national

Empress marks 77th birthday

22 Comments

Empress Michiko marked her 77th birthday on Thursday. In remarks released by the Imperial Household Agency, the empress expressed her sympathy for the victims of the March 11 disaster and support for the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The empress and Emperor Akihito actively reached out to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. Akihito delivered an unprecedented TV address to the nation, and the pair visited evacuees for seven straight weeks from the end of March through May.

"I experienced a sense of helplessness when I saw the devastation but I felt optimism when I saw the resilience of the people and their determination not to give up. The emperor and I have also been encouraged by the spirit of sharing and giving that so many people from all over Japan have shown in helping victims," she said in the statement.

The empress also acknowledged that age has made it more difficult for her and the emperor, who is also 77, to carry out their official duties.

The popular imperial couple did not travel abroad this year.

Michiko suffers from severe pain in her left arm, while Akihito has been on hormone therapy since prostate surgery eight years ago. He also takes medication to prevent the narrowing of his coronary arteries.

© Japan Today/AP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


22 Comments
Login to comment

Omedetou!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If only I get to know a lot of Jpeople like them. My wholeheartedly congratulations!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My respect to Empress Michiko and Emperor Akihito. Wonderful couple. I have not a single bad thing to say about them. they are so humble and truly wonderful human beings.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I've always had a lot of respect for her, after what the Imperial Household has put her through - she's my parents' age but looks way older, poor woman. Interesting that no one cares much if you don't curtsey to QE 2, but there'd be uproar if you didn't bow to Michiko-sama. Anyway, hope she gets to put her feet up, so to speak, for a day or three.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Michiko looks so sweet.

But the Emperor looks more and more like the puppet from the Saw horror movies every time I see his picture.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Michiko sama is one of the few people from the Japanese royal family that I actually admire and respect. So feliz cumpleaños! Español for otanjoubi omedetougizaimasu!!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I wish you everything you wish for yourself and the Japanese population

4 ( +5 / -1 )

These are good people. They have been gracious, respectful, and compassionate toward the Japanese people, patient in dealing with the position and duties artificially and sometimes cruelly imposed on them, and relatively outspoken (given their position) in countering the inhuman forces of both kunaicho and the rightists. I am not a supporter of monarchies, but I wish the good woman who is the Empress a happy birthday.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

77 a good number

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The spiritual symbol of Japan.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Their hearts are still in the right place, despite being suffocated by the Imperial Household Agency. They opened up the Nasushiobara summer house to evacuees, a very quick response to the disaster, much quicker than government.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

****its high time for this couple to have an honourable rest from their duties!! Happy Birthday,Michiko-sam1!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Happy Birthday Empress Michiko may you have many more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Seem like a very genuine and caring couple. Happy B-Day Empress!!!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The empress also acknowledged that age has made it more difficult for her and the emperor, who is also 77, to carry out their official duties.

Old age, sickness....why not let them have their freedom for their remaining years? Surely no one would object to abdication on the grounds of ill-health.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Mod: check the spelling in the last line - it should be "prostate", not "prostrate", although he probably was lying down a lot.

Moderator: Thank you. It has been corrected.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Severe arm pain? Anyone know why ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OK I am now officially done with these two. A little too overexposed.

-14 ( +1 / -14 )

seven straight weeks from the end of March through May

That is amazing!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

otanjyoubi ome!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They seem to be a very sincere couple and from what I could see on TV, their visits to the shelters brought a few moments of precious cheer to the elderly evacuees, at least.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Happy Birthday to Empress Michiko!!!

You are always very gracious, beautiful and inspirational.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites