Carter Pays Call on Hirohito

Doctors gave Emperor Hirohito blood for the eighth straight day today as he continued to bleed internally. Former President Jimmy Carter visited the Imperial Palace to wish the monarch a speedy recovery.

Doctors said the world’s longest reigning living monarch was in stable condition. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were among thousands of well-wishers who braved a cold rain to visit the palace. Carter signed his name in a registry but did not see the 87-year-old emperor. The former President arrived in Japan Wednesday for a five-day visit to attend the Japan Junior Chamber of Commerce’s annual convention.