This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Former Emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

This handout photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Japan's former emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)