Story highlights Emperor Akihito, 82, concerned about ability to perform duties fully, NHK reports, citing palace sources

Report comes three months after news that he would reduce his public appearances

(CNN) Japanese Emperor Akihito is thinking about stepping down because of his advanced age -- a move that would mark the first abdication of the nation's monarch in about 200 years -- Japanese state broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday.

Akihito, 82, believes his age prevents him from performing his duties to the fullest and that the next generation -- namely his eldest son, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito -- should take them on, NHK reported, citing sources in the Imperial Household Agency

The emperor, a ceremonial but revered figure in Japan's constitutional monarchy, is considering addressing the issue in a public statement, NHK reported without citing a time frame.

The agency's public relation office director Tsuneyasu Nakai declined to confirm the reports.

"As of now, we are not aware of the fact that has been reported (about the emperor's abdication)," he said. "Therefore we refrain from making any comment."

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