TOKYO - JAPANESE Emperor Akihito has cancelled all duties for two days after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, the palace said on Wednesday.

Emperor Akihito, who turns 75 this month, called off all official duties for Wednesday and Thursday 'to have necessary checks and to rest', a spokesman at the Imperial Household Agency said.

The emperor first felt an abnormality in his chest two weeks ago and was diagnosed with an irregular pulse and rising blood pressure, the official said.

Among the cancelled events was a planned meeting with Polish President Lech Kaczynski on Thursday. Empress Michiko has also cancelled her schedule for the two days.

Emperor Akihito had surgery for prostate cancer in January 2003 and started hormone treatment as part therapy for the disease the following year.

He ascended the Chrysanthemum throne to head the world's oldest royal dynasty in 1989, when his father, Emperor Hirohito, died of intestinal cancer at the age of 87.

Japan's emperor enjoys wide respect among the general public, although the post-World War II constitution bars him from holding any political role. -- AFP