Japanese Emperor Akihito, 77, resumed his official Imperial duties Tuesday, November 29, 2011, after being hospitalized for more than two weeks. The Emperor was discharged from Tokyo University Hospital Thursday, November 24th, and is still recovering from his bout with bronchial pneumonia and fever.
Japan Firefighter Memorial
The Emperor, along with Empress Michiko, attended a memorial service held for the 239 firefighters who have died in the line of duty between August 2010 and October 2011. Of the 239 who perished, 226 were killed during the earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011. According to the Japan Firefighter Association, the majority of those firefighters died while attempting to help people evacuate or while attempting to close floodgates during the March 2011 disaster. This was the highest toll on firefighters in Japan since 1991 when 24 firefighters died; half of them in the eruption of Mt. Unzen that year.
The memorial service was organized by the Japan Firefighter Association and more than 700 family members of the lost firefighters were represented at the event. The Emperor and Empress offered flowers and prayer as they consoled the surviving families of those 239 firefighters, but their stay was brief since the Emperor is still in need of rest.
Prince Discusses Age Cap for Emperor
Wednesday, November 30th, is the 46th birthday of Prince Akishino; Emperor Akihito’s youngest son. The Prince is second in line to the Imperial Throne, behind his brother, Crown Prince Naruhito. The brothers have expressed concern over their father’s health and Prince Akishino spoke at a news conference Wednesday about possible discussions for a retirement age for the Emperor. Emperor Akihito ascended to the throne when his father died in 1989 and the current standards would have Crown Prince Naruhito ascend at the time of the current Emperor’s death, as well.
According to The Japan Times, there are reports that the Japanese government is discussing allowing women in the Imperial line to retain their status after marriage, which could alleviate some stress on the limited male heirs. Prince Akishino’s son, Prince Hisahito, is the only male heir that could ascend to the throne is his generation. Prince Hisahito is 5-years-old.
With Emperor Akihito’s recent health concerns and the stress of Imperial duties, the concern expressed by the Prince and his wife, Princess Kiko, is understandable but the Prince clarified that the retirement age requires discussion since people age differently.
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