Hirohito Given 2 Transfusions as Bleeding Persists

Japanese Emperor Hirohito was still suffering from internal bleeding Friday and received two more blood transfusions, doctors reported.

The world’s longest-reigning living monarch watched serial dramas on television and spoke briefly with Crown Prince Akihito, government spokesman Keizo Obuchi said.

Five days after a hemorrhage caused the 87-year-old emperor to vomit blood, imperial physicians said they discovered a small amount of intestinal bleeding. But palace officials Friday continued to insist that the emperor’s condition is stable.

“It could be the remainder of the hemorrhage Monday night, but if it isn’t, that would be worrisome,” news reports quoted Iwao Miyao, vice grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, as telling reporters.

Court physicians gave Hirohito two blood transfusions of 0.43 pints each Friday, bringing the total since Monday’s crisis to 3.44 pints. Palace officials said Hirohito is being treated for anemia and jaundice and is receiving intravenous dosages of medicine and nutrients.

Akihito, 54, assumed all of his father’s official duties Thursday pending Hirohito’s recovery.

Crowds of Japanese flocked to the gates of the Imperial Palace despite a cold drizzle. Agency officials said that more than 70,000 inked their names in registries praying for Hirohito’s recovery at 12 sites across Japan.