Society

Former Empress Discharged From Hospital After Surgery

TOKYO, Oct 14 (News On Japan) - Former Empress Michiko, who had been hospitalized at the University of Tokyo Hospital due to a fracture in the upper part of her right thigh bone, has been discharged.

On October 13th, at around 2 p.m., the former empress left the hospital in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, and returned to her residence at the Sento Imperial Palace.

According to close aides, the former emperor waited for her at the carport of the Sento Imperial Palace. Upon her arrival, they exchanged words, and both appeared to be very pleased.

Former Empress Michiko will continue her rehabilitation at the Sento Imperial Palace.

On October 20th, the former empress will celebrate her 90th birthday.

Previously: Former Empress Begins Rehabilitation

Source: ANN

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

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Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

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Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

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