Japanese Emperor Facing Health Problems Following Heart Surgery
His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan has undergone a second fluid drainage following his heart bypass surgery in February this week, raising concern over his health. He was told to rest following the procedure, but the Emperor hasn’t apparently done that. The first draining happened on March 7, which cleared out the right side of his chest. The second, draining his left side, occurred right before he met with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, who visited Japan on a state visit Wednesday. The Imperial Household Agency says 78 year old Akihito has been experiencing shortness of breath since his heart surgery. When the Kuwaiti Emir came to Japan, the Emperor only greeted and had audience with him. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, hosted the state banquet in honor of the ruler. Interestingly, the banquet was cut short due to the health of the 82 year old Emir. Source: Mainichi |
Emperor Akihito’s Heart Bypass Surgery a Success
His Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan, had a successful heart bypass operation Saturday and is resting comfortably at University of Tokyo Hospital. The 78 year old monarch underwent the surgery at 11am local time, and was out into the intensive care unit nearly six hours later. At 5pm, Empress Michiko and Sayako Kuroda, the couple’s only daughter, came to visit him. Akihito will now spend about two weeks recovering at the hospital. Doctors will be monitoring his condition and the Emperor will take walking exercises to regain his strength. In the mean time, Crown Prince Naruhito will fill in for his father for royal duties. His Majesty was diagnosed with angina, where two of his coronary arteries were narrowing, thus not providing his heart with enough blood and oxygen. While he was in surgery, people throughout Japan wrote notes and signed books, expressing their wish for the Emperor’s speedy recovery. Sources: Daily Yomiuri, AFP |
Emperor Akihito Discharged from Hospital
This past Sunday had His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan finally be discharged from the hospital. The Emperor originally went into the University of Tokyo Hospital February 18th for heart surgery on a valve that was narrowing. He had been doing rehabilitation exercises since then at the facility, and now is back at the palace. Upon leaving the hospital, the 78 year old Akihito bid farewell to the hospital staff. They bowed and gave him a bouquet of flowers. By his side was a relieved Empress Michiko. At the same time, about 100 patients and visitors gathered at the lobby, cheering for their Emperor, who waved repeatedly at them. When the imperial couple returned to the palace, they were greeted by their youngest son, Prince Akishino, his wife, Princess Kiko and their son, Prince Hisahito. The Emperor will now rest for a week or so. But he is determined to attend memorial services for the one year anniversary of the earthquake/tsunami on March 11th. Ichiro Kanazawa, the imperial househ |
Japanese Emperor & Empress Mark Anniversary of Earthquake/Tsunami
One year ago, a 9.0 earthquake shook Japan, causing a massive tsunami, a major nuclear disaster, and the deaths of 19,000 people. Sunday saw the country stand still to remember that day. It’s Emperor and Empress attended a memorial service at the National Theater in Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo to offer prayers, condolences, and hope to their people. A pillar was placed in the middle of the stage, symbolizing those who died and was decorated with white chrysanthemums and lilies. At 2:46pm, a moment of silence was observed. About 35 people from the disaster zones representing the families of the grieving were at the ceremony, along with members of Parliament, the Cabinet and ambassadors. “I believe that the road to recovery of the disaster area will be filled with difficulties,” Emperor Akihito, accompanied by Empress Michiko, said at the ceremony. “I hope that all of the people of Japan will sympathize with the disaster victims and that persistent efforts will be made |
