Japan's honorary emperor Akihito has been hospitalized for eye surgery, NHK television reported.

According to the channel, the honorary emperor, accompanied by his wife, Empress Emeritus Michiko, went to Tokyo University Hospital this morning. There, Akihito will undergo cataract surgery on his left eye. Then on September 25, the emperor is to undergo surgery to remove cataracts and glaucoma in his right eye.

The decision to operate on 88-year-old Akihito doctors made in connection with the progression of clouding of the lens. There were also symptoms of glaucoma in the right eye.