Japan's former Empress Michiko recovers after mild COVID infection

KYODO
June 10, 2024

Former Empress Michiko has recovered from a mild coronavirus infection after testing positive the previous week, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The 89-year-old was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on June 3 while experiencing symptoms including coughing and throat discomfort, but her condition has improved and results from a PCR test conducted in the morning came back negative.

Japan's former Empress Michiko visits Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on April 9, 2024, to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the death of Empress Shoken, wife of Emperor Meiji. The shrine was established in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

She will resume her daily activities while monitoring her condition, the agency said.

Her husband, former Emperor Akihito, 90, has tested negative for the virus.