Emperor Akihito, suffering from gastrointestinal inflammation, has canceled his annual birthday news conference, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday.
The Dec. 23 news conference is the only occasion that reporters at the agency's press club can directly listen to the comments of the 74-year-old Emperor.
The agency said it canceled the event to "reduce fatigue and stress as much as possible." The Emperor will release written comments on his birthday instead, the agency said.
The Emperor is reportedly suffering from both physical and mental stress and has recently canceled some of his official duties.