TOKYO, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Japanese Emperor Akihito was reported ready to leave a Tokyo hospital after a 17-day stay for treatment of bronchial pneumonia, Kyodo News reported.
The report, quoting a source close to the Imperial Household Agency, said the 77-year-old Emperor was almost free of fever and coughing and was expected to be discharged Thursday.
Kyodo quoted a member of the team of doctors treating the emperor as saying, "We want his majesty to rest through the end of this month at the Imperial Palace and Imperial Residence.''
He was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital Nov. 6 with a cold and a fever. He was later diagnosed with a mild form of bronchial pneumonia while his fever was coming down with antibiotics, earlier Kyodo reports said.
During the hospital stay, Crown Prince Naruhito had temporarily taken over the emperor's duties.
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 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."
