Akihito, 70, underwent an operation in January 2003 to remove a malignant prostate tumor. Doctors declared it a success and said there were no signs that the cancer had spread.

Recent tests, however, showed the Emperor had high levels of a protein used to detect prostate cancer in his bloodstream, the Imperial Household Agency said in a statement.

Palace doctors believe the Emperor has cancerous cells, which appear to be multiplying, it said.

The Emperor will begin hormone therapy this month, receiving injections once every four weeks to help counter the growth of more cancerous cells, the agency said.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 10, 2004
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