Emperor Akihito, 74, to take short rest

Emperor Akihito has cancelled all official engagements for Wednesday and Thursday after being diagnosed with an irregular pulse, the medical supervisor of the Imperial Household Agency said. The emperor, 74, complained of an unusual feeling in his chest two weeks ago. His blood pressure rose Tuesday night.

Akihito is no longer complaining of anomaly in the chest, Japanese media reported Wednesday, and his blood pressure is stable now. Other than his official engagements there have been no limitations put on his daily activities.

Akihito underwent surgery in 2003 for a prostate cancer and hormonal therapy continues to prevent a relapse. © GPD