Tokyo: Emperor Akihito was discharged from
University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday after undergoing heart
bypass surgery and rehabilitation, the Imperial Household
Agency said.
After undergoing surgery for angina on February 18, the
78-year-old emperor went through cardiac rehabilitation
programs, such as stair-walking and using exercise equipment.
His doctors said the emperor needs one week or so of rest
before returning to official duties.
But Imperial Household Agency officials said he strongly
hopes to attend a government-hosted memorial service on March
11 in Tokyo to commemorate the victims of the March 2011
earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan.
The emperor and the agency will decide on his attendance
after monitoring the progress of his recovery, they said.
After displaying symptoms of minor ischemic charge, the
emperor underwent a diagnostic test in mid-February, which
showed narrowing in some of his coronary arteries.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 04, 2012, 16:51