Japan's emperor released from hospital

Japan's Emperor Akihito has been released from the hospital after being treated for a high fever and mild bronchial pneumonia. Akihito, 77, was admitted into the University of Tokyo Hospital on Nov. 6. His eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, took over his official duties while he was ill. Palace officials said Akihito would resume his duties as soon as his health permits. Akihito ascended the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in 1989. Since the end of World War II in 1945, Japan's emperor has a largely ceremonial function as the "symbol of the nation." (AP)