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TOKYO, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito, who turned 52 Thursday, said he'd be happy to help reduce the official duties Emperor Akihito who had heart bypass surgery. "Considering the emperor's age, it is necessary to cut down his burden," the Crown Prince told a news conference, Kyodo News reported. "I would be more than happy to do anything if I can be of help to him."
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Emperor Akihito, 78, underwent surgery last Saturday after tests showed a narrowing of two of his three coronary arteries, Kyodo said. He was moved Monday from the intensive care unit at the University of Tokyo Hospital to a private room.
The emperor ascended the throne in 1989 after the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito. In Japan, the emperor can remain on the throne for life.
Crown Prince Naruhito, when asked about introduction of an age limit in the future, replied: "I think there are various options available" for reducing the emperor's burden, the report said.
The government, concerned about the declining number of imperial family members, is to hold its first meeting on the issue later this month, the report said.
