Former Empress Michiko of Japan recently faced a significant health challenge. On October 6, at the age of 89, she fell at her residence in the Akasaka Imperial Estate, resulting in a fracture to her upper right femur. After being hospitalized at the University of Tokyo Hospital the following day, she underwent surgery on October 8. Five days later, on October 13, she was discharged and will continue her recovery at home.
According to a report by NHK, Michiko’s fall occurred in her residence located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. The Imperial Household Agency noted her post-operative recovery is progressing well, and her goal now is to regain the ability to walk independently.
During a recent press conference, Yasuhide Nishimura, the head of the Imperial Household Agency, shared that Michiko is currently engaged in rehabilitation while sitting in a wheelchair. She is focusing on utilizing her uninjured left leg to maintain muscle strength and avoid any decline in mobility.
Notably, Michiko will celebrate her 90th birthday on October 20. Her last hospitalization was in September 2019 when she underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer.
