Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko Current Events 1: May 2019 -
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On May 5th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko privately visited Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club in Minato, Tokyo. They arrived around 4:20pm and enjoyed an hour with friends.
The retired Imperial couple have a long history with Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club. They played there before and after marriage and visited regularly around Children's Day (May 5) during their reign. Photos: Asahi, Mainichi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o06zuF2Yro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhO6ok-Tjwk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3puEMLleQo |
Great to see them again. Clear sign that they don't intend to live completely in hiding from now on.
Isn't the tennisclub the place where they first met? |
No, they met at a tennis court at Karuizawa near Nagano. They developed their relationship further at Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club.
Akihito, Michiko visit Tokyo tennis club, 1st outing after abdication: The Asahi Shimbun Quote:
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I am sure tennis will always have a special place for them :flowers:
I never read about how they met until now. I didn't realize the empress was raised a Catholic and was sent off to Brussels to discourage the relationship. I am sure King Baudouin will hold a special place for the couple, as he helped them remain in contact and later negotiate their marriage. The 'love on the tennis court' was certainly news. Marriage to a commoner was rare even in Europe for a future ruler in those days. But in even more traditional Japan, it was shocking. |
More information and details on how they met and the Empress Emerita's faith can be found here: https://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...ory-23550.html and here: https://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...ith-16760.html
Their story is a fascinating one. |
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On May 17th, the IHA revealed a little about Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko since the abdication.
The retired Imperial couple are pleased the new emperor and empress successfully completed the many succession ceremonies and rituals. They watched the May 1 and May 4 events on TV at their residence, Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko continue to wake up early as before and walk in the morning. They are preparing to move to their temporary home, Takanawa imperial residence. Empress Emerita Michiko enjoys playing the piano and reading. The couple have been viewing the guestbooks people all over the country signed for their 30-year reign. They will enjoy a concert in Tokyo on May 24th. Sources: NHK, Yomiuri |
On May 20th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito visited the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Tokyo. He arrived after 2pm and stayed about two and a half hours for fish research and a mammalian exhibit.
Source: Jiji https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7EsGbUWsAArUUx.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7EsI7WXYAEmSEx.jpg |
On May 24th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed the "21st Beppu Argerich Music Festival" concert by Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, the Mito Chamber Orchestra, and conductor Seiji Ozawa at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. The concert supports Argerich's Pinocchio Project.
Source: Jiji https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7WtcvTU0AAPQux.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7WtdzKUcAAXgIF.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7Wte9dUwAAfZXa.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiiE_nNq6Qc |
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It's natural to be curious about the retired Imperial couple, especially only weeks since the abdication. I didn't expect them to disappear although we'll probably see them less and less as they get older. I wonder if the IHA will release birthday photos or limit photos to milestone birthdays? Also, will they appear in the new year group photo?
Best friend tells of Michiko’s final days as empress, Reiwa reaction: The Asahi Shimbun Quote:
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On May 30th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko sent condolences via an aide to the family of Satoshi Oyama, a Foreign Ministry official killed in a knife attack in Kawasaki near Tokyo on May 28th. Oyama was a specialist in Burmese and served as interpreter for Their Majesties 4 times between 2013 and 2015 at tea parties and meetings with ambassadors of Myanmar.
Source: Sankei, Jiji A man attacked a group of students and parents waiting for the school bus on Tuesday morning. 19 were stabbed, 2 fatally (39-year-old Satoshi Oyama and 11-year-old Hanako Kuribayashi). ETA: Akihito, Michiko give words of sympathy to wife of slain diplomat: The Asahi Shimbun Quote:
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On June 6th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko reported the abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Taisho at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo.
Their car displayed the retired emperor's Imperial standard for the first time. The flag is similar to the Emperor's except the red is darker. https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/06...0101000p/9.jpg Photos: AP Images, Mainichi Emperor Emeritus visits grandfather's mausoleum | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tMHEPsoo6o |
On June 7th, the IHA announced Empress Emerita Michiko will undergo a heart examination at the IHA hospital following a result of a regular check up earlier this week. A blood test found an increase in BNP level. The hormone BNP is a diagnostic index for heart failure. The agency reported the Empress Emerita has experienced noticeable breathlessness during morning walks this year. Results of the heart exam are expected after a week.
There is no change to the retired Imperial couple's schedule for now. They plan to visit the tomb of Prince Katsura on June 9 to mark the 5th anniversary of his passing and visit Kyoto Prefecture June 11-13 to finish abdication rituals. Source: Sankei Former Empress Michiko to undergo heart exam - The Mainichi Quote:
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I'm so sorry to hear this. Wasn't around 3 or 4 years ago that she was being examined for suspected issues with her heart? It sounds as though it could well be an ongoing issue.
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:previous: Yes, she experienced frequent of chest pains in 2015 and was diagnosed with myocardial ischemia, a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to some parts of the heart, but no surgery was needed.
Empress Emerita diagnosed with heart disease | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
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:previous: This is not unexpected news, unfortunately, based on her history. The good news is that the report in Kyodo News indicates that the condition is currently fairly mild, so hopefully, with care, she and the Emperor Emeritus will have many happy years ahead of them.
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko in Kyoto today, June 11: ** gettyimages gallery: JPN: Emperor Emeritus And Empress Emerita Visit Kyoto - Day 1 ** |
On June 12th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko reported his abdication at the mausoleums of Emperor Kōmei and Emperor Meiji in Kyoto Prefecture.
Photos: Getty Images, Asahi Emperor Emeritus visits ancestor's mausoleum | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcqG5F3Ip2U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpVHW2c4pEM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzm9TyylapM |
Asahi reports on the daily lives of the retired Imperial couple. Emperor Emeritus Akihito visits the Imperial Palace's biology laboratory to study goby. Empress Emerita Michiko cherishes time spent with friends. They are preparing to move to Takanawa Imperial residence. Each day they spend time organizing their belongings, such as deciding what to keep and what to donate to research institutions, specifically academic books and specimens gifted by heads of state.
ETA: Retired imperial couple visit emperors’ tombs in final duty: The Asahi Shimbun Quote:
Getty Images https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIdMhm842rM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhmoQk5mcTQ |
On June 14th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club in Minato, Tokyo. They stayed about an hour, enjoying time with friends.
Sources: tv-tokyo.co.jp, Mainichi ETA: On June 16th, Empress Emerita Michiko had cataract surgery on her right eye at a hospital in Tokyo. She arrived at 10:30am and was discharged around 4:30pm. The left eye surgery is scheduled for June 23rd. Photo: Mainichi, Kyodo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuu45zTiTI4 |
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On June 22nd, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko attended the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra: Akeo Watanabe 100th Birthday Celebration concert at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. Source: Sankei On June 23rd, Empress Emerita Michiko had cataract surgery on her left eye at a hospital in Tokyo. https://twitter.com/FNN_News/status/1142634650956775424 |
On July 5th, Empress Emerita Michiko attended a charity concert supporting pediatric cancer patients at the Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Source: Jiji |
Japan's former emperor suffers bout of cerebral anemia - Kyodo News+
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- the retired Imperial couple had checkups July 9-15, usually afternoons. - July 11: Emperor Emeritus Akihito had checkups in morning and afternoon. He experienced cerebral anemia that evening and was treated. - July 12: His afternoon checkup was postponed. - Empress Emerita Michiko needs additional exams, results will be announced later. |
I'm sorry to hear this, but not terribly surprised. Both the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita seem to have had a series of health issues since the abdication, which is unfortunate, but also highlights exactly why Akihito had asked for the government to facilitate the abdication to begin with. I'm braced to hear what the results are for the additional exams for Michiko.
Thank you for keeping us updated, Prisma. |
From July 24-29, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are vacationing at Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture. On July 25th, they strolled around for media.
Source: Jiji Photos: AP Images, Getty Images fnn.jp video https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...7250018-p1.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EASwmzpUIAE3r0m.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1CdPefBhlk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXDSTqn9lqI |
On July 29th, the retired Imperial couple returned to Tokyo from their retreat at Nasu Imperial Villa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxvlFBcvjnM |
On August 1st, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed the 30th Pacific Music Festival (PMF) Orchestra at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. This year, the orchestra consists of 96 musicians from 26 countries and regions under the direction of conductor Valery Gergiev.
Photos: Sankei, Getty Images https://twitter.com/tokyoshashinbu/s...18653566816257 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgd_uFIfimA |
Empress Emerita Michiko has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, announced by the IHA on August 9th. She will undergo surgery after resting and increasing physical fitness in Karuizawa, Nagano and Kusatsu, Gunma in late August. Surgery likely after September.
The tumor was found in the left breast at a regular medical checkup on July 12th. An MRI revealed suspected malignancy at the University of Tokyo Hospital on July 15th. A biopsy was conducted at the IHA hospital on August 2nd, and breast cancer was diagnosed. According to the agency, there is currently a concern about her overall decline in physical fitness, such as a sudden decrease in weight. Sources: Sankei, Asahi Empress Emerita to have surgery for breast cancer | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Michiko found to have breast cancer, will undergo surgery: The Asahi Shimbun Empress Emerita to undergo cancer surgery | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
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I'm so sorry to hear this, but somehow not surprised. I thought that she was not looking well in recent photos, and there were hints from the last news updates concerning her health that something was up with her.
Thank you for updating, Prisma, and for all the links. I am hoping that the Empress Emerita has a swift and uncomplicated recovery, and many healthy years to enjoy her retirement. |
Thanks Prisma!!
Hoping everything going well for the Empress Emerita! |
This made me down today. I hope the surgery will be a success. My prayers for the Empress Emerita!
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I'm sorry to hear that. I hope the surgery is successful and I wish Empress Michiko a recovery.
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On August 16th, Empress Emerita Michiko visited a friend's home in Tokyo. It's her first appearance since the IHA announced her breast cancer diagnosis. She waved to well-wishers while leaving the Imperial Palace.
Photos: Asahi https://twitter.com/asahi_photo/stat...79496830967808 |
On August 22nd, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko traveled to Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture for recuperation. They will move to Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture on the 27th and return to Tokyo on the 30th.
The couple will visit a settlement by former Manchuria returnees on the 23rd and attend Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy & Festival on the 27th, where Empress Emerita Michiko will also participate in a piano workshop. Photo: Kyodo https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...8220018-p1.jpg https://twitter.com/yama3283/status/1164480673639362570 https://twitter.com/vignette01/statu...62484620599298 |
On August 23rd, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited vegetable fields in the Ohinata area of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture where Manchuria returnees settled after Japan's defeat. The couple have visited the settlement since their Crown Prince/Princess days.
Photos: AP Images https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1164756749082980353 https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...8230023-p1.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeK2lIyIdNA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYr6ccwdYCU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiDqEdDKA6U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjHw4jJEG0A |
On August 25th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the Karuizawa tennis court where they first met in the summer of 1957. They stayed about 30 minutes, chatting and watching a game.
Getty Images https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_sIZCnaOS4 |
On August 27th, Empress Emerita Michiko attended a music workshop at the Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy & Festival in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. The former empress and flutist Karl-Heinz Schütz performed "The Swan" by Saint-Saëns.
Later, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed the music festival's concert. Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Getty, Getty 2 Empress Emerita plays the piano with Vienna Philharmonic flutist | Nippon TV NEWS24 JAPAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMCqVa4mQyA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jh8gnDq_lI Full performance starts at 0:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbZQ8u3FoJw |
On August 30th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko returned to Tokyo.
https://twitter.com/stk_levis75017/s...16586526461954 https://twitter.com/hoot_1018/status...93426590597120 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnVOpY75vhM |
On September 1st, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed a concert by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. The concert celebrates the 150th anniversary of Japan-Hungary relations and was conducted by Ken’ichiro Kobayashi.
Before the concert, Empress Emerita Michiko was examined for breast cancer surgery at the University of Tokyo Hospital. [Jiji] AP Images https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...9010038-p1.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDZPPo1U0AIBYYK.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHEFxcY4fr4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVCFZ_KnyQ |
Empress Emerita Michiko will undergo surgery for breast cancer on September 8th at the University of Tokyo Hospital. She'll be admitted to the hospital on the 7th for a preoperative examination.
Source: Mainichi Empress Emerita Michiko to Have Breast Cancer Surgery Sun. | Nippon.com Quote:
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On September 7th, Empress Emerita Michiko was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital for breast cancer surgery scheduled for 10am on Sunday. [Sankei]
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...9070026-p1.jpg https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/09...0073000p/9.jpg https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/ima...00887_comm.jpg https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/ima...00888_comm.jpg Empress Emerita in hospital for surgery | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrTnX6XTxRE |
Sending my best wishes for a safe surgery, and a quick and complete recovery to the Empress Emerita, and hoping that she will be back home soon.
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito visited his wife Empress Emerita Michiko before her 10am breast cancer surgery on September 8th. He arrived at the University of Tokyo Hospital around 9:30am. He visited the retired Empress with their daughter Sayako Kuroda. The retired Emperor returned to Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace and will go back to the hospital after the operation.
Asahi gallery, AP Images Empress Emerita undergoes breast cancer surgery | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
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In evening of September 8th, the IHA announced the post-surgical progress of Empress Emerita Michiko's breast cancer operation:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed and initial results show no metastasis, so axillary lymph node dissection was not performed - Size of tumor was less than 1cm - Total area removed was about 5cm - Final pathology report is expected in 1-2 weeks - Any adjuvant therapy depends on pathology report, possibly hormone therapy Emperor Emeritus Akihito received the news with his daughter Sayako Kuroda at the hospital and is relieved. The surgery progress was reported to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako who were visiting Akita Prefecture and the Crown Prince Akishino couple. Sources: Sankei, Jiji, NHK |
This is very good preliminary news, and here's hoping that the pathology report is an excellent one.
I hope Michiko is resting comfortably and will soon be home. |
Empress Emerita to Leave Hospital on Tuesday | Nippon.com
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ETA: Empress Emerita Michiko was discharged from University of Tokyo Hospital after 2pm on September 10th. https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...9100023-p1.jpg https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/201...1517_01_02.jpg https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/ima...02338_comm.jpg https://twitter.com/asahi_photo/stat...10937720012800 https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1171312665030987776 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOF-_J-wVok |
It's nice to see the Empress Emerita looking very much herself. I hope she'll be able to regain her appetite and her strength now that she is home. There's something about hospitals that just kills the appetite even in the best cases.
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Excellent news!
Empress Emerita's Breast Cancer Completely Removed | Nippon.com Quote:
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On October 7th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed Ryukyu dances at the National Theatre in Chiyoda, Tokyo. They have a close relationship with renowned Okinawan dancer Fusako Shida, who appeared in the 5th performance with her daughter Maki.
Photos: AP Images https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/10...0284000p/9.jpg https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/pho...0032803086.jpg https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...0070036-p1.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q9rIky5JNc |
The retired Imperial couple are greatly saddened by the devastation of Typhoon No.19. Most of Empress Emerita Michiko's birthday events on October 20 will be cancelled. The celebration was already simplified in consideration of the enthronement but now, only the birthday luncheon with the Emperor Naruhito's family, Akishino family, and Kuroda couple will be held.
Sources: Sankei, Jiji |
Empress Emerita Michiko turns 85 on October 20th.
Asahi gallery, IHA Empress Emerita Michiko turns 85 | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Quote:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOTLHiT_qJ0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orT9kWa0hAM |
Tweets and video of Emperor Naruhito's family, Akishino family, and Kuroda couple entering/leaving the Imperial Palace for Empress Emerita Michiko's birthday luncheon on October 20.
https://twitter.com/yuumegetuka/stat...50963803832320 https://twitter.com/yuumegetuka/stat...38427360522241 https://twitter.com/FNN_News/status/1186129229580308480 https://twitter.com/anjilin63768128/...98825803685888 https://twitter.com/ImperialJPNfan/s...48473398460416 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPRb41Weo1o |
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are at the Bronze Rugby Final match between Wales and New Zealand. They were just shown on TV. The match is taking place in Tokyo.
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Getty Images https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcupjp/...49319472881664 https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcupjp/...08731163873285 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoB1KqWQTrc On October 29th, Empress Emerita Michiko visited the Tokyo church before Sadako Ogata's funeral. Michiko was Mrs. Ogata's junior at the University of the Sacred Heart and longtime friends. Sadako Ogata was former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, President of JICA, and professor emeritus at Sophia University. She died on October 22nd. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4M7wE3F7En/ |
:previous: Looking good! Nice to see Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the match.
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On November 6th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the "Imperial Family and the People" exhibition at the National Archives of Japan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
AP Images https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...1060022-p1.jpg https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIqQ1zUUcAE4Q7y.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsblAOPDuFA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wbOe6xlRlQ |
On November 11th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the exhibition "Shosoin: Essential Treasures of Ancient Japan Passed Down by the Imperial Family" at Tokyo National Museum in Taitō, Tokyo.
AP Images https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJHgd9kU4AEJOFb.jpg https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/11...0246000p/9.jpg https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/11...0245000p/9.jpg |
On November 20th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko attended the Berlin Philharmonic concert conducted by Zubin Mehta at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. They arrived for the 2nd half of the performance and enjoyed Beethoven's Symphony No. 3.
Getty Images, AP Images https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...1200044-p1.jpg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjNTRJkxoXA |
On December 13th, the IHA revealed Empress Emerita Michiko has vomited blood several times since September. It's not related to breast cancer surgery but said to be caused by mental stress. After taking medication, there are no symptoms recently and she's being monitored.
According to the agency, her sudden weight drop since spring has not returned to normal and her BNP levels (a cardiac test) has not improved. There is no change in the schedule for moving to Takanawa Imperial Residence from next January to March. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are receiving regular medical checkups this week and next week. Sources: Jiji, Sankei, NHK Sending healing vibes to Empress Emerita Michiko. Can't the move be postponed? However, I've read Michiko feels strongly the Emperor should move into the Imperial Residence as soon as possible. The Emperor Emeritus' household is busy organizing, packing, etc. |
That is not good news. I hope she will get better soon.
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I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't think she has looked well for a while--her skin has a kind of waxy, transparent look that I had supposed was related to the breast cancer surgery, but perhaps not.
She does seem very susceptible to stress (not surprising) but I would have thought she would be under much less stress now than in the past. Best wishes to her for peace of mind, and a serene and healthy new year. |
Various English articles
Former Empress Michiko suffers weight loss, vomiting: agency - Kyodo News Quote:
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This is all quite a bit more detail than we usually get, which seems somehow a bit ominous to me. We'll see what the next checkup shows, but my best wishes to the Empress Emerita.
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The medical report is indeed very detailed. I don't think most other courts would provide such details account. Is this a Japanese expectation/consistent with Japanese culture?
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While I wish the emerita a speedy recovery, some details are better left unsaid in public. Whatever strategy is behind it, nobody needs to know that she has been vomiting blood.
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How was the relationship between the two Empressses ?
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This isn't looking good indeed. I hope that Empress Michiko pulls through.
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Wishing Empress Michiko a speedy recovery though it does not sound good given her age.
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The fact that HM's symptoms have already been alleviated to some degree by the administered medication is a positive indicator for her hopeful recovery. (And it is interesting in itself that (correction: some of) the symptoms of the illness blamed by the IHA on stressful media reports were not announced when they were at their most severe but after some improvement had been observed.)
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https://www.theroyalforums.com/forums...tml#post737790 |
Thank you , you did my day Tatiana.
Thank you also to be so well informed about my Royal Family qnd their private life. |
I think the important thing to remember about the Frtiz and Kobayashi book is that much of it is speculative, and it's not always easy to parse out what is factual, and what is their speculation. Some of their assertions about the private thoughts and actions of the Imperial family are given without any reference to sources, or with questionable sources, and, in my opinion, while interesting, should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
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I understand issues with Princess Mako. But what happened to Sayako marriage? Was there any discussion about this earlier?
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:previous: I can't find the original article but some tabloids speculated about marriage trouble when Sayako's husband Yoshiki was seen eating alone at Ootoya restaurants which focuses on Japanese comfort food. In addition, he did not attend Empress Michiko's 83rd birthday dinner in 2017 although he was originally on the schedule.
Another publication dailyshincho.jp followed up on the fuss in March 2018 and it was much ado about nothing. Mr. Kuroda lives near the neighborhood and frequents the restaurant, often ordering the set meal with chicken and black vinegar vegetable, sometimes dining alone for 900 yen. He missed Empress Michiko's birthday dinner due to overtime. Women's magazine Jisin report summarizes the media stories. Allegedly Empress Michiko reads the newspapers daily and is an avid Internet user so she's reading such articles/comments about Princess Mako and Kei Komuro, dual authority issues, bullying Masako, and moving stress. Jisin publishes the problematic stories, some examples: Jisin 1 - A day after being discharged from the hospital for breast cancer surgery, Empress Michiko attended Crown Princess Kiko's 53rd birthday dinner. Mako's not talking to Kiko so Michiko allegedly wanted to use the family dinner to somehow influence Mako. Jisin 2 - Moving headache. Despite recovering from breast cancer surgery, Empress Michiko is working late preparing for the move. 30 years worth of packing and organizing. When Michiko and Akihito moved to the Imperial Residence in December 1993, they needed some 100 trucks. This move will need about the same but Takanawa Imperial Residence is smaller. Jisin 3: Princess Mako made 2 trips to the Imperial Palace on July 5 before her official visit to Peru. Allegedly she worshipped at the sanctuaries in the morning, returned home to Akasaka Estate, then visited her grandparents around 1pm at the Imperial Residence for unknown reasons and then returned to Akasaka Estate to visit the Imperial couple. Rather inefficient... Anyway, some "friend" claims Michiko confessed she's worried about her grandchild (doesn't say which grandchild but assumed to be Mako) Jisin's Imperial House tag includes various articles about Akishino family troubles, Kiko trusts Mako less so that's why Hisahito accompanied Kako to a speech contest recently instead of one of Mako's events, etc. Jprime's Imperial House tag - mostly Akishino family troubles, Kei Komuro problem, Kako's dancing, engagement rumor for Tsuguko kikunomon.news seems to be made up of former Imperial / weekly magazine authors - more Akishino family troubles, apparently Kiko "rushed" to Hisako following Tsuguko's engagement rumor asking them to consider Mako's feelings, Michiko allegedly opposes the University of Tokyo for Aiko... |
Emperor Emeritus Akihito turns 86 on December 23.
Asahi https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...2230002-p1.jpg https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/12...0223000p/9.jpg IHA released photos and video taken on October 30, along with a statement on his activities since the abdication. - Emperor Emeritus Akihito is pleased and relieved all succession events have been completed. - Sadness and concern for victims from the typhoons, storms, and heavy rainfall. - Condolences on the deaths of Yukiya Amano (Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency), Yoji Kurata and Keiji Nagai (soldiers/survivors Their Majesties met during their 2015 visit to Palau), Dr. Tetsu Nakamura (killed in Afghanistan) and Sadako Ogata (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). - Since the abdication, the retired Imperial couple are preparing to move to Takanawa Imperial Residence. - Emperor Emeritus Akihito visits the Imperial Palace's Institute for Biology 2-3 times a week to study goby fish and is preparing a research paper on Okinawa goby. - No particular change in physical condition at present. - Morning walks, sometimes to the East Gardens with the Empress Emerita at 7am on Sundays - Their Majesties read after breakfast. For a while, they read Makoto Ōoka's "A Poet's Anthology: The Range of Japanese Poetry" and also read foreign books such as Blaise Pascal's "Pensées". Recently, they're reading Yamamoto Kenkichi's "Yearly Chronicle of Words" - Their Majesties often watch TV programs about festivals, nature, and people's lives. In the evenings, Emperor Emeritus Akihito plays cello and Empress Emerita Michiko plays piano. - Emperor Emeritus Akihito kindly accepts the age of 86 and values his time with Empress Emerita Michiko. Birthday events are held at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace. 9:30am : greeting from Emperor Emeritus' chief of staff 10:15, 10:20am : greetings from senior IHA staff 10:45am : greetings from Prime Ministers, Speakers of both houses, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, etc. 11:10am : greetings from noble society? 11:35am : greetings from IHA staff and IHA police 11:45am : greetings from former IHA and former IHA police Noon : lunch with Emperor, Empress, Imperial family, former Imperial family, and relatives 3:30, 3:45, 4:40, 5pm : tea with former ministers, association members, etc. 6:30pm : greetings from minor Imperial members (Aiko, Hisahito) 7pm : dinner with Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince couple, Kuroda couple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1md5-ztuBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP5uVojwFO4 |
That sounds like an absolutely exhausting day for anyone, of any age, much less someone who is turning 86. I hope he is able to at least enjoy some of it.
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I agree. I wonder how long this birthday agenda will continue... Empress Emerita Michiko's birthday schedule was probably similar before most events were cancelled following Typhoon No. 19.
Here's Akihito's 85th birthday schedule as emperor in 2018. After abdication, these 7 events were eliminated: - 9am worship at Imperial Palace Sanctuaries - 3 balcony appearances for general public greetings (10:20, 11, 11:40am) - greetings from adult Imperial family, former Imperial family, and relatives (10:30, 10:40am) - tea with diplomatic corps (3pm) ETA: Japan's former Emperor Akihito turns 86 - Kyodo News Quote:
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My utmost thanks for your summaries of magazine articles. Whether their stories are substantiated or not, they are a vital element of the public's views of the imperial family. Most of the above stories frankly sound rather anodyne, although perhaps an individual as dedicated to her position and concerned with her family's reputation as the Empress Emerita is said to be might experience stress from prolonged exposure to even bland gossip (especially if retirement has left her with even more time to avidly read the Internet and newspapers as Jisin claims she does). It is interesting, although not surprising, that the stories generally sound as if they center on the female members of the family (for example, one would expect any narrative about Mako and Kei issues to feature her father prominently, more so than her mother). |
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Nothing about Emperor Emeritus Akihito. Apparently the magazines consider him off-limits. He seems to be unconcerned about Mako's situation while Michiko's risking her health interfering. :rolleyes: This kikunomon.news article is an example of Michiko allegedly bullying Masako. It claims Michiko praised Kiko in front of Masako at Masako's 56th birthday dinner on December 9, saying Masako's success was due to Kiko's efforts. Back to Emperor Emeritus Akihito's 86th birthday: Imperial family arrivals at the Imperial Palace for greetings and lunch. Princess Yuriko and Princess Nobuko did not attend due to cough symptoms. [Kyodo] In the evening, Princess Aiko and Prince Hisahito arrived with their parents for the minor greetings at 6:30pm. Getty Images, AP Images https://www.sankei.com/images/news/1...2230036-p1.jpg https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/media/2019...T1I50065-1.jpg |
Japan's former Emperor Akihito briefly loses consciousness - Kyodo News
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- Emperor Emeritus Akihito lost consciousness and collapsed at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace in the evening of January 29. - Empress Emerita Michiko was in the room and called for the physician with an emergency buzzer. - When the physician rushed in, the retired Emperor was still unconscious and his breathing resembled snoring. - Emperor Emeritus Akihito regained consciousness and was taken to the bedroom on a stretcher for further examination. - He feels well on January 30 and ate breakfast as usual. - On the morning of January 30th, he had a head MRI and examination with a specialist at the Imperial Household Agency Hospital which did not reveal any diagnosis about what caused the lost of consciousness. Wishing Emperor Emeritus Akihito a speedy recovery and good health. ETA: Akihito given MRI brain scan after fainting at his residence：The Asahi Shimbun Quote:
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will leave Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace on March 19. They will stay at Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture and the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture until the 31st. Afterward, the retired couple will live at Takanawa Imperial Residence, which will be renamed Sento Temporary Imperial Palace, for about a year and a half.
Renovations for Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace (formerly Imperial Residence) will begin after April and take 9 months. After Emperor Naruhito's family moves to the Imperial Residence, his current residence Akasaka Imperial Palace (formerly Togu Palace) will be renovated in 4 months for Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. When the retired Imperial couple move in, the residence will be renamed Sento Imperial Palace. Source: Sankei Photos: Mainichi, Asahi Ex-Japan Emperor, Empress to Move from Imperial Palace | Nippon.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha1vZvuCYS0 |
On March 19th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko left the Imperial Palace shortly after 10am. Emperor Naruhito's family, Crown Prince Akishino's family, and Sayako Kuroda arrived earlier to attend the send off at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace.
IHA staff and police lined up before Inui Gate to bid farewell as the motorcade drove past. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will stay at Hayama Imperial Villa and the Imperial Stock Farm while their belongings are moved. When they return to Tokyo on March 31, they will live at Takanawa Imperial residence. NHK reported the IHA did not reveal details of the couple's schedule to prevent people from gathering along the route, a precaution against coronavirus. Getty Images, Getty Images 2 <-- the caption is wrong, Emperor Naruhito's family isn't moving yet. Japan's former emperor, empress move out of palace after 26 yrs - Kyodo News Quote:
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Around 3pm on March 25th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko arrived at JR Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu97koGLaZA |
It's certainly going to be a big change the the former Emperor and Empress, but perhaps less of a wrench than their move into the palace all those years ago from what had essentially been their family home where they raised their children.
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On a side note, could anyone direct me to a map of the imperial residences? I am curious about how closely in proximity the members of the imperial family live to one another. |
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A twitter thread from last year about Imperial residences. Most families live at Akasaka Estate. https://twitter.com/ImperialJPNfan/s...54584384180225 Attachment 302164 Google Earth + Prince Hitachi's residence Attachment 302165 |
On March 31st, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko returned to Tokyo and arrived at Sento Temporary Imperial Palace around 4pm. [Jiji]
The IHA reports plants with significance to the couple were transplanted to the garden from the Imperial Palace, such as seeds from regions impacted by the 2011 earthquake and Princess Michiko roses. Photos: Asahi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeYlmiMrG3Y |
Hopefully the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita will be able to relax and settle in to their new housing for a while. That's a lovely detail about the plantings that were moved to the garden of their new temporary home. The Princess Michiko rose is a very pretty, compact plant, I hope it gives them a lot of pleasure (and not too much blackspot!)
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Akihito, Michiko concerned about medical workers in pandemic : The Asahi Shimbun
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It seems that even after retirement, the emeritus couple still wish to share in the experiences of the people and voice their concerns on social issues to some extent. |
That is both good - and unfortunately needed...
I guess we all recall the government's lack of precautions in regards to exposing members of the public to radioactivity, including milk to school children, after the tsunami and the Fukashima disaster. Then Emperor Akihito managed to address his concerns in that regards - something that wasn't popular with the government. He has also on several occasions managed to distance himself from the rising nationalism in Japan, including downplaying Japanese atrocities during WWII, something that infuriated Japan's neighbors. - That wasn't popular either. |
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On May 28th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito visited the Institute of Biology at the Imperial Palace for about 90 minutes. He left around 11:40am. Japan lifted its state of emergency for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday.
The former emperor used to visit the Institute of Biology 2-3 times a week before moving to Takanawa Imperial residence and the increase in coronavirus infections. Japan's former Emperor Akihito visits palace for 1st time since March - Kyodo News Photos: Asahi, Sankei, Mainichi, Getty Images https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-inptxqqfg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKkmvdMBbAs |
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On June 3rd, Emperor Emeritus Akihito visited the biology research institute at the Imperial Palace in the morning to study fish.
Video: fnn.jp Attachment 302197 Attachment 302198 |
Emperor Emeritus Akihito discovered a new species of Okinawa goby fish. It's his 9th new species discovery, the 1st since 2003 and 1st since abdication. The former emperor's research staff collected fish in waters near Okinawa over 10 years ago. Emperor Emeritus Akihito investigated the number and pattern of sensory arrangements on the heads to determine it was a new species.
He began writing a paper in earnest after abdication and it is expected to be published within the year. As Crown Prince, Akihito published papers almost every year but during his reign, his busy schedule only allowed for 7 goby-related papers. Source: Yomiuri Emperor Emeritus Akihito visits the Biology Research Institute 1-2 times a week, most recently on July 13 according to Sankei Imperial Weekly 650. |
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It seems he has a genuine passion for science and it is not a merely a suitable hobby to occupy the time. |
On August 28th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito visited the biology research institute at the Imperial Palace to study goby fish.
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/2...9040003-p2.jpg https://www.sankei.com/images/news/2...9040003-p3.jpg |
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