CNN
—
Let’s take a look at the life of Japan’s Honorary Emperor Akihito.
birthday: December 23, 1933
place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
Birth Name: Tsugunomiya Akihito
father: Emperor Hirohito
mother: Empress Nagako Kuni
marriage: Michiko Shoda (April 10, 1959 – present)
Children: Norino Miya Sayako Nasininno, Princess Sayako (aka Princess Nori); Miya from Akishino
education: Attended Gakushuin University from 1952 to 1956
The Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Records show that the imperial line remained unbroken for 14 centuries. Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan and a direct descendant of Japan's first Emperor Jimmu, circa 660 BC.
Japan is the only country in the world where the king holds the title of emperor.
Akihito is the fifth child and first son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako. Akihito (秋仁) means ‘the pinnacle of shining virtue’, and Tsugunomiya means ‘prince of enlightened mercy’.
He was the first Japanese crown prince to marry a commoner.
At least 2,500 dignitaries from 158 countries attended the 1990 Sokuinorei coronation ceremony. The ceremony lasted about 30 minutes and cost the Japanese people about $80 million (10 billion yen).
A skilled ichthyologist who discovered many species of goby, Akihito has a species of goby named after him.
1936 or 1937 – In accordance with Japanese customs at the time, he was separated from his parents and raised and educated by servants and tutors.
1950 – The Imperial Household Agency (IHA) begins compiling a list of suitable candidates for marriage. By 1958, the list contained about 800 names.
1952 – He was officially given the title Crown Prince Tenka Kotaishi and declared the rightful heir to the throne.
1953 – He will represent Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and visit 13 countries in Europe and North America.
January 7, 1989 – Upon the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, he came into possession of the sacred sword, beads, and mirror of the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami.
May 24, 1990 – At a banquet in Tokyo for visiting South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, Akihito expressed “deep regret” over Japan's 35-year occupation of Korea (1910-1945).
November 12, 1990 – One year and 10 months after his father passed away, he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne as the 125th Emperor of Japan.
October 1992 – State visit to China. This is the first visit by the Emperor of Japan to China. Emperor Akihito says he deplores Japan's treatment of the Chinese before and after World War II but does not apologize.
May 1998 – The state visit to Britain has sparked protests by British World War II prisoners demanding an official apology and compensation for the Japanese military's treatment of them.
June 16, 2000 – Akihito's mother Nagako Kuni (Empress Dowager of Japan) died at the age of 97.
January 18, 2003 – He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2002 and underwent successful surgery.
September 6, 2006 – His first grandson, Prince Hisahito, was born, the first male heir born into the imperial family in 40 years. The last male heir was born on November 30, 1965, the child's father, Prince Akishino.
July 14-16, 2009 – Emperor Akihito and Queen Michiko visited Hawaii. They won't visit Pearl Harbor, but they will lay wreaths at the National Cemetery of the Pacific for veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
November 13, 2009 – Accompanied by Empress Michiko, she meets US President Barack Obama in Japan.
December 2010 – I admit that I have hearing problems.
March 16, 2011 – Emperor Akihito delivers a pre-recorded televised address following Japan's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. He urged the Japanese people to “never give up hope, take care of yourself, and live energetically for tomorrow.”
November 6, 2011 – He was hospitalized with high fever and bronchitis.
February 18, 2012 – I underwent successful coronary artery bypass surgery.
April 2013 – I contribute a 350-page paper on the Japanese fish Gobiodei to the book “Fishes of Japan with an Illustrated Key to Species.”
August 8, 2016 – Akihito gives a televised speech about his health and his fears that growing older will affect his ability to perform his duties.
June 9, 2017 – Japan's parliament has passed historic legislation allowing Emperor Akihito to become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in 200 years.
December 1, 2017 – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Emperor Akihito would abdicate on April 30, 2019, becoming the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in 200 years. Crown Prince Naruhito, who has already inherited some of his father's duties, will be crowned as the 126th Emperor of Japan from May 1, 2019.
July 2018 – Emperor Akihito cancels official duties after experiencing dizziness and nausea due to cerebral anemia.
April 30, 2019 – Emperor Akihito officially abdicated at an abdication ceremony held in Tokyo. He will now be known as Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
January 30, 2020 – IHA said Akihito recovered after briefly losing consciousness at his home on January 29.
December 23, 2021 – Emperor Akihito turned 88, becoming the longest-serving emperor in Japanese history.
September 25, 2022 – I am undergoing surgery for cataract and glaucoma in my right eye.