Japan's former empress Michiko has surgery for breast cancer

The 84-year-old Michiko, wife of former emperor Akihito, has undergone surgery for early-stage breast cancer

Japan's former empress Michiko underwent surgery on Sunday after the 84-year-old was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, the imperial household agency said.

Michiko's husband Akihito formally stepped down as emperor in April, the first abdication for 200 years in the world's oldest monarchy.