Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito (C) poses for a photo with Crown Princess Masako (L) and their daughter Princess Aiko at Togu Palace in Tokyo, Japan February 12, 2017, in this handout photo released by Imperial Household Agency of Japan. Naruhito celebrates his 57th birthday on February 23, 2017. Imperial Household Agency of Japan via Reuters
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito turned 57 on Thursday saying he is ready to become emperor after his father Akihito, who could abdicate as soon as next year, and that like him, he will be an emperor who "shares the pain and joy of the people".
A government panel is debating how to allow the 83-year-old Akihito, who has had heart surgery and prostate cancer treatment, to step down after he said in August that he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties.
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