Japan’s Empress Still Can’t Speak, Is Hospitalized

Japanese Empress Michiko remained unable to speak coherently a day after collapsing on her 59th birthday, but neurological tests showed no abnormalities, palace officials said Thursday night.

She was driven in a car to the palace hospital Thursday, sitting up in the back seat with her head slightly bowed. She was admitted for a thorough examination.

Michiko collapsed Wednesday morning. She recovered consciousness several hours later and was able to walk, write and eat a light meal with her family, officials said.

Although Michiko was able to eat breakfast Thursday, she remained unable to speak and could only utter sounds, the palace said. All her public appearances were canceled.