Empress Emerita Michiko turned 91 years old on October 20.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, she has mostly recovered from a right thigh bone fracture she suffered in October last year.

Agency officials said she continues to walk and do light exercises, but she becomes tired more easily and her physical strength appears to be gradually declining.

When Emperor Emeritus Akihito was hospitalized twice this year for heart examinations, Michiko visited him daily.

She offers support to her husband in their daily lives, while the couple deals with their respective health conditions.

The retired emperor and empress did not make many outings this year.

But one such occasion came in August when they revisited the Ohinata settlement in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, where Japanese repatriates from former Manchuria established their residence after World War II.

Officials said Michiko expressed relief at being able to come to the settlement again this year, the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.

They also said the couple continues the daily practice of reading books aloud.

They recently read a book by Japanese author Tanaka Takako, while Michiko is reading on her own the Japanese translation of “Nour’s Secret Library” by Wafa' Tarnowska.

The officials said Michiko seemed proud and happy with the growth of her grandson Prince Hisahito, who took part in his imperial coming of age ceremony in September.

On October 20, she received birthday congratulations from members of the imperial family at her residence.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are the parents of Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito, the father of Prince Hisahito.