Who is Emperor Akihito of Japan?

Akihito was born on Dec. 23, 1933, the long-awaited first son of Hirohito and Empress Nagako, who had already produced four girls. In time-honored imperial fashion, the prince was separated from his parents at about the age of three and raised by nurses, tutors, and chamberlains. Yet in a departure from custom, at six Akihito was sent to school with commoners in order to broaden him. When the Allies began closing in on Japan during World War II, he and some of his classmates were evacuated to provincial cities. The Crown Prince showed his mettle in 1959 when he chose for his bride Michiko Shoda, the first nonaristocrat elevated to royal consort. Apprehensive about becoming a member of the royal family, she was at first reluctant to accept Akihito’s proposal, but his passionate wooing won her over. They were married amid nationwide celebration. As crown prince, Akihito represented his father on diplomatic missions abroad and, when the emperor became ill in September 1987, at home as well. Ascending to the throne after the death of his father on January 7, 1989, Akihito ushered in a new era which he dubbed “Heisei”, or “achievement of peace”.

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