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04-30-2022, 03:02 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
Posts: 6,205
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed the sunset and met locals after arriving at Hayama Imperial Villa on April 12. It was their first retreat in 2 years. Some people waited 3 hours to see them. The couple walked for about an hour.
A sunset against Mt. Fuji and seascape of Sagami Bay was called "Diamond Fuji"
Photos: https://www.news-postseven.com/archi...91.html?DETAIL
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06-02-2022, 01:41 PM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
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On June 1st, the Imperial Household Agency reported Emperor Emeritus Akihito will postpone a visit to Tokyo National Museum due to being tired. The Emeritus couple were scheduled to visit "Ryukyu: 50th anniversary special exhibition of Okinawa's reversion to Japan" on June 2. No medical treatment or examination is required, simply aging.
The agency reports the Emperor Emeritus felt tired on May 31st, consulted with doctors, and made an early decision to postpone in consideration of the impact on the people concerned.
May 30: visited the biology research institute at the Imperial Palace
May 31: shortened morning and evening walks
June 1: canceled morning walk and did not visit biology research institute
Sources: Asahi, Sankei, Mainichi
ETA: Emperor Emeritus postpones visit to exhibition - The Japan News
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... The Emperor Emeritus is said to have been showing signs of fatigue since Tuesday, and canceled his daily walks Wednesday. According to the agency, he has no symptoms of illness and is not in need of medical treatment...
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06-10-2022, 04:29 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
Posts: 6,205
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On June 9th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the "Ryukyu: 50th anniversary special exhibition of Okinawa's reversion to Japan" at Tokyo National Museum.
The Emeritus couple arrived before 5pm and stayed about 40 minutes. The museum requested their visit according to Jiji. This is the couple's first activity outside Imperial residences since visiting Meiji Jingu in October 2020.
Photos: Asahi, AP Images
https://twitter.com/mainichiphoto/st...10216130531330
Akihito, Michiko view exhibition commemorating Okinawa’s return | The Asahi Shimbun
Quote:
[...]
The exhibition at the National Museum in Tokyo’s Taito Ward shows many cultural assets from the Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed for about 450 years until 1879, before Okinawa. The couple viewed the historical materials and artifacts from the period.
The couple also viewed a large ornamental hairpin called “kanzashi,” said to have been used by the highest-ranking priestess of Ryukyu, the Kikoe Ogimi, who prayed for the kingdom’s peace and good harvest and served to protect the Ryukyu islands.
“There was the war in Okinawa, but it is fortunate (these collections) are preserved,” said Akihito.
Michiko said, “It must have been very hard to collect this many.”
[...]
They were originally scheduled to visit the museum on June 2, but they postponed it in light of Akihito’s fatigue as well as advanced age.
This is their first time in about one year and seven months for them to see such an exhibition.
They walked holding hands. Akihito smiled and waved to the visitors at the exhibition.
Akihito feels well and has a regular life, according to the close aide.
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Emperor Emeritus visits exhibition on Okinawa’s culture, history - The Japan News
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... In front of a showcase containing a gilt-bronze hairpin, the pair bent forward to have a closer look at the elaborate engraving of a dragon. “It’s great that it survived the war,” said the Emperor Emeritus, who has visited Okinawa Prefecture 11 times and has made efforts to console the souls of World War II victims and protect the Ryukyu and Okinawan culture...
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06-17-2022, 05:10 PM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
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On June 17th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the "Special Exhibition Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Okinawa's Reversion to Japan" at the National Archives of Japan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
Photos: AP Images, Asahi
Emperor Emeritus, Empress Emerita visit Okinawa exhibition at National Archives of Japan - The Japan News
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“With so many people perishing, the Battle of Okinawa was a catastrophic battle,” the Emperor Emeritus said.
The Empress Emerita said, “I hope many people, especially young people, will visit this exhibition.”
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07-04-2022, 02:50 PM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
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On July 4th, Empress Emerita Michiko attended charity concert "Living 2022 ~ With children fighting illnesses such as childhood cancer ~" to support patients and their families at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. The Empress Emerita spoke to some of them before leaving.
Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei
NTV: Empress Emerita Michiko is a regular attendee and called out to "Ami-chan" who she met 10 years ago. The charity concert resumed after a 3 year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Empress Emerita attends charity concert for children - The Japan News
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[...] She listened to works by singer-songwriter Shinji Tanimura and others, and applauded the performers. About 40 children with cancer and their families were invited to the event.
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07-19-2022, 11:43 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
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On July 19th, an employee working for the Emeritus couple has Covid-19. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko had negative PCR tests the same day but will cancel their scheduled visit to Meiji Jingu on July 21. Their physical condition has not changed.
According to the IHA, the employee interacted with the Emeritus couple during the night shift on July 16. He had fever on the 18th and was confirmed to be infected the next day.
Due to recent infections - Princess Yuriko and 3 of her staff last week, Princess Tsuguko (July 19), Takamado family employee (July 18) - the agency will conduct weekly testing of employees at households with elderly royals from now on.
Sources: Jiji, NTV
ETA: English video of July 4 charity concert
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07-19-2022, 11:56 AM
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Heir Apparent
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: St Thomas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Posts: 5,764
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
[...]
Due to recent infections - Princess Yuriko and 3 of her staff last week, Princess Tsuguko (July 19), Takamado family employee (July 18) - the agency will conduct weekly testing of employees at households with elderly royals from now on.
Sources: Jiji, NTV |
Thank you for the update. I'm a bit surprised they weren't already conducting preemptive testing for employees of the medically vulnerable royals. Hopefully all involved will stay safe.
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07-26-2022, 02:15 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Bay Area, United States
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On July 26th, the IHA announced Emperor Emeritus Akihito was diagnosed with heart failure at the University of Tokyo Hospital. He had several examinations since last month which showed an increased BNP value. He is currently improving with medication, restricting fluid intake, and shortening walking. No hospitalization is needed.
He was diagnosed with heart failure in the right heart due to tricuspid regurgitation, which makes it difficult for the heart valve to close.
Sources: NHK, Sankei
Former Emperor Akihito on mend after heart failure diagnosis: palace - Kyodo News
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Former Emperor Akihito has been diagnosed as suffering heart failure, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday, but he is on the mend after receiving treatment, and there are no plans for him to be hospitalized.
The 88-year-old received the diagnosis after undergoing a heart examination at University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday, according to the agency. The exam found that a valve in his heart did not close sufficiently to prevent blood backflow.
The former emperor has been on a course of medication since the end of June and has seen improvement in his health, it said. [...]
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NTV reports the Emeritus couple had a series of annual examinations at the IHA hospital since last month. Emperor Emeritus Akihito had a cardiac MRI at University of Tokyo Hospital on July 24.
Empress Emerita Michiko received laser treatment on her right on July 24 and is recovering well. She had cataract surgery on both eyes in June 2019 but progress has been uncertain.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito Diagnosed with Heart Failure | Nippon.com
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[...] It said that the father of Emperor Naruhito gained weight between April and June, and that a blood test taken at the end of June found that he had high levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, or BNP, an indicator of heart failure.
He was found to have a faulty valve between the right atrium and right ventricle of his heart.
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Japan's Emperor Emeritus diagnosed with heart failure | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
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The agency says for now the Emperor Emeritus has reduced his activities, such as by shortening his morning and evening walks, but that other restrictions aren't necessary. The agency says he will continue to receive treatment at home.
The agency also says his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, underwent an outpatient operation on her right eye on Sunday. She previously had cataract surgery on the same eye. The agency says she is making a good recovery.
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07-28-2022, 04:32 PM
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Heir Apparent
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: St Thomas, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Posts: 5,764
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
On July 26th, the IHA announced Emperor Emeritus Akihito was diagnosed with heart failure at the University of Tokyo Hospital. He had several examinations since last month which showed an increased BNP value. He is currently improving with medication, restricting fluid intake, and shortening walking. No hospitalization is needed.
He was diagnosed with heart failure in the right heart due to tricuspid regurgitation, which makes it difficult for the heart valve to close.
Sources: NHK, Sankei
Former Emperor Akihito on mend after heart failure diagnosis: palace - Kyodo News
NTV reports the Emeritus couple had a series of annual examinations at the IHA hospital since last month. Emperor Emeritus Akihito had a cardiac MRI at University of Tokyo Hospital on July 24.
[...] |
It sounds as if the emeritus couple has suffered a significant decline in health over at least the last month or so, even if the emperor emeritus's valve malfunction was only diagnosed on Sunday. I wonder if the IHA elected to make an announcement at this moment because there is now good news (a clear diagnosis and an improvement in health for the emperor emeritus) to share along with the bad.
This also illuminates the benefits of regular medical examinations, seeing as the emperor emeritus was unaware of heart failure symptoms and it was detected and diagnosed through testing.
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07-29-2022, 03:36 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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The IHA has released information following regular checkups in the past although I think Empress Emerita Michiko's breast cancer announcement was also released with reassurances? (i.e. - early-stage, small)
I have been curious about Michiko wearing sunglasses since her cataract surgery and now it makes sense. Hopefully the laser surgery will resolve the issue.
The IHA reports Emperor Naruhito's family expressed sympathies to the Emeritus couple on July 26 following the announcement of their diagnosis and surgery. [ NTV]
On July 29th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito went to the biology institute at the Imperial Palace after 10am. He waved to well-wishers while leaving Akasaka Estate and arriving at the palace. He is not visiting the IHA hospital.
Photos: AP Images, FNN
ETA: Emperor Emeritus visits Imperial Palace for fish research | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
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[...]
Agency officials said his condition is improving since he started taking medication and restricting his fluid intake.
They said the Emperor Emeritus has reduced his activities, such as by shortening his morning and evening walks, but that other restrictions are not necessary.
Agency officials also said the Emperor Emeritus will regularly visit a biological laboratory at the Imperial Palace to continue his research on goby fish.
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08-26-2022, 12:48 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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On August 26th, Empress Emerita Michiko visited the Imperial Household Agency Hospital to follow up on a blood clot in her right calf. She was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (peripheral type) last week. She is not taking medication and under observation, drinking plenty of water and exercising moderately to improve circulation. Deep vein thrombosis was suspected after an earlier blood test.
Empress Emerita Michiko arrived at the IHA hospital around 10am and left shortly after 11:30am.
The Emeritus couple had medical examinations several times in June. Empress Emerita Michiko’s BNP level, a diagnostic indicator of heart failure, has increased and she continues to have slight fever in the afternoon. She continues her daily walks in mornings and evenings with Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
Photos/video: Asahi, Sankei, Jiji, NTV, AP Images
Japan's Empress Emerita Michiko Diagnosed with Thrombosis | Nippon.com
Quote:
Japan's Empress Emerita Michiko underwent testing at the Imperial Household Hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis last week.
A clot has been found in a blood vessel in her right calf, an aide to the Empress Emerita said. The doctors will decide on her treatment, including whether medication is needed, based on the result of the screening.
[...]
After last week's diagnosis, the Empress Emerita has been spending her time as usual at the Sento Imperial Residence in Minato Ward in the Japanese capital, such as taking a walk with her husband, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, in the morning and afternoon, taking care to stay hydrated and engaging in light exercise.
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Doctors: Empress Emerita does not need medication for now | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
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Following an examination, it was decided that she does not need medication nor other treatment at the moment. Doctors say her thrombosis is a relatively low-risk type in which blood clots form in a vein below the knee. They say they will keep monitoring her conditions.
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Wishing the Empress Emerita a smooth recovery.
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09-02-2022, 11:57 PM
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Majesty
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko canceled summer plans in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture due to the pandemic. A 10-day retreat was under consideration for late August to early September.
In health news, Emperor Emeritus Akihito will undergo a chest X-ray and CT scan to follow-up on his heart failure diagnosis. Empress Emerita Michiko continues to be monitored for deep vein thrombosis (peripheral type). She stays hydrated and exercises moderately. No medication needed yet.
Source: Asahi
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09-03-2022, 12:53 AM
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Gentry
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Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 51
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko canceled summer plans in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture due to the pandemic. A 10-day retreat was under consideration for late August to early September.
In health news, Emperor Emeritus Akihito will undergo a chest X-ray and CT scan to follow-up on his heart failure diagnosis. Empress Emerita Michiko continues to be monitored for deep vein thrombosis (peripheral type). She stays hydrated and exercises moderately. No medication needed yet.
Source: Asahi |
Hopefully his condition improves, and some doctors do consider this heart failure to be a liveable condition.
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09-16-2022, 12:36 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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On September 16th, the Emeritus couple visited the Imperial Palace, arriving around 10am. Emperor Emeritus Akihito went to the biology research institute. Empress Emerita Michiko went to the IHA hospital for follow up on the blood clot in her right leg.
Photo: Sankei
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09-16-2022, 12:45 AM
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Gentry
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Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 51
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I do wish them long life, hopefully these health concerns are resolved
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09-19-2022, 02:15 AM
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Majesty
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On the morning of September 19th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito had cataract surgery on his left eye at the University of Tokyo Hospital in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Empress Emerita Michiko arrived later. He will return on September 25th for cataract surgery on his right eye.
Photos: Mainichi, AP Images
Japan Emperor Emeritus Undergoes Cataract Surgery | Nippon.com
Quote:
Japanese Emperor Emeritus Akihito underwent cataract surgery on his left eye at the University of Tokyo Hospital on Monday.
The Emperor Emeritus, 88, arrived at the hospital in Bunkyo Ward in Tokyo around 9:30 a.m. the same day (12:30 a.m. GMT). Empress Emerita Michiko visited the hospital later to attend her husband.
The couple left the hospital around noon.
[...]
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10-16-2022, 02:53 AM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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On October 14th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito went to the Imperial Palace's biology research institute for the first time to study gobies since cataract and glaucoma surgeries in September.
Photo: NHK
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10-19-2022, 05:34 PM
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Majesty
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Empress Emerita Michiko celebrates her 88th (Beiju, long life milestone) birthday on October 20.
Video and photos were taken on October 4 at Akasaka Estate
Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, NTV
The IHA produced 60-minute video to commemorate her 88th birthday "Her Majesty the Empress Emerita Beiju" and it's available on the government website:
English: https://nettv.gov-online.go.jp/eng/prg/prg7911.html
Japanese: https://nettv.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg25337.html
IHA birthday press release: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/joko/press/r041020.html
- birthday celebration will happen this year although reduced due to pandemic
- Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and the Crown Prince Akishino couple represent the Imperial family greetings
- still refraining from going out due to pandemic, refrained from holidays at Imperial villas
- highlights visits to Okinawa exhibition for 50th anniversary of reversion to Japan and charity concert for childhood cancer
- worries about pandemic and disasters
- sad farewells: friend Kyoko Matsuoka, a children's literature author and founder of the Tokyo Children's Library, fashion designers Issey Miyake and Hanae Mori, Teijiro Furukawa, former deputy chief cabinet secretary and chairman of the Mother and Child Aiiku Association of the Imperial Gift Foundation, Queen Elizabeth II, and many others.
- milestones: Princess Aiko's coming-of-age, Prince Hisahito entering senior high school, and Princess Yuriko's 99th birthday
- she still has symptoms of fever rising in the afternoon from May of the year before last, and her BNP value, which is a diagnostic index for heart failure, continues to exceed normal values. In July, she underwent laser posterior capsulotomy for secondary cataract in her right eye at the University of Tokyo Hospital
- still following up on the blood clot in her right calf from August
Japan's Empress Emerita Michiko Turns 88 - Nippon.com
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[...]
She has lived a regular life with her husband in the past year while refraining from going out or meeting new people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
An event to celebrate her birthday will be held for the first time in four years, with a smaller size.
[...]
The Empress Emerita strolls around the residence with the Emperor Emeritus in the morning and evening.
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Japan's former Empress Michiko turns 88, keeps up daily routine - Kyodo News
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[...]
The former empress has been growing balloon vine seeds at the Akasaka residence, a gift from students of a nursery school located near the Takanawa Imperial Residence, where the couple temporarily lived for around two years.
The empress has not only been concerned about the coronavirus but she also expressed concern, along with the former emperor, about Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures when northeastern Japan was hit by a large earthquake on March 16, according to the agency.
Last month, the former empress mourned the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, whom she had befriended for years.
The former empress has been under observation since being diagnosed in August with deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, in her right calf.
She continues to experience mild fevers in the afternoon, and her diagnostic indicator of heart failure remains above the normal range.
[...]
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