TOKYO: Japanese Emperor Akihito turned 79 years old on Sunday and reassured thousands of well-wishers that he has regained his health since his heart bypass surgery in February.
The softly-spoken monarch gave his birthday address to the public from a glass-covered balcony at the Imperial Palace overlooking the East Garden, filled with visitors braving the bitter cold and waving small Japanese flags.
"In February, I had a heart surgery and worried many people. Please remain assured that I am now living normally like before," he said in a brief speech.
Surgeons carried out the operation on February 18 -- the emperor's first since he was treated in 2003 for prostate cancer -- after tests showed a narrowing of two of his coronary arteries.
The four-hour operation went without a hitch.
During his birthday address, Akihito also said his thoughts were with those who have be unable to return to their homes since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan in March 2011.
"There is only a little time left this year, which once again was a difficult year," he said.
"I plan to spend my time praying for the happiness of all of the Japanese public, particularly those who were affected by the disaster," Akihito said.
The disaster crippled the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which went through meltdowns and explosions, forcing tens of thousands of residents around the facility to abandon their homes, farmland, fishing boats and livestock.
Before his birthday, Akihito told a ceremonial press conference that his health has recovered to the point where he can play tennis.
He added that he wanted to continue to carry out his public duties at the same level, despite calls from his family and court officials to reduce his workload.
Since his heart surgery, Akihito and his wife Michiko have travelled around Japan and visited Britain in May to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee, the royal couple's first overseas trip since 2009, when they visited Canada and Hawaii.
- AFP/ck
Japan Emperor Akihito turns 79, says back to health
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Japan Emperor Akihito turns 79, says back to health
