Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito turns 91

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito, the father of Emperor Naruhito, turned 91 on Monday, The Japan Times reported.

The emperor emeritus spends his days caring for Empress Emerita Michiko, 90, who broke her right thigh bone in October.

He reads newspapers every morning and evening and watches television news during meals to keep an eye on domestic and international trends, according to aides.

Akihito is especially concerned about the lives of residents in the Noto Peninsula affected by an earthquake and heavy rain that hit the region earlier this year.

The emperor emeritus was deeply sorrowful over the death of his aunt, Princess Yuriko, at the age of 101 in November.

While supporting Michiko, who was then walking with a stick, he paid four visits to the princess at her residence prior to her death.

With Princess Yuriko's death, the emperor emeritus is now the oldest member of the imperial family.