Emperor Akihito has cancelled his public duties after being diagnosed with dizziness and cerebral anemia, a condition of insufficient blood flow to the brain, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The Emperor, 84, is set to abdicate next year.

According to the agency, the Emperor felt sick and experienced hot flashes early Monday morning, prompting Empress Michiko to contact a palace doctor.

The Emperor did not attend a meeting with the Princess Ayako, the third daughter of Princess Hisako and the late Prince Takamado, on Monday. The Empress alone met the princess and conveyed a congratulatory message from the Emperor, according to the agency.

The agency announced the princess's engagement to 32-year-old company employee Kei Moriya the same day, and the two are set to hold a news conference later in the day.