Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese police are investigating a knife that was placed on the school desk of Emperor Akihito's grandson, according to media reports Saturday.
The incident Friday involving 12-year-old Hisahito, who is in succession line for the Chrysanthemum Throne, comes as Japan prepares for ceremonies marking Akihito's abdication on April 30.
Kyodo News said police are investigating security camera footage. The Metropolitan Police Department declined comment and Ochanomizu University Junior High School did not answer calls.
Akihito's son, Crown Prince Naruhito, is set to become emperor May 1. Hisahito is Naruhito's nephew.
The emperor, revered as a god during World War II, now holds no political power and serves as a national symbol.
Akihito and his family are generally popular but have been targeted in attacks in the past.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
