Search results
Akihito (born 23 December 1933) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who reigned as the 125th emperor of Japan from 1989 until his abdication in 2019. The era of his rule was named the Heisei (平成) era, Heisei being an expression of achieving peace worldwide.
- 7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019
- Princess Nagako Kuni
Apr 19, 2024 · Akihito, emperor of Japan from 1989 to 2019. As scion of the oldest imperial family in the world, he was, according to tradition, the 125th direct descendant of Jimmu, Japan’s legendary first emperor. In April 2019 he became the first Japanese emperor in more than two centuries to formally abdicate the throne.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Overview
- Learn about the life of Akihito and his role as emperor of Japan since 1989
Akihito, or Heisei emperor, (born Dec. 23, 1933, Tokyo, Japan), Emperor of Japan from 1989. Son of Hirohito, his role, like that of his father after 1945, has been largely ceremonial. He is the first Japanese emperor to have married a commoner, in what was hailed at the time as a love match rather than the customary arranged marriage. His children ...
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
MLA
APA
Chicago Manual of Style
Apr 30, 2019 · As a new imperial era begins in Japan, Emperor Akihito has left behind a legacy of modernity and compassion. During his 30-year reign, he defied monarchial norms, drawing both criticism and...
- 2 min
- Martin Fritz
Apr 30, 2019 · Akihito has said that he wishes to be cremated after his death — a break with centuries-old traditions of burials in imperial mausoleums. And he has alluded to his own Korean ancestry, to the ...
People also ask
When was Prince Akihito born?
Who is Emperor Akihito?
Why is Akihito important?
Did Akihito marry a commoner?
Apr 29, 2019 · Emperor Akihito will be remembered as the man who began the modernisation of Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne.
Emperor Akihito (明仁天皇, Akihito-tennō, born 23 December 1933) (known simply as Akihito) is the former emperor of Japan. He reigned from 1989 to 2019. He was the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan's traditional order of succession. He is head of the Imperial House of Japan.
