.
The 82-year-old did not explicitly refer to abdication in his pre-recorded address, which lasted around 10 minutes.
However he did suggest the possibility that a regency could be established if an emperor could not fulfil his duties because of age or illness.
Even in that case, the emeperor would continue to be emperor until the end of his life, he added.
His remarks follow recent media reports suggesting he may want to abdicate in the coming years.
The monarch has reportedly told palace officials and his family he doesn't want to cling to his title with severely reduced responsibilities, and his two sons have accepted the idea.
Legal changes would be needed to allow the emperor, a symbolic monarch with no political power, to abdicate.
Emperor Akihito came to the throne on 7 January, 1989.
