Emperor Of Japan Akihito

Japanese emperor who reigned as the 125th Emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession. He was the first son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako after the birth of four girls. In time-honored custom, he was removed from his parents at age three to be raised by nurses and tutors, however, in departure from custom, at six he was sent to a school with foreigners to broaden his experience. When the Allies occupied Japan after WW II, he was sent to a provincial city. He studied political science and economy at Gashushuin University to prepare for his role as leader of modern Japan. Slight and unprepossessing, Akihito has lived a modest life outside of the public eye. He showed his spirit when he chose Michiko Shoda for his bride, as she was the first non aristocrat elevated to royal consort, wooing her passionately. They married on 10 April 1959 amid nationwide celebration. The couple set up house in the Togu Gosho, the Crown Prince's unpretentious residence a half mile from the Imperial Palace. However, reports filtered out that Empress Nagako resented the intrusion of a commoner into the family. Not only that, but the couple chose to raise their three children, Prince Hiro, Prince Aya and Princess Nori, at home. In 1986, they stepped further into modern realities when they took their first subway ride. As Crown Prince, Akihito began his workday at 10:00 AM, planning public appearance and receiving visitors. Later, the family would gather in the palace sitting room for tea and cake. Like his father, who was an avid amateur marine biologist, Akihito became an expert on fish, writing monographs on the goby. He is also a dedicated musician, a fine cellist who plays impromptu concerts of Mozart, Grieg or Beethoven with his wife on viola, Aya on the guitar and Nori at the piano. His second son, Aya, became engaged to commoner Kiko Kawashima on 26 August 1989. For all his majesty, Akihito has never projected a clear public image. He has a natural dignity combined with shyness and a better than average mind that is clear and analytical, with a turn for original thought. His destiny is obvious and he accepts it soberly. Akihito became the 125th Emperor of Japan upon the death of his father on 7 January 1989. The enthronement ceremony took place on 12 November 1990; an ancient ceremony as a symbol rather than a living god with unlimited power, as in former Japanese history. In late December 2002 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Akihito abdicated due to his age and declining health on 30 April 2019, becoming the Emperor Emeritus of Japan. He was succeeded by his elder son, Naruhito. Link to Wikipedia biography