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Japan’s Emperor Akihito smiles as he talks with residents during a stroll near his imperial villa where he and his wife are staying in Hayama town, south of Tokyo. — Reuters pic

TOKYO, Feb 12 — Japanese Emperor Akihito, 78, will undergo heart bypass surgery on Feb. 18 after a detailed examination found a heart problem had worsened, the Imperial House Agency was quoted as saying on Sunday. 

Kyodo news agency, quoting the Imperial Household Agency, said the emperor's blood vessels had narrowed over the past year. He had been treated in hospital in November for cold, fever and symptoms of bronchitis. 

The Imperial Household Agency was unavailable for comment. — Reuters