Empress Michiko was born on 20th October 1934 as Michiko Shoda. Michiko's father was the president of a flour milling company in Japan, their family was upper class and Michiko received a traditional, but western education.
Michiko later completed a Bachelor of Arts specialising in English literature at the University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo. Michiko also spent time at Harvard in Massachusetts, USA and Oxford University in England.
Michiko and the then Crown Prince Akihito of Japan became engaged in January 1959 and on the 10th of April that year were married. Akihito and Michiko have three children together, Crown Prince Naruhito (23/2/1960), Fumihitio, Prince Akishino (30/11/1965) and Sayako, the former Princess Nori (18/4/1969). The Emperor and Empress also have four grandchildren.
In 1989 her father-in-law passed away and she and her husband became the emperor and empress of Japan. Since the empress has always been by her husband's side. Empress Michiko supports many charities, is a religious symbol and takes part in many different ceremonies in Japan and overseas. Due to the pressures of royal life Empress Michiko has suffered from depression. On a personal note, The Japanese Empress enjoys the piano, reading and poetry.
On 30th April 2019 Michiko's husband abdicated due to age and failing health in favour of their elder son Naruhito.
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