Akihito made the customary birthday appearance on the glass-covered balcony of Tokyo's Imperial Palace on Sunday, December 23. He was joined by his (commoner-born) wife of almost 60 years, Empress Michiko, their two sons & two adult granddaughters. It was a cold, light rainy December day, but nonetheless it draw almost 83 thousands of people from every corner of Japan (& not only) - the largest-estimated number gathered for this Emperor's birthday - to the private palace gardens, opened to the public only twice-a-year (for the Emperor's birthday & new-year's appearances). His Majesty expressed his gratitude in the short speach he gave for the many birthday wishes he had received. He reflected of the past year, mentioning that his heart "is with those who have lost family & loved ones" in natural disasters of 2018, and concluded his adress by wishing a good (next) year to everyone and praying for their "health and happiness". This was the last birthday appearance of Emperor Akihito, as he is scheduled to finish his reign this year. Japanese people of all ages & walks of life were here to celebrate their monarch - as he turned 85. An old woman recalled fond memories of meeting Empress Michiko at these gardens many years ago, and (being asked by media representatives) sumed-up Akihito's reign as kansha (=~appreciation, gratitude) for the long peaceful time it shaped, while a couple brought their three young children here to shaw them the continuity of this long tradition.
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| Events at the birthday greeting - people come to palace gardens |
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| Events from the birthday greetings: people waiting for the Emp |
On Wednesday, 2 January 2019, Akihito appeared from the palace balcony for the last time as the reigning Emperor of Japan. This time, more than 90,000 people gathered to see him. This was a record-breaking number, probably the largest one ever gathered for such ocassion - at least in the last 30 years. Many of them waited for hours to take a glimpse of the Imperial family, while Their Majesties (& Their Imperial Highnesses) appeared five times throughout the day to greet them all. The Emperor's speech was of a more optimistic character (than the previous). He wished a happy New Year to everybody, saying that he was happy to celebrate this new year together with all them, under this cloudless/clear sky. In the second part of his short remarks, Akihito expressed his hope that 2019 will be a good year for as many as possible and wished (for) "the peace and happiness of the people of our country and the world". The Imperial family waved to the gatherers, and most of them waved back with small-sized Japanese flags they brought for that purpose, and thrice cheered the: "Banzai" (an aurpicious wish for the Emperor's longevity). Heisei Era was turning 30 on January 7.
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| Major Imperial family members for the last New Year's greeting during Emperor Akihito's Reign - the Heisei Era |
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| Crowds at the palace gardens for the new year's greeting |
Akihito marked his 30th anniversary of accession as the 125th Emperor of Japan with a visit to the Tomb of his father, at the Imperial graveyard.
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| Hirohito & Gen. McArthur (1945) |
When Akihito's reign was celebrated at the National Theatre of Tokyo, he remarked that it is time for their island country to be opened up to the outside, globalised world, "to establish its own position with wisdom and to build relations with other countries in sincerity". The 85-year-old monarch recalled the words of a poem, written by his wife shortly into their reign, about the aspiration of the people to build "an era of peace together", and stated that even now they cherish the resolute intention (they always heard) to build a peaceful Japan together with the Imperial Household.
The celebration took place on Sunday, February 24 (2019), in a solemn ceremony, organised by the state. His Majesty was accompanied by the Empress with many officials, including the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in attendance. The ceremony featured various dedications, including the performance of a song written by Their Majesties after their 1975' visit to Okinawa island, traumatically hit during the Second World War, which has reportedly 'a special place in their hearts'.
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| Celebrations of Heisei Period at Tokyo's national theatre |
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| Crown Prince & Princess bow to the Emperor & Empress (paying their respects) |
Further celebrations of Emperor Akihito's reign were held in the surrounding days, with the Imperial family paying their respects to Their Majesties at the Imperial Palace & three tea-parties as well.
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| First Rite of Imperial Transition - Emperor performs a palace shrine ritual. |
Rituals of the upcoming abdication of Akihito (who will be called with the name of his era after his death), have begun on March 12.
The Emperor hinted his desire to step down in a national adress - the third ever by a Japanese monarch - he gave in August 2016.
In the televised speech he mentioned his growing age & declining physical condition, as reasons that may prevent him from fullfilling his official duties in near future. In June 2017 the government passed a bill allowing Akihito to abdicate, while that December it was announced that the transition would occur on April 30/May 1 (2019). It will be the first Imperial abdication in Japan in 202 years.
Following the Imperial transition, Akihito will receive the title of Emperor Emeritus (or Jōkō) while Michiko will be styled Empress Emerita (or Jōkōgo).
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| Akihito with his mother, Empress Nagako (1934) |
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| Akihito & Michiko on their wedding day (10 April 1959) |
Akihito is known for his desire to bring the Imperial family of Japan closer to the ordinaty people (ofter through breaking up with old traditions). Born in 1933 and raised with both Japanese & english education, he became the first Crown Prince of Japan to marry a commoner. He met his future wife, the Catholic-raised Michiko Shoda in a tennis court (in 1957). They married in 1959.
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| L-R: Emperor Hirohito, Crown Prince Akihito, (newly made) Crown Princess Michiko & Empress Nagaho (- 10/04/1959) |
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| Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko with their sons & grandchildren (2018) |
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| Akihito & Michiko with their commoner daughter (Sayako) |
All of their three children married commoners (with their daughter losing her Imperial status after that). They have four grandchildren.
According to the strict Imperial tradition, the succession of the Japanese throne is currently limited only to males. There were many times discussions about allowing females to ascend the throne, however the matter is still in an optional, secondary level.
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| R-L Emperor Akihito & the first three (of four) in line of succession to the Chrysanthemum throne of Japan: Crown Prince Naruhito, Fumihito, Prince Akishino, & Prince Hisahito of Akishino. |
The current Imperial line of succession is comprised of 4 members: Crown Prince Naruhito (soon to become Emperor), Prince Fumihito/Akishino (Akihito's second son, as Naruhito has only a daughter), Prince Hisahito (Prince Akishino's young son) & Prince Masahito/Hitachi (Emperor Akihito's 83-year-old childless brother).
Thus, with just 5 male & 12 female members (only half of them yougn) in the Imperial Household, and the Princesses leaving it after a marriage to a commoner, there is a serious question raised about the future & activity of the thousands-years-old dynasty.
Apart from their official duties, Akihito & Michiko are known for their interests in science. Akihito, a specialist in marine biology has published his studies about gobies (rear fish species in Japanese waters), receiving international recognition & honours. Michiko, a keen passionate in poetry, has published & translated various children's poems, that enjoy popularity in Japan (& overseas).
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| TM with their children on the family's musical emssemble |
Additionally Their Majesties are involved (through their official duties) to cultural, nature-preserving & charity events across Japan.
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| Akihito in customary/ ancient Imperial custom. |
Akihito was officially proclaimed Crown Prince in 1952 (aged 18), and enthroned as Emperor on 12 November 1990, in an ancient ceremony (of both religious & secular parts) at the Imperial Palace.
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| Emperor Shōwa's "Ctafalque" platform (24/02/1989) |
The state's involvement in these ceremonies (as well as to the funeral rites of Emperor Hirohito in 1989) were criticized by some as a violation of Japanese post-war constitution, clearly stating the separation of religion from the state.
During his reign he (& Michiko) visited 19 countries worldwide (with 37 more visits before their accessions) and all of Japan's 47 domestic prefectures, islands & regions. With the reflections of World War Two always alive, he repeatedly expressed his remorse for his country's crimes of that time and visited many graves & monuments (in Japan & nearby), paying his respects to all the dead.
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| The Emperor & Empress visit a War memorial in Okinawa |
Akihito's pacifist views have often seen as a contrast to the current political line of Japanese government, trying to restore the country's legacy as a former global empire-superpower. The Emperor has been kept apart from controversy regarding Yakushuni shrine, a monument with the graves of Japanese WWII soldiers, also including the ashes of war criminals enshrined here.
While some of the country's dignitaries offered their respects to the shrine (which was criticised by neibhoring countries), Emperor Akihito never visited it. However, the sanctuary's High Priest was dismissed last year when he told that the Emperor is trying to destroy the shrine by not visiting it.
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| Their Majesties visited shelter with people, affected from the great earthquake |
The Emperor & Empress watched closely the recovery of the areas, hit by natural disasters. After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake & tsunami, and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear crisis, the Emperor adressed the nation (for the second time, Akihito's first) in a televised speech, urging people not to give up hope & help each other. Their Majesties visited a shelter for refugees of the disasters, in an attempt to inspire them soon after the tragedies.
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| Akihito gives the first televised Adress to Japanese nation, following the tragedy (above) |
Akihito, who undervent prostate cancer treatment in 2003 & a successful bypass surgery in 2012 has been gradually relinquishing his activities in recent times. His heir-apparent, Naruhito (59), intends to follow his father's peaceful legacy during his reign.
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| Naruhito, his wife Masako (right) & daughter Aiko, Princess Toshi (left) with their pet dog on free time |
Naruhito's consort, Crown Princess Masako, who has missed some public activities due to a stress-related illness (partially caused by the pressure to produce a heir), has recently resumed her duties.
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| Members of Japanese Imperial family, headed by Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko (far left) & Crown Prince Naruhito & Prince Akishino (far right). |
As Emperor, Akihito has no functional role in Japan's sovereignty. He is "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". In fact, the current Imperial Household is a part of the governmental legislation. However, the Emperor's role as a unifying figure & traditional figurehead is widely respected by Japanese society.
His role is decorative & ceremonial, just like that of the majority of current constitutional monarchs in the world. Japan is thought to be the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back to 660 BC (with safely verified reigns since 14 centuries ago).
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| The Chrysanthemum throne |
However, Japan is the only monarchy in the world with its monarch's title to be translated in english as Emperor.
Videos about Emperor Akihito, the Imperial Family & recent (Jubilee or abdicational) events:
& Additional links of further information:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/12/23/national/emperor-akihito-85-greets-public-celebrates-last-birthday-throne/#.XJUF6CgzZPZ
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/02/asia/emperor-akihito-final-new-years-speech-record-numbers-intl/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/02/japanese-emperor-akihito-makes-last-new-year-appearance-before-abdication#img-1
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee/emperor-akihito-soon-to-abdicate-urges-japan-to-build-sincere-ties-with-world-idUSKCN1QD084
https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2019022501074/emperor-akihito-to-be-called-emperor-emeritus-after-abdication.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/12/national/palace-tokyo-emperor-akihito-starts-series-succession-rites-ahead-april-30-abdication/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihito
https://web.archive.org/web/20071201092521/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e03/ed03-01.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_House_of_Japan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Household_Council
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daij%C5%8D_Tenn%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisei_period
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Japanese_imperial_transition
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/30/asia/japan-emperor-akihito-abdication-intl/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/1971/11/14/archives/those-apprentice-kings-and-queens-who-may-one-day-ascend-a-throne.html?sq=akihito%2520%2520and%2520Windsor&scp=1&st=cse
http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-okotoba/01/address/tohokujishin-h230316-mov.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/23/national/crown-prince-ready-honor-legacy-new-role-next-emperor/#.XJUbqCgzZPY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversies_regarding_the_role_of_the_Emperor_of_Japan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasukuni_Shrine
http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/chief-priest-in-japan-quits-after-criticising-japanese-emperor-110245
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum_Throne
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