Japan’s beloved former empress Michiko received wishes for her 90th birthday on Sunday, October 20, 2024, as she recovers from leg surgery due to an accident, AP reports.

Michiko is the first common mortal to marry an heir to the imperial throne in Japan. Born in 1934 in Tokyo, he attended the prestigious School of the Sacred Heart, before studying English literature. The couple met at a tennis tournament and married on April 10, 1959.

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During their reign, they contributed significantly to the modernization of the Japanese monarchy which made them very beloved. They chose to raise their three children alone, compensated war victims and were close to the people during times of great disasters, such as the devastating earthquake and deadly tsunami of 2011. In 2019, Emperor Akihito decided to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne and to be succeeded by his eldest son, Naruhito.

Today they enjoy a quiet life taking daily walks in the palace gardens, traveling or holding literary or musical gatherings according to the Imperial Household Agency.

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One of their daily habits is to read a book together after breakfast. At this time the former emperor chose a book about Okinawa, an island in southern Japan where one of the fiercest land battles took place at the end of World War II.

“Being emperor can be a lonely task”former Emperor Akihito had previously stated. “But the presence of the empress by my side gave me strength and joy. He always respected my position and supported me.”