Akihito was the emperor of Japan between 1989-2019. He was born on the 23rd of December 1933 to Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun. Akihito is one of seven children. He has 5 sisters and one brother, Akihito is the oldest and was born as Crown Prince of Japan.
Akihito went to Peer's School for both primary and high school. Unlike many royals Akihito never completed university but he did study political science at a university in Tokyo for a brief period. The Emperor also spent some time in the Japanese military. In 1952 the 19 year old Prince took part in his fist official role, and represented Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Emperor Showa passed away in 1989 and Akihito became Emperor of Japan. Since becoming emperor, Akihito has attempted to bring the imperial family closer to the people of Japan. During his time as head of the Chrysanthemum throne Emperor Akihito has had a number of health scares. In 2003 he had treatment for prostate cancer. In 2011 he suffered from pneumonia and had to be taken to hospital. In 2012 Emperor Akihito underwent bypass surgery.
On 10th April 1959 Akihito married Michiko Shoda. Together Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have three children; Crown Prince Naruhito (23/2/1960), Fumihito, Prince Akishino (30/11/1965) and a daughter Sayako who was formerly known as The Princess Nori (18/4/1969). The Emperor and Empress also have four grandchildren.
On April 30th 2019 Akihito chose to abdicated due to failing health and advanced age. Akihito's older son, Naruhito became the new emperor of Japan.
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