Japan is considering legal changes to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate at the end of 2018, say local media reports citing government sources, according to BBC.

Crown Prince Naruhito could then ascend the throne on 1 January 2019, according to the reports.

Akihito, 83, hinted in August that he wanted to stand down, saying his age could interfere with his duties.

No Japanese emperor has abdicated for two centuries and the law currently does not allow it.