Emperor Akihito Remains Hospitalized
The Emperor of Japan is still being treated at the University of Tokyo Hospital, where he was admitted Sunday for bronchitis. Akihito is said to now be suffering from a fever as well. Empress Michiko has visited him twice so far, canceling making an appearance at a piano recital Monday. It is believed the stress of this year’s earthquake and tsunami weakened the Emperor and made him vulnerable to illness. Stepping in for him is his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito. The 51 year old heir was seen presiding over the annual autumn decorations awards on Monday. Next week, he will make a visit to the Yamanashi Prefecture on behalf of his father and mother. Emperor Akihito is 77 years old, and will turn 78 next month. Source: Mainichi Daily Times |
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 |
Empress Michiko Marks 77th Birthday
The Empress of Japan celebrated her 77th birthday Thursday. As all members of the Imperial family do, Michiko released a statement where she discussed this year’s massive earthquake and tsunami, and getting older. “I shall continue to watch over and support the path to their recovery until this region shows signs of true and positive recovery,” the Empress said about the tens of thousands who were displaced as a result of the natural disaster that killed 20,000. “Initially I had to face and overcome the hopelessness and helplessness that tended to overwhelm me,” she explained her initial reaction. She added, however, it was “the noble and calm behavior of the people” in the disaster-afflicted regions that encouraged and helped her recover from “the anguish and despair” she felt. “More than anything else, it gave me great solace” to see the way so many citizens responded to the disasters “by helping each other in th |
Bhutanese State Visit to Japan
Yesterday began the first visit to Japan of any kind by a Bhutanese King. The state visit is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Japanese-Bhutan diplomatic ties. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his new wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, arrived in Tokyo and quickly met with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and his wife. The two expressed their condolences over the devastating March 11th earthquake and tsunami. Meanwhile the Prime Minister congratulated them on their wedding last month. The King and Noda then discussed ways to tighten their countries relations. On Wednesday, the couple met with members of the Imperial family. They were greeted at the palace by Crown Prince Naruhito and took part in a welcoming ceremony. Naruhito is standing in for his father, Emperor Akihito, who is still being hospitalized with a bad cough. In the evening, the King and Queen will be guests of honor at a state banquet at the palace. During their itinerary, the Bhutanese royals will go to local schools |
