TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japanese Empress Michiko, 82, who was diagnosed with acute bronchitis last week, has recovered sufficiently to resume official duties, an official at the Imperial Household Agency said on Monday (Dec 12).

The empress, who suffered a slight fever and cough, cancelled a planned appearance at a karate event on Sunday and rested at her residence in the Imperial Palace.

"But she was able to take part in her official duties today," the official added.

She has had a cough since November and had an X-ray examination this month, but no abnormality was found, media said.

The spouse of reigning Emperor Akihito was the first commoner to marry into the Japanese imperial family, in 1959.