Akihito

Date of Birth: December 23, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Akihito, born on December 23, 1933, is the Emperor Emeritus of Japan, having reigned as the 125th Emperor from January 7, 1989, until his abdication on April 30, 2019. He was the eldest son of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and Empress Kōjun (Nagako). Akihito was educated at the Gakushūin School and later studied at the Department of Political Science at Gakushūin University. As Emperor, Akihito was a symbol of the state and the unity of the people, a role defined by the Japanese constitution. His reign, known as the Heisei era, was marked by efforts to reconcile Japan with its World War II past and foster better relations with neighboring Asian countries. He and Empress Michiko traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, promoting peace, diplomacy, and understanding. Akihito’s reign saw numerous natural disasters, including the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 and the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. His compassionate responses to these crises were widely praised. In 2016, citing his advanced age and declining health, Akihito expressed his desire to abdicate, which led to the historic abdication in 2019, the first in over two centuries in Japan.

5 Interesting Facts about Akihito

1. Akihito was the first Japanese emperor in over 200 years to abdicate the throne.

2. He married Michiko Shōda in 1959, the first commoner to marry into the imperial family.

3. Akihito is an accomplished ichthyologist, having published several papers on the taxonomy of gobioid fish.

4. During his reign, Akihito made efforts to address and apologize for Japan’s wartime actions, including visits to war memorials in China and South Korea.

5. He broke with tradition by choosing to be cremated rather than buried in a mausoleum, to reduce the burden on the public.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Akihito

1. “I have always believed that the role of the Emperor is to symbolize the unity of the people and to be a stabilizing presence in society.”

2. “In times of hardship, I am reminded of the resilience and strength of the Japanese people.”

3. “Science and research have always been close to my heart, and I believe in the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of humanity.”

4. “My hope is that Japan can continue to contribute to global peace and understanding.”

5. “I am deeply grateful for the support and affection of the Japanese people throughout my reign.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Akihito is estimated to be around $40 million.

Children

Akihito and Empress Michiko have three children: 1. **Naruhito** (born February 23, 1960) – He succeeded Akihito as the Emperor of Japan. 2. **Fumihito, Prince Akishino** (born November 30, 1965) – He is currently first in line to the throne. 3. **Sayako Kuroda (formerly Princess Nori)** (born April 18, 1969) – She relinquished her royal title upon marriage.