Emperor Akihito met with Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah at the Imperial Palace on Wednesday, a day after having fluid extracted from his chest for the second time following heart bypass surgery in February.
The Emperor, accompanied by Empress Michiko, thanked the emir for wishing him a quick recovery, according to the Imperial Household Agency. After the audience, the Emperor left for the Imperial Household Hospital for a checkup on his chest condition.
Crown Prince Naruhito, the Emperor's eldest son, was scheduled to host an evening banquet for the emir on behalf of the Emperor.
The emir is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda during his four-day visit to Japan through Friday as a state guest.
