Akihito, Japan’s Emperor Emeritus, celebrates 90th birthday
Emperor Emeritus Akihito of Japan Celebrates 90th Birthday
On December 23, Emperor Emeritus of Japan Akihito celebrates his 90th birthday, according to RIA Novosti. The Imperial Household Administration has announced a schedule of congratulations and special communiqué on its website.
The Emperor Emeritus is set to receive congratulations from family members and department employees, as well as from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and representatives of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament.
Akihito made history as the first emperor in 202 years to abdicate the throne in 2019, passing it on to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito. He also became the first emperor whose reign began after the adoption of the 1947 Constitution, which defined the emperor’s status as the “symbol of the nation” without mentioning his divine origin. A survey showed that over 80% of Japanese believed that the Emperor Emeritus was successful in this role, as he tried to be no different from the people during his reign.
In 1959, Akihito broke tradition by marrying Michiko Shoda, the daughter of the head of a large flour-grinding company, deviating from the centuries-old practice of emperors and princes of the blood marrying only girls of aristocratic origin.
Throughout his reign, Emperor Emeritus Akihito prioritized lasting peace and honored the memory of those killed in the war, frequently visiting battlefields of World War II to pay his respects.
Akihito’s legacy is defined by his progressive and compassionate leadership, breaking with traditions and emphasizing peace and remembrance. Happy 90th birthday to the Emperor Emeritus of Japan.
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