Japan's former emperor turns 92 as heart condition stabilizes after health concerns

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 92nd birthday Tuesday as his heart condition stabilized, palace officials said, following health concerns earlier this year.

Akihito, the father of Emperor Naruhito, was diagnosed in May with insufficient blood flow to the heart muscles but has been in stable condition since he started a new medication in July, the Imperial Household Agency said in a statement.

He still enjoys scientific research into goby fish, career work in which he found 10 new species, and he visits a biology lab on the palace compound twice a week, the agency said.

Akihito, who has held the title of emperor emeritus since his abdication in 2019, was to celebrate his birthday with his family and receive guests, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Known for his efforts to make amends for Japan’s wartime past, Akihito repeatedly prayed this year for its victims and the survivors who faced hardships as he marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Akihito and his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, offered a moment of silence on four key dates of the war 80 years ago — the end of the Battle of Okinawa, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the day marking Japan's surrender — the IHA said.

He has said the war, fought in the name of his father Hirohito, should not be forgotten.

In August, Akihito and his wife visited a central Japan resort in Karuizawa, where he temporarily evacuated as a child during the war, and where the couple started a romance years later.

In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, left, and Empress Emerita Michiko pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking Akihito's 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, left, and Empress Emerita Michiko pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking Akihito's 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito poses for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking his 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Jalen Duren had 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons held off the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102 on Monday night after blowing a 21-point lead.

Ausar Thompson added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (23-6). Duncan Robinson scored 15 and Cade Cunningham had 14 before fouling out early in the fourth quarter.

Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers (12-17) with 25 points on 11-of-21 shooting but also committed eight turnovers. Deni Avdija added 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Donovan Clingan had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Portland. Sidy Cissoko scored 16 off the bench.

After trailing by 21 late in the third quarter, Portland was still down nine when Cunningham fouled out with 8:32 remaining. But the Blazers outscored the Pistons 12-2 over the next 4:20 to take a one-point lead. Detroit then closed with an 11-2 run to put away the game.

Pistons: Visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Trail Blazers: Host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) reacts to a foul call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith)

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) reacts to fouling out of the game during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith)

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) reacts after being fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith)

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) looks to shoot past Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith)

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) looks on as Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) hangs off the rim after scoring a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith)