Emperor to be hospitalized on Friday for surgery

Emperor Akihito will enter the hospital on Friday, one day before his scheduled coronary bypass surgery.

The Emperor has been diagnosed with angina. Doctors advised him to undergo a bypass operation on 2 of his 3 coronary arteries to increase the blood supply to his heart.

The surgery will take place at the University of Tokyo hospital.

Doctors say if there are no complications, the Emperor will be able to leave the hospital in about 2 weeks.

The Emperor will continue to take part in official duties until Friday while keeping a watch on his health.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 15:51 +0900 (JST)