In 2019, Emperor Akihito became the first Japanese emperor to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne in over two centuries. He presided over a very transitory time in Japanese royal history—the role of his father, Emperor Hirohito, in World War II has been debated by historians (Japan fought under Hirohito's name), and he helped to change perceptions of the Japanese Imperial Family, and to make them more modern and accessible to the public.
Set to turn 90 this December, Akihito is currently the longest-living Japanese emperor in verifiable history. He was Japan's 125th emperor, reigning from 1989 through 2019, and can trace his lineage back nearly 3,000 years. Here, see photos of Akihito throughout his life—from childhood to present-day.
1934
JIJI Press/AFP//Getty Images
Prince Akihito was born on December 23, 1933, the eldest son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako.
1934
JIJI PRESS//Getty Images
A seven-month-old Prince Akihito with his mom, Empress Nagako.
1935
Keystone-France//Getty Images
Prince Akihito of Japan, titled prince Tsugu No Miya as a child, leaves Tokyo for Hayama villa.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1937
Keystone//Getty Images
A portrait of the Crown Prince on his third birthday.
1940
Keystone-France//Getty Images
At age 7, Prince Akihito began school at the Gakushūin, Peers' School, which was founded by Emperor Ninko in 1842.
JIJI PRESS//Getty Images
Here, the young prince enters elementary school in Tokyo.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Undated
AFP//Getty Images
In this photo from the late 1930s or early 1940s, Emperor Hirohito appears with four of his children: Prince Akihito (second from right) is with his sisters Princess Shigeko, Princess Atsuko, and Princess Kazuko.
1940
Bettmann//Getty Images
During World War II, Emperor Hirohito's role in Japan's military decisions, including the invasion of China and bombing of Pearl Harbor, has been debated by historians. After Japan surrendered, Emperor Hirohito renounced his divine status, signed a new constitution drafted by the U.S., and the role of the Imperial Family greatly changed.
1946
Bettmann//Getty Images
Prince Akihito pictured as a student at Peers' School in Tokyo.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1946
Bettmann//Getty Images
The Crown Prince rides his bike on the grounds of the Imperial Palace.
1948
Bettmann//Getty Images
Prince Akihito and Emperor Hirohito are reading the Pacific edition of the Stars and Stripes, published in Tokyo. Per the original caption, "The Crown Prince is being trained to rule as a popular figure and as a symbol of the gradual development of democratic government in Japan."
1952
Bettmann//Getty Images
Crown Prince Akihito, at age 18, wears the "Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum," Japan's highest medal of honor. On November 10, 1952, Akihito was proclaimed the official heir to the throne.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1952
Central Press//Getty Images
Here, Akihito is in ceremonial robes for his formal investiture as Crown Prince at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
1953
Bettmann//Getty Images
On his first major overseas trip, Crown Prince Akihito represented Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He arrived in Southhampton, England, here on April 29, 1953.
After England, he visited Rome, taking in the Colosseum.
1953
Bettmann//Getty Images
He also went to New York, where he attended a double header between the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Browns at Yankee stadium in this photo. Per the original caption, "The Prince is shown before the game, as he was given a ball by Casey Stengel, the Yankee's Manager."
1955
Hulton Archive//Getty Images
According to the Imperial Household's official site, in the 50s, Akihito "received special tutoring from authorities in various areas of learning, such as Japanese History and Constitutional Law."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1958
ullstein bild Dtl.//Getty Images
In 1958, he announced his engagement to Michiko Shōda, the first commoner to marry into the Imperial Family.
1958
ullstein bild Dtl.//Getty Images
Akihito and Michiko met playing tennis in Karuizawa, and their romance was called a "love match." According to the New York Times, "Their romance... launched a craze for the sport, which is still the Prince's favorite recreation."
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.