Hirohito Stable After 3 Blood Transfusions

TOKYO — Emperor Hirohito, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, appeared to be improving today after three blood transfusions, but Japanese officials prepared to have his son take over his ceremonial duties and even to ready plans for the first succession to the throne in 62 years.

Hirohito, 87, was given blood Monday night and Tuesday for an intestinal ailment, transfusions that replaced about one-fourth of his blood, officials of the Imperial Household Agency said. They said the emperor vomited blood Monday night, but the vomiting stopped Tuesday.

Today, the palace reported the emperor was in stable condition and “headed in a favorable direction” after a sound sleep overnight. However, he was still unable to eat and was continuing to receive intravenous feeding.

Officials said there are no plans for more blood transfusions.

People passing by the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo paused in the rain to bow and pray for Hirohito’s health.

Throughout Tuesday, imperial family members and government officials visited the palace to wish Hirohito good health. Most left without seeing the emperor personally, but Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko said he greeted them with a strong “Thank you for visiting me.”

Cabinet to Meet

The Japanese Cabinet was expected at its meeting Thursday to shift Hirohito’s state responsibilities to Akihito, 54, heir to the throne. Akihito took over his father’s duties for three months last fall when the emperor underwent intestinal bypass surgery.

Among those paying respects were Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita and U.S. Ambassador Mike Mansfield, 85, who had a coronary bypass operation in January.

Three physicians monitored the emperor’s condition around the clock, and court officials said he will continue to be treated at the palace compound rather than be hospitalized.

Imperial Household Agency officials said doctors suspected there was bleeding in the emperor’s intestine near the site of last year’s intestinal bypass. In that procedure, doctors circumvented an intestinal blockage caused by an enlarged pancreas.

In a briefing Tuesday night, Iwao Miyao, vice grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, said doctors gave Hirohito three blood transfusions, one of 1.6 pints and two of 0.4 pints.

Hirohito has occupied Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne since 1926. For the first 20 years of his reign, he was considered a “living god” and a direct descendant of Amaterasu, the sun goddess.

But after World War II, U.S. occupation officials directed him to renounce his divinity. Under Japan’s postwar constitution, he became a symbol of Japan’s unity but with no real power. His functions have included the perfunctory approval of government Cabinet ministers as well as greeting visiting heads of state.

It was a choice that enabled Hirohito to remain as symbolic head of Japan. It also was an act that seemed to relieve no one as much as this gentle, shy and retiring man who was more comfortable working as a marine biologist than playing the role of a “living god.”

The emperor is a widely respected authority on marine biology, having written or co-authored at least 12 books on hydrozoa, a class of sea animals, his specialty.

Will Name Reign

The emperor’s health this week prompted the government to begin laying the groundwork for a succession to the 2,600-year-old Chrysanthemum Throne, including deciding on the reign name for an era under Akihito.

This is the 63rd year of the period known as “Showa,” which means enlightenment and harmony. The period began when Hirohito ascended the throne on Christmas Day, 1926.

The government is expected to select the new era name on the day the emperor dies.