Emperor Emeritus Akihito's Life in Photos
Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, is the longest-living Japanese emperor in history.
In 2019, Emperor Akihito became the first Japanese emperor to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne in over two centuries. He presided over a very transitory time in Japanese royal history—the role of his father, Emperor Hirohito, in World War II has been debated by historians (Japan fought under Hirohito's name), and he helped to change perceptions of the Japanese Imperial Family, and to make them more modern and accessible to the public.
Set to turn 90 this December, Akihito is currently the longest-living Japanese emperor in verifiable history. He was Japan's 125th emperor, reigning from 1989 through 2019, and can trace his lineage back nearly 3,000 years. Here, see photos of Akihito throughout his life—from childhood to present-day.
1934
Prince Akihito was born on December 23, 1933, the eldest son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako.
1934
A seven-month-old Prince Akihito with his mom, Empress Nagako.
1935
Prince Akihito of Japan, titled prince Tsugu No Miya as a child, leaves Tokyo for Hayama villa.
1937
A portrait of the Crown Prince on his third birthday.
1940
At age 7, Prince Akihito began school at the Gakushūin, Peers' School, which was founded by Emperor Ninko in 1842.
Here, the young prince enters elementary school in Tokyo.
Undated
In this photo from the late 1930s or early 1940s, Emperor Hirohito appears with four of his children: Prince Akihito (second from right) is with his sisters Princess Shigeko, Princess Atsuko, and Princess Kazuko.
1940
During World War II, Emperor Hirohito's role in Japan's military decisions, including the invasion of China and bombing of Pearl Harbor, has been debated by historians. After Japan surrendered, Emperor Hirohito renounced his divine status, signed a new constitution drafted by the U.S., and the role of the Imperial Family greatly changed.
1946
The Crown Prince rides his bike on the grounds of the Imperial Palace.
1948
Prince Akihito and Emperor Hirohito are reading the Pacific edition of the Stars and Stripes, published in Tokyo. Per the original caption, "The Crown Prince is being trained to rule as a popular figure and as a symbol of the gradual development of democratic government in Japan."
1952
Crown Prince Akihito, at age 18, wears the "Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum," Japan's highest medal of honor. On November 10, 1952, Akihito was proclaimed the official heir to the throne.
1952
Here, Akihito is in ceremonial robes for his formal investiture as Crown Prince at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
1953
On his first major overseas trip, Crown Prince Akihito represented Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He arrived in Southhampton, England, here on April 29, 1953.
Here, Prince Akihito poses in London ahead of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. Decades later, his son Prince Akishino and daughter-in-law Princess Kiko attended King Charles's coronation.
1953
After England, he visited Rome, taking in the Colosseum.
1953
He also went to New York, where he attended a double header between the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Browns at Yankee stadium in this photo. Per the original caption, "The Prince is shown before the game, as he was given a ball by Casey Stengel, the Yankee's Manager."
1955
According to the Imperial Household's official site, in the 50s, Akihito "received special tutoring from authorities in various areas of learning, such as Japanese History and Constitutional Law."
1958
In 1958, he announced his engagement to Michiko Shōda, the first commoner to marry into the Imperial Family.
1958
Akihito and Michiko met playing tennis in Karuizawa, and their romance was called a "love match." According to the New York Times, "Their romance... launched a craze for the sport, which is still the Prince's favorite recreation."
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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