Empress Emerita celebrated her 91st birthday on Monday, marking a milestone while focusing on her health and family duties. The Empress Emerita has recovered almost fully from a right thigh fracture sustained last year. She now supports the Emperor Emeritus, 91, who continues to undergo cardiac treatment.
Following her hospital discharge, the Empress Emerita committed to daily rehabilitation at the Sento Imperial Residence in Tokyo. Her efforts allowed her to assist the Emperor Emeritus promptly. During his hospital stays in May and July, she visited him consistently, offering careful support.
The Empress Emerita maintains awareness of current events by reading newspapers, watching news programs, and consulting aides. She also participated in memorial ceremonies with the Emperor Emeritus, including commemorations for victims of last year’s Noto Peninsula earthquake and other historic disasters.
Earlier this year, they observed the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The couple visited Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki to honor the war dead. They reflected on similar visits they made 50 years after the war.
In August, the Empress Emerita accompanied the Emperor Emeritus on a walk through the Ohinata settlement in Karuizawa, revisiting a community developed by repatriated Japanese from Manchuria. This visit highlighted the Empress Emerita’s continued engagement with historical and cultural milestones.
Despite a slight afternoon rise in temperature and elevated BNP levels, the Empress Emerita maintains mobility through daily strolls and light exercise. She adapts her routines to prevent falls, reflecting her commitment to health.
The Empress Emerita continues intellectual activities alongside the Emperor Emeritus. They read aloud together after breakfast, currently engaging with “Ichinichi, koten” by Takako Tanaka. She also pursues solo reading, recently exploring “Nour’s Secret Library” by Wafa Tarnowska.
Her daily routine balances personal well-being with support for the Emperor Emeritus. Observers note that the Empress Emerita demonstrates resilience and dedication, maintaining both physical and mental activity while honoring tradition and family responsibilities.
The Empress Emerita’s 91st birthday underscores her role in supporting the imperial family, engaging with society, and preserving historical memory. Her continued health management and dedication serve as a model of active aging and public service.
