Former Empress Michiko tests positive for COVID, symptoms light

Former Japanese Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko take a walk in Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 28, 2024

Former Empress Michiko has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and has light symptoms, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The 89-year-old has a cough and discomfort in her throat and is recuperating at her residence, the Sento Imperial Palace, in Tokyo, the agency said. Her husband, former Emperor Akihito, 90, tested negative for COVID-19, it said.

She started to cough from early Sunday and took a PCR test on Monday, the agency said.

Former Emperor Akihito stepped down from the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Emperor Naruhito.

BY: The Times Union / kyodo