Will Japanese Emperor Akihito step down in rare televised speech?

Emperor Akihito – Japanese Emperor Akihito turns 83 on December 23, 2016. Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan, a direct descendant of Japan's first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 B.C. Here, we take a look at the life of the world's only monarch with the title of emperor.

Tokyo Japanese Emperor Akihito will take to the country's airwaves Monday to deliver a rare televised speech.

While exact details are being kept under wraps, many expect Akihito, 82, to announce that he can no longer fully perform his duties as emperor.

The clear implication, which may remain unspoken, is that the emperor desires to step down. The move would mark the first abdication of a Japanese monarch in about 200 years.

Japanese television networks are preparing to air special reports around the speech. Akihito is expected to deliver a pre-recorded video message at 3 p.m. local time (2 a.m. ET) that will undoubtedly be carefully worded, given the sensitivity of the topic.