TOKYO — Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko hope to reach out to Americans and Canadians of Japanese ancestry during a two-week tour that began today. But palace doctors have warned their health is "not in top form," and that may mean last-minute itinerary changes.

The couple are expected to meet with Gov. Linda Lingle and attend a reception co-hosted by the Japanese ambassador and the consul general.

Akihito has osteoporosis and is still recovering from stress-linked irregular pulse. He has also undergone surgery and treatment for cancer. Michiko injured her knee during a tennis game in February and has had stress-related illnesses over the years.

"Both Canada and the state of Hawai'i are home to many people of Japanese ancestry," Akihito said in a statement ahead of the trip. "We are looking forward to meeting these people in various places during our trip and further deepen our understanding of the paths they have taken to this day."

During their July 14-16 Hawai'i visit, they will lay a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

The 75-year-old Akihito and his 74-year-old wife will also attend a banquet marking the 50th anniversary of a scholarship set up in his honor, the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation.