Emperor Akihito will enter University of Tokyo Hospital on Friday morning to prepare for heart bypass surgery the next day, the Imperial Household Agency said Wednesday.

The Emperor will conduct his official duties, including meeting with foreign ambassadors to Japan, until Thursday, according to the agency.

Saturday's surgery, which will be conducted by a team of doctors from University of Tokyo Hospital and Juntendo University Hospital, is likely to take about five hours. The Emperor is expected to be discharged in about two weeks if there are no complications.

During the hospitalization period, Crown Prince Naruhito will carry out his father's duties.