TOKYO >> Japan’s royal household says Emperor Akihito has been hospitalized with a fever and a cold.

An Imperial Household Agency official says the emperor was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday evening because of deteriorating symptoms of bronchitis.

Akihito turns 78 next month. The official said the emperor developed a fever Thursday and has refrained from royal duties since.

The official gave only his last name, Nakai, a practice somewhat common in Japan.

Akihito ascended the throne after his father Hirohito died in 1989.

The emperor addressed the nation by television days after the March 11 tsunami. He and Empress Michiko also visited the northeastern coast to encourage residents who lost family and homes.

He has been on hormone therapy since prostate surgery eight years ago.