TOKYO. Japan’s cherished former Empress Michiko marked her 90th birthday on Sunday as she continues to recover from a broken leg, according to officials from the Imperial Household Agency. The former empress received greetings from her family and palace staff during a quiet celebration at her residence in Tokyo.
Michiko, the first commoner to ascend to the role of empress in modern Japanese history, married then-Crown Prince Akihito in 1959 after their famous “tennis court romance.” Their marriage was groundbreaking, as Michiko Shoda, educated in Catholic schools, became a symbol of modernity in the traditionally rigid imperial family.
The couple retired after Emperor Akihito’s abdication in 2019, and their son, Emperor Naruhito, ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne with his wife, Empress Masako. Since stepping back from official duties, Michiko and Akihito have led a quiet life together, often seen taking daily walks in the palace gardens or hosting intimate gatherings focused on literature and music.
Palace officials reported that Michiko suffered a femoral fracture after a fall earlier in October and underwent surgery. She is undergoing daily rehabilitation sessions of about an hour each and is expected to use a wheelchair during her birthday celebration. Former Emperor Akihito remains deeply attentive to her recovery, frequently asking about her health.
Michiko has also expressed concern for those affected by the January 1 earthquake in Japan’s north-central Noto region, especially those impacted by additional flooding caused by heavy rains in September. Her empathy for the Japanese people has been a hallmark of her role as empress and continues in her retirement.
Known for her love of literature, Michiko shares a passion for reading with her husband. “She reads parts of a book aloud with His Majesty after breakfast as part of their daily routine,” palace officials said. Currently, they are reading a book chosen by Akihito about the Battle of Okinawa, one of the most brutal ground battles of World War II, fought in the name of his father, Emperor Hirohito.
Throughout their reign, Akihito and Michiko were known for modernizing Japan’s imperial family. They chose to raise their three children themselves, rather than relying entirely on palace staff, and often spoke directly to the public, creating a deep bond with the people. Their efforts to acknowledge the suffering caused by Japan’s wartime actions both within and outside the country earned them widespread respect.
As she celebrates her 90th year, Empress Michiko remains a beloved figure, admired for her warmth, grace, and dedication to both her family and her country.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
