TOKYO, OCT 20 – Japan’s former empress Michiko received speeches from relatives and court officials to mark her 90th birthday today, officials said.
Michiko was the first commoner to become empress in modern Japanese history.
Catholic-educated Michiko Shoda and Crown Prince Akihito married on April 10, 1959.
Akihito abdicated in 2019 when their son, Emperor Naruhito, succeeded him on the Chrysanthemum Throne while his wife, Masako, became empress.
Since then, Akihito and Michiko have largely enjoyed their quiet life together, taking daily walks in the palace gardens or occasionally taking private trips, hosting small gatherings for book reading and music activities, according to the agency. Imperial Household.
Former Emperor Akihito was very concerned about Michiko’s physical health, officials said.
Michiko had fallen in early October at her residence recovering from surgery on her broken femur, with daily rehabilitation sessions lasting about an hour at a time, palace officials said.
He added that the former empress was very concerned about the people affected by the January 1 earthquake in the north-central region of Japan in Noto, especially those affected by the heavy rains and floods last September.
Since retiring, Michiko has shared her passion for literature, including children’s books, English poetry and music, with her friends as well as Akihito. – AFP
