On March 4, 2012, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan was discharged from the University of Tokyo Hospital after undergoing heart bypass surgery on February 18, 2012.

In a press release, the Imperial Household Agency noted that the Emperor will “…rest at home for a week…”  Various sources claim that Emperor Akihito along with Empress Michiko will participate in a memorial on March 11, 2012, commemorating the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last year.  The memorial will take place in Tohoku, Japan.

Meanwhile, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan held an audience with Vietnam’s Ambassador to Japan, Doan Xuan Hung, whereupon he presented his credentials to the heir to the Japanese throne on March 2, 2012.

Sources: Japan Times, Associated Press, and BBC News

Photo courtesy of Daylife