60-560: The Emperor The Empress The Emperor Emeritus The Empress Emerita Akihito (born 23 December 1933) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who reigned as the 125th emperor of Japan from 1989 until his abdication in 2019. The era of his rule was named the Heisei era , Heisei being an expression of achieving peace worldwide. Born in 1933, Akihito is the fifth child and first son of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun . During
120-647: A degree . Akihito was the heir apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne from birth. His formal investiture as crown prince ( 立太子の礼 , Rittaishi-no-rei ) took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on 10 November 1952. In June 1953, Akihito represented Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London on his first journey abroad. He later completed his university education as a special student in 1956. In August 1957, Akihito met Michiko Shōda on
180-563: A tennis court at Karuizawa near Nagano . Initially, there was little enthusiasm for the couple's relationship; Michiko Shōda was considered too low class for the young Crown Prince and had been educated in a Catholic environment. Therefore, in September 1958, she was sent away to Brussels to attend an international conference of the Alumnae du Sacré-Cœur. The Crown Prince was determined to keep in contact with his girlfriend but did not want to create
240-566: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford . He visited some 21 historic pubs, including the Trout Inn . He joined the Japan Society and the drama society, and became the honorary president of the karate and judo clubs. He played inter-college tennis, seeded number three out of six on the Merton team, and took golf lessons from a pro. In his three years at Merton he also climbed the highest peaks in three of
300-784: A commission as an army officer, unlike his predecessors. During the American firebombing raids on Tokyo in March 1945 during World War II , Akihito and his younger brother Prince Masahito were evacuated from the city. Akihito was tutored in the English language and Western manners by Elizabeth Gray Vining during the Allied occupation of Japan , and later briefly studied at the department of political science at Gakushuin University in Tokyo, though he never received
360-576: A commoner; it was the first imperial wedding to be televised in Japan, drawing about 15 million viewers. The couple has three children: Naruhito , Fumihito , and Sayako . Akihito succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne and became emperor upon his father's death in 1989, with an enthronement ceremony in 1990. He made efforts to bring the imperial family closer to the Japanese people, and made official visits to all forty-seven prefectures of Japan and to many of
420-598: A daughter. In extension of his father's interest in marine biology , who published taxonomic works on the Hydrozoa , the Emperor Emeritus is a published ichthyological researcher, and has specialized in studies within the taxonomy of the family Gobiidae . He has written papers for scholarly journals such as Gene , Ichthyological Research, and the Japanese Journal of Ichthyology . He has also written papers about
480-562: A diplomatic incident. Therefore, he contacted the young King Baudouin of Belgium to send his messages directly to his loved one. Later King Baudouin negotiated the marriage of the couple with the Emperor directly stating that if the Crown Prince was happy with Michiko, he would be a better emperor later on. The Imperial Household Council formally approved the engagement of the Crown Prince to Michiko Shōda on 27 November 1958. The announcement of
540-473: A precious bridge to the unknown world, so to speak." In August 1974, when the prince was 14, he was sent to Melbourne , Australia, for a homestay. His father, then the crown prince Akihito, had a positive experience there on a trip the year before and encouraged his son to go as well. He stayed with the family of businessman Colin Harper. He got along with his host brothers, riding around Point Lonsdale , playing
600-705: A staff member working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , at a tea gathering for Infanta Elena of Spain in November 1986, during her studies at the University of Tokyo . The prince was immediately captivated by her, and arranged for them to meet several times over the next few weeks. Because of this, they were pursued relentlessly by the press throughout 1987. Despite the Imperial Household Agency's disapproval of her, and her attending Balliol College, Oxford , for
660-773: Is also a supporter of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and in 2006 attended the 14th Nippon Jamboree , the Japanese national jamboree organized by the Scout Association of Japan . The crown prince had also been an honorary vice-president of the Japanese Red Cross Society since 1994. In 2001, the crown prince visited the United Kingdom ; he met Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle . For two weeks in 2012,
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#1732858895046720-584: Is limited to performing ceremonial duties as delineated by the constitution, and even then he is constrained by the requirements of the constitution and the binding advice of the cabinet. For instance, while he formally appoints the Prime Minister, he is required to appoint the person designated by the National Diet . The enthronement ceremony took place on 22 October 2019, where he was duly enthroned in an ancient-style proclamation ceremony. On 23 July 2021,
780-495: Is not eligible for the throne under Japan's male-only succession law . The birth of Prince Hisahito meant that proposed changes to the law to allow Aiko to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne were dropped. In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and the Fukushima I nuclear crisis , the Emperor made a historic televised appearance [ ja ] urging his people not to give up hope and to help each other. Under
840-454: Is not traditionally listed. Naruhito The Emperor The Empress The Emperor Emeritus The Empress Emerita Naruhito (born 23 February 1960) is Emperor of Japan . He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne following his father's abdication on 1 May 2019, beginning the Reiwa era. He is the 126th monarch according to Japan's traditional order of succession . Naruhito
900-441: Is said to include morning and evening walks with his wife, reading and visits to an imperial biology institute. In August 2023, Akihito and Michiko visited the tennis court where they first met and interacted with members of the organization responsible for its upkeep. Emperor Akihito underwent surgery for prostate cancer on 14 January 2003. Later in 2011 he was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia . In February 2012, it
960-564: Is the elder son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko . He was born during the reign of his paternal grandfather, Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa), and became heir apparent following his father's accession in 1989. He was formally invested as Crown Prince of Japan in 1991. He attended Gakushūin schools in Tokyo and later studied history at Gakushuin University and English at Merton College, Oxford . In June 1993, he married diplomat Owada Masako . They have one daughter: Aiko . Continuing his grandfather's and father's boycott over
1020-420: Is the longest-lived verifiable Japanese emperor in recorded history. During his reign, 17 prime ministers served in 25 terms, beginning with Noboru Takeshita and ending with Shinzo Abe . He is the current oldest living member of Japanese imperial family , following Yuriko, Princess Mikasa 's death on 15 November 2024. During his reign, Akihito was never referred to by his own name, but instead as "His Majesty
1080-792: The Cabinet after his death. The name of the next era under his successor will be established after his death or before his abdication . Naruhito was born on 23 February 1960 at 4:15 p.m. in the Imperial Household Agency Hospital in Tokyo Imperial Palace . As a prince, he later quipped, "I was born in a barn inside the moat". His parents, Akihito and Michiko , were then crown prince and crown princess of Japan, while his paternal grandfather, Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa), reigned as emperor. Reuters news agency reported that Naruhito's paternal grandmother, Empress Kōjun , had driven her daughter-in-law and grandchildren to depression in
1140-593: The Constitution of Japan , Akihito's role was entirely representative and ceremonial in nature, without even a nominal role in government; indeed, he was not allowed to make political statements. He was limited to acting in matters of state as delineated in the Constitution. Even in those matters, he was bound by the requirements of the Constitution and the binding advice of the Cabinet. For instance, while he formally appointed
1200-568: The Imperial Household Agency denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. Abdication by the Emperor required an amendment to the Imperial Household Law , which had no provisions for such a move. On 8 August 2016, the Emperor gave a rare televised address, where he emphasized his advanced age and declining health; this address was interpreted as an implication of his intention to abdicate. On 19 May 2017,
1260-619: The Second World War , he moved out of Tokyo with his classmates and remained in Nikkō until 1945. In 1952, his Coming-of-Age ceremony and investiture as crown prince were held, and he began to undertake official duties in his capacity as crown prince. The next year, he made his first journey overseas and represented Japan at the coronation of Elizabeth II in London. He completed his university education in 1956. In April 1959, he married Michiko Shōda ,
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#17328588950461320-506: The enshrinement of convicted war criminals , Naruhito has never visited Yasukuni Shrine . He is interested in water policy and water conservation and likes to play the viola . He was an honorary president of the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and is a supporter of the World Organization of the Scout Movement . Before becoming emperor, he was generally referred in the Japanese press by his princely title Kōtaishi (Crown Prince, 皇太子 lit. "Great Imperial Son"). Upon succeeding to
1380-540: The history of science during the Edo and Meiji eras , which were published in Science and Nature . In 2005, a newly described goby was named Exyrias akihito in his honour, and in 2007 a genus Akihito of gobies native to Vanuatu also received his name. In 2021, the Imperial Household Agency announced Akihito had discovered two new species of goby fish. The discovery was catalogued in an English-language journal published by
1440-458: The viola , having switched from the violin because he thought the latter "too much of a leader, too prominent" to suit his musical and personal tastes. He enjoys jogging , hiking , and mountaineering in his spare time. According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida , the emperor and King Charles III 's families share an "intimate relationship". As the crown prince he was a patron of the 1998 Winter Olympics and 1998 Winter Paralympics . He
1500-542: The 126th Emperor as of 1 May 2019. On 19 March 2020, Akihito and his wife moved out of the Imperial Palace, marking their first public appearance since his abdication. On 31 March, they moved in to the Takanawa Residence . In December 2021, Akihito celebrated his 88th birthday ( beiju ), breaking his father's record and making him the longest-living verifiable Japanese emperor in recorded history. His daily routine
1560-513: The 126th Emperor of Japan as of 1 May 2019. Following an abdication ceremony on the afternoon of 30 April, Akihito's reign and the Heisei era continued until the end of the day. Naruhito then succeeded him as emperor at the beginning of the day on 1 May, ushering in the Reiwa era . The transition took place at midnight, and Naruhito formally began his reign in a ceremony later that morning. In his first statement as emperor, he pledged to reflect deeply on
1620-543: The 1960s by persistently accusing Michiko of not being suitable for her son. His childhood was reported to be happy, and he enjoyed activities such as mountain climbing , riding , and learning the violin . He played with the children of the royal chamberlain , and he was a fan of the Yomiuri Giants in the Central League , his favorite player being No. 3, later team manager, Shigeo Nagashima . One day, Naruhito found
1680-490: The Emperor and are not included in this list. Akihito's patriline is the line from which he is descended father to son. Patrilineal descent is the principle behind membership in royal houses, as it can be traced back through the generations, which means that Akihito is a member of the Imperial House of Japan . Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū
1740-475: The Emperor celebrated the birth of his first grandson, Prince Hisahito , the third child of the Emperor's younger son. Prince Hisahito was the first male heir born to the Japanese imperial family in 41 years (since his father Prince Akishino ) and could avert the Japanese imperial succession crisis, as the only child of the Emperor's elder son, the then Crown Prince Naruhito , is his daughter, Princess Aiko , who
1800-521: The Emperor" ( 天皇陛下 , Tennō Heika ) which may be shortened to "His Majesty" ( 陛下 , Heika ) . The era of Akihito's reign from 1989 to 2019 bore the era name Heisei ( 平成 ) , and according to custom he will be posthumously renamed Emperor Heisei ( 平成天皇 , Heisei Tennō ) as the 125th emperor of Japan by order of the Cabinet . Following his abdication, he was accorded the title of Jōkō ( 上皇 ) , officially translated as "Emperor Emeritus". Prince Akihito ( 明仁親王 , Akihito Shinnō )
1860-672: The Ichthyological Society of Japan. In 1965, then-Crown Prince Akihito sent 50 Nile tilapia to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in response to a request for fish that could solve malnutrition issues in the country. The species has since become a major food source in Thailand and a major export. Other awards The following tables include official visits jointly made by the Emperor and Empress from 1991 to 2017. Although Empress Michiko has made two official visits on her own, in 2002 (to Switzerland) and 2014 (to Belgium), they did not include
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1920-611: The Imperial Household Agency Hospital at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko made official visits to thirty-seven countries. As an Imperial Prince, Akihito compared the role of Japanese royalty to that of a robot. He expressed the desire to help bring the Imperial family closer to the people of Japan. Upon the death of Emperor Shōwa on 7 January 1989, Akihito acceded to
1980-492: The Imperial Household Agency launched an Instagram account for the imperial family, which received 300,000 followers by the end of its debut on the platform. The account was reportedly launched to "reach out" to Japan's younger generations. The Emperor and Empress embarked on a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom in late June 2024, at the invitation of King Charles III . The imperial couple had originally planned to visit in 2020 as guests of Queen Elizabeth II , but
2040-510: The Prime Minister, he was required to appoint the person designated by the Diet. On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster NHK reported that the then 82-year-old Emperor intended to abdicate in favour of his eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito within a few years, citing his age. An abdication within the Imperial Family had not occurred since Emperor Kōkaku in 1817. However, senior officials within
2100-540: The bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the Cabinet of Japan . On 8 June 2017, the National Diet passed it, whereupon it became known as the Emperor Abdication Law . This commenced government preparations to hand the position over to Naruhito. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in December 2017 that Akihito's abdication would take place at the end of 30 April 2019, and that Naruhito would become
2160-633: The constituent countries of the United Kingdom: Scotland's Ben Nevis , Wales's Snowdon and Scafell Pike in England. While at Oxford, he also was able to go sightseeing across Europe and meet much of its royalty, including the British royal family . The relatively relaxed manners of the United Kingdom's royals amazed him: " Queen Elizabeth II , he noted with surprise, poured her own tea and served
2220-427: The course followed by his father, and fulfill his constitutional responsibility "as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan". Under Article 4 of the Constitution , the emperor's role is defined as entirely ceremonial and representative. Unlike most other constitutional monarchs, the emperor lacks even nominal powers related to government; he is barred from making political statements. His role
2280-443: The crown prince temporarily took charge of his father's duties while the emperor underwent and recovered from heart bypass surgery. Naruhito's birthday was named " Mount Fuji Day" by Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures because of his reported love of the mountain. On 1 December 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Naruhito's father, Emperor Akihito, would abdicate on 30 April 2019 , and that Naruhito would become
2340-427: The crown prince with the title Prince Hiro ( 浩宮 , Hiro-no-miya ) on 23 February 1991. Her first pregnancy was announced in December 1999, but she miscarried . They finally had one daughter, Aiko, Princess Toshi ( 敬宮愛子内親王 , Toshi-no-miya Aiko Naishinnō ) , born 1 December 2001 at the Imperial Household Agency Hospital at Tokyo Imperial Palace. The Japanese imperial succession debate started around
2400-461: The death of his father, Emperor Shōwa . On 23 December 2001, during his annual birthday meeting with reporters, the Emperor, in response to a reporter's question about tensions with South Korea , remarked that he felt a kinship with Koreans and went on to explain that, in the Shoku Nihongi , the mother of Emperor Kammu (736–806) is related to Muryeong of Korea, King of Baekje , a fact that
2460-630: The emperor marked his 64th birthday with a message mourning the victims of the Noto earthquake , and expressed desire to visit the affected areas. He had previously received condolences for the victims from King Charles III of the United Kingdom in early January. The emperor and empress visited Wajima and Suzu , two earthquake-stricken cities in the Noto Peninsula on 22 March. The couple later visited an evacuation center in Anamizu on 12 April. In April 2024,
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2520-621: The forum's opening ceremony titled "Waterways Connecting Kyoto and Local Regions". Visiting Mexico in March 2006, he gave the keynote address at the opening ceremony for the Fourth World Water Forum, " Edo and Water Transport". And in December 2007, he gave a commemorative talk at the opening ceremony for the First Asia-Pacific Water Summit, "Humans and Water: From Japan to the Asia-Pacific Region". He plays
2580-546: The geography club. He graduated from Gakushuin University in March 1982 with a Bachelor of Letters degree in history . In July 1983, he undertook a three-month intensive English course before entering Merton College, Oxford University, in the United Kingdom, where he studied until 1986. He did not, however, submit his thesis A Study of Navigation and Traffic on the Upper Thames in the 18th Century until 1989. He later revisited these years in his book, The Thames and I –
2640-427: The marriage on 10 April 1959. Akihito and Michiko had three children: two sons Naruhito (born 23 February 1960 and titled Prince Hiro; later the 126th Emperor of Japan) and Fumihito (born 30 November 1965 and titled Prince Aya; later Prince Akishino and subsequently the Crown Prince of Japan), and a daughter Sayako Kuroda (born 18 April 1969 and titled Princess Nori before marriage). The three children were born at
2700-563: The new emperor opened the 2020 Summer Olympics (originally scheduled to be played in 2020, postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic ) hosted in Tokyo, just as his grandfather, Emperor Shōwa, had done in 1964 . The imperial couple's first trip abroad as emperor and empress took place in September 2022, to the United Kingdom to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. They visited Indonesia in June 2023, their first state visit. In February 2024,
2760-489: The next two years, he remained interested in her. He proposed to her three times before the Imperial Palace announced their engagement on 19 January 1993. The wedding took place on 9 June the same year at the Imperial Shinto Hall in Tokyo before 800 invited guests, including many of Europe's heads of state and royalty. By the time of their marriage, his father had ascended the throne, so the prince had been invested as
2820-410: The remains of an ancient roadway on the palace grounds, sparking a lifelong fascination with the history of transportation , which would provide the subject of his bachelor's and master's degrees in history. He later said, "I have had a keen interest in roads since childhood. On roads, you can go to the unknown world. Since I have been leading a life where I have few chances to go out freely, roads are
2880-408: The remote islands of Japan . He has a keen interest in natural life and conservation, as well as Japanese and world history. Akihito abdicated in 2019 , citing his advanced age and declining health, and assumed the title Emperor Emeritus ( 上皇 , Jōkō , lit. ' Retired Emperor ' ) . He was succeeded by his eldest son, Naruhito, whose era is named Reiwa ( 令和 ) . At age 90, Akihito
2940-707: The sandwiches." He also went skiing with Liechtenstein 's Prince Hans-Adam II , holidayed in Mallorca in the Mediterranean with Spain's King Juan Carlos I , and sailed with Norway 's Crown Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands . Upon his return to Japan, he enrolled once more in Gakushūin University to earn a Master of Humanities degree in history, successfully earning his degree in 1988. Naruhito first met Owada Masako,
3000-424: The state visit was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The rescheduled visit went ahead despite concerns of postponement due to the British general election campaign that began in late May. It was the first state visit in modern times to take place during an active election campaign. Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū
3060-517: The then-Crown Prince Akihito's engagement and forthcoming marriage to Michiko Shōda drew opposition from traditionalist groups, because Shōda came from a Catholic family. Although Shōda was never baptized, she had been educated in Catholic schools and seemed to share her parents' faith. Rumours also speculated that Prince Akihito's mother, Empress Kōjun had opposed the engagement. After the death of Empress Kōjun on 16 June 2000, Reuters reported that she
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#17328588950463120-494: The throne he is referred to as "His Majesty the Emperor" ( 天皇陛下 , Tennō Heika ) , which may be shortened to "His Majesty" ( 陛下 , Heika ) . In writing, the emperor is also referred to formally as " The Reigning Emperor " ( 今上天皇 , Kinjō Tennō ) . The era of his reign bears the name " Reiwa " ( 令和 ) pronounced [ɾeːwa] , and according to custom he will be referred to as Emperor Reiwa ( 令和天皇 , Reiwa Tennō , see " posthumous name ") by order of
3180-664: The throne, becoming the 125th Emperor of Japan at the age of 55, becoming the third oldest in history. The enthronement ceremony took place on 12 November 1990. In 1998, during a state visit to the United Kingdom , he was invested with the UK Order of the Garter . Following his accession, he began issuing several wide-ranging statements of remorse to Asian countries, for their suffering under Japanese occupation, beginning with an expression of remorse to China made in April 1989, three months after
3240-465: The time when it became increasingly clear over the following years that Princess Aiko would be their only child. The emperor made unprecedented remarks on the issue on June 19, 2024 at a news conference in the imperial palace. He is interested in water policy and water conservation. In March 2003, in his capacity as honorary president of the Third World Water Forum , he delivered a speech at
3300-412: The violin and tennis , and climbing Uluru together. Once he even played the violin for dignitaries at a state dinner at Government House hosted by Governor-General Sir John Kerr . When the prince was four years old he was enrolled in the prestigious Gakushūin school system, where many of Japan's elite families and narikin ( nouveaux riches ) send their children. In senior high, Naruhito joined
3360-507: Was announced that the Emperor would be having a coronary examination; he underwent successful heart bypass surgery on 18 February 2012. In July 2018, he suffered from nausea and dizziness due to insufficient blood flow to his brain. In January 2020, he temporarily lost consciousness and collapsed at his residence, though "no abnormalities" were detected in his brain. He was diagnosed with heart failure in July 2022. Akihito and Michiko have two sons and
3420-459: Was born on 23 December 1933 at 6:39 am in the Tokyo Imperial Palace as the fifth child and eldest son of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun . Titled Prince Tsugu ( 継宮 , Tsugu-no-miya ) as a child, Akihito was educated by private tutors prior to attending the elementary and secondary departments of the Peers' School ( Gakushūin ) from 1940 to 1952. At the request of his father, he did not receive
3480-615: Was considered taboo for discussion. In June 2005, the Emperor and Empress visited the island of Saipan (part of the Northern Mariana Islands , a U.S. territory ), the site of a battle in the World War II from 15 June to 9 July 1944 (known as the Battle of Saipan ). Akihito offered prayers and flowers at several memorials, honouring not only the Japanese who died, but also American servicemen, Korean labourers, and local islanders. It
3540-560: Was one of the strongest opponents of her son's marriage, and that in the 1960s, she had driven her daughter-in-law and grandchildren to depression by persistently accusing Shōda of not being suitable for her son. At that time, the media presented their encounter as a real "fairy tale", or the "romance of the tennis court". It was the first time a commoner had married into the Imperial Family, breaking more than 2,600 years of tradition. The engagement ceremony took place on 14 January 1959, and
3600-767: Was the first trip by a Japanese monarch to a World War II battlefield abroad. The Saipan journey was received with high praise by the Japanese people, as were the Emperor's visits to war memorials in Tokyo , Hiroshima Prefecture , Nagasaki Prefecture and Okinawa Prefecture in 1995. After succeeding to the throne, Akihito made an effort to bring the Imperial family closer to the Japanese people. He and Michiko made official visits to eighteen countries and to all forty-seven Japanese prefectures . Akihito has never visited Yasukuni Shrine , continuing his predecessor's boycott from 1978, due to its enshrinement of war criminals. On 6 September 2006,
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