Japan's Emperor Akihito hospitalized for bronchitis

TOKYO, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Japan's Emperor Akihito, 77, was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital with a cold and a fever, the Imperial Household Agency said.

The agency said the emperor was taken to the hospital Sunday as a precaution because of symptoms of bronchitis.

The Japanese Cabinet said Crown Prince Naruhito would temporarily take over the emperor's role in the affairs of state, Kyodo News reported.

The news agency said the emperor, who will be 78 next month, canceled an engagement to attend a national assembly of a civic group advocating for the rights of people with learning difficulties.

In February, the emperor had extensive tests of his coronary arteries, CNN reported.

The emperor, who ascended to the throne after the death of his father Emperor Hirohito in 1989, and Empress Michiko have three children.

In a rare televised speech after Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11, Akihito said: "I truly hope the victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow" and urged all Japanese to "remember everyone who has been affected by the devastation, not only today but for a long time afterwards -- and help with the recovery."