What's happened
Former Empress Michiko, the first commoner to hold the title, is recovering from surgery for a femoral fracture. Despite her health concerns, she remains engaged with cultural activities and expresses empathy for earthquake victims in Japan. Her husband, former Emperor Akihito, supports her rehabilitation efforts.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Mari Yamaguchi in The Independent, Michiko's recovery is progressing well, and she is expected to use a wheelchair temporarily. The Japan Times reports on her and Emperor Naruhito's recent public appearances, emphasizing their commitment to cultural events and support for disaster victims. This dual focus on personal health and public duty illustrates the evolving role of the imperial family in contemporary Japan.
How we got here
Michiko Shoda became Empress Michiko in 1959, breaking royal traditions. After retiring in 2019, she has focused on literature and cultural engagement while managing health issues, including a recent fall that required surgery.
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Masako is the Empress of Japan as the wife of Naruhito, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019.
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The University of Tokyo, abbreviated as Todai or UTokyo, is a public research university located in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1877, it was the first of the imperial universities.
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Akihito is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who reigned as the 125th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession, from 7 January 1989 until 30 April 2019, Heisei era.