Emperor Akihito of Japan

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Happy Birthday to Emperor Akihito of Japan! The eldest son of  Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako, he was educated at the Peers’ School (Gakushūin) in Tokyo. In 1959, he married Michiko Shōda, the first time a commoner married into the Imperial Family, breaking more than 2,600 years of tradition. The couple have three children, Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince Akishino, and Mrs. Sayako Kuroda. He succeeded to the throne as the 125th Emperor of Japan in 1989, after the death of his father, as a constitutional monarch, having a strict traditional and highly respected role. Emperor Akihito is also a published ichthyological researcher. In April 2019, the Emperor abdicated, due to old age, and will retire from the public, now known as the Emperor Emeritus (Jōkō). I wish His Majesty a very Happy Birthday and many Happy Returns!

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2 thoughts on “Emperor Akihito of Japan

  1. I sincerely hope that he and the Empress will be able to live many years in peace and quiet. They deserve it! I wish him joy on his birthday!

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