On April 9, 2012, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan held an audience with the Bulgarian Parliament Chairperson Ms. Tsetska Tsacheva at Akasaka Palace.  The purpose of the meeting, according to the Bulgarian News Agency, was to “… strengthen ties between Japan and Bulgaria.”  Ms. Tsacheva also met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda whereupon discussions focused on, “…helping more Japanese businesses enter the East European country [Bulgaria] by improving its investment environment…”

Meanwhile, the Imperial Household Agency announced that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan:

…is expected to resume his official duties on Tuesday after they were delegated to Crown Prince Naruhito prior to the Emperor’s heart bypass surgery in February. The resumption of official duties by the emperor will be approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday…

Finally, the Japan Times — via the Imperial Household Agency —  has an update regarding the health of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Masako of Japan.  Click here to read the article in its entirety. (in English)

Sources: Bulgarian News Agency and Kyodo News via the Imperial Household Agency