Japan's Emperor Akihito resumes official duties
(CBS/AP) TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Akihito resumed his official duties on Tuesday following his hospitalization earlier this month.
The 77-year-old attended a memorial service in Tokyo for firefighters who died on duty, including 226 who died responding to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, according to the Kyodo News agency. He was accompanied by Empress Michiko.
Akihito left University of Tokyo Hospital on Nov 24, after being treated for a high fever and mild bronchial pneumonia. He had been admitted on Nov. 6.
His eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, took over his official duties while he was ill.
Akihito ascended the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in 1989.