Emperor emeritus is hospitalized for a heart exam

Emperor Emeritus Akihito, 91, suffered a significant health setback after being admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital on Tuesday following a heart examination, marking his first hospital stay since February 2012 after undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. His son, Emperor Naruhito's father, and Empress Emerita Michiko arrived at the hospital around noon. A diagnosis of possible myocardial ischemia followed further tests at home, while prior to this week he was already dealing with right heart failure caused by tricuspid valve insufficiency in July 2022 under treatment including medication and fluid restrictions.