Reuters, TOKYOFormer Japanese emperor Akihito, who stepped down last year, has recovered after a brief loss of consciousness on Wednesday, a palace spokesman said. Akihito stepped down from the Chrysanthemum Throne in April last year, following three decades as emperor, Japan’s first abdication in about 200 years, and his son, Naruhito, became emperor. “Rhere were no abnormalities detected, especially nothing suggesting anything like a stroke,” a Japanese Imperial Household Agency spokesman said, adding that Akihito’s condition would continue to be monitored. Akihito, who now holds the formal title of emperor emeritus, had breakfast as normal yesterday, Kyodo news agency reported. Concern over his health was a top trending topic on Twitter in Japan.

Source: Taipei Times January 30, 2020 16:03 UTC