Empress Michiko, on the occasion of her 81st birthday Tuesday, recalled her April trip to Palau with Emperor Akihito to commemorate those who lost their lives there during World War II, saying it "has left an unforgettable impression on me."
Concerning her health after being diagnosed with myocardial ischemia in August, the Empress said in her written responses to questions from journalists: "Thank you for asking about my health. So far, I have been able to continue as I have done before, without much change."
Some 16,000 Japanese soldiers died battling U.S. forces in the Western Pacific nation of Palau, while nearly 2,000 U.S. troops perished there.