Akihito

(p. 1933)
Full name Akihito Tsugu. Born December 23, 1933 in Tokyo. The first son and fifth child of Emperor Hirohito. Studied at the School of peers. After the Second World War, he studied at the University of peers. In November 1952 Akihito came of age and was proclaimed heir to the throne. In 1953, toured to 14 Western countries and is officially represented Japan at the coronation of Elizabeth II. Engaged to the daughter of a businessman Michiko Shoda, broke with tradition, under which royalty marry a man chosen by the court counselors. The wedding took place April 10, 1959, and February 23, 1960 a son, Prince Naruhito, Hiro (1989 Crown Prince Naruhito). The second son - Prince Fumihito Aya - was born in 1965, a daughter, Princess Nori - 1969. After the death of Hirohito on Jan. 7, 1989 Akihito became emperor. For the era of his rule, he chose the name of Heisei, which means reaching the world.