The process of palace swapping between the former and current Emperors of Japan is almost complete, as the elderly imperial couple moves out of their temporary residence.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko have left Takanawa Imperial Residence, where they had been staying since March 2020, to cheers from a crowd of local school children that came together to wave them…
Empress Emerita Michiko of Japan has been diagnosed with a relatively early stage of breast cancer, and she is due to undergo surgery in the near future, the Imperial Household Agency has announced.
The former Empress, who is 84-years-old, retired from official duties…
Japan's Imperial couple return to Tokyo after last trip outside capital before Emperor's abdication
20th April 2019
Emperor Akihito of Japan and his wife, Empress Michiko returned to Tokyo on Friday after a three-day trip to the Mie Prefecture. There were several ceremonies at the Grand Shrines of Ise where the Emperor reported his upcoming abdication.
They arrived on Wednesday at the…
Michiko Shōda – the future Empress of Japan – was born on 20 October 1934 at the University of Tokyo Hospital. She was the daughter of Hidesaburō Shōda and Fumiko Soejima and was the second of four children. She received a solid education, a combination of traditional and Western, and learned to speak English. She attended the Futaba Elementary School in Tokyo but was forced to…
Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, the last anniversary as the reigning couple of Japan, on Wednesday, 10 April.
Together, they received addresses from members of the Imperial Family, including the…
Empress Michiko of Japan, 84, has become an honorary member of the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany. She was invited to become a member by Dr Christiane Raabe, it’s Director, due to the Empress’s “thoughts about books and about the people…
Thirtieth anniversary of father’s death commemorated by Emperor Akihito
9th January 2019
Emperor Akihito of Japan has officially commemorated the anniversary of his father, Emperor Showa’s death which occurred thirty years ago this week. A specially planned ceremony was held in the former Emperor’s honour at his tomb in Tokyo.
The current Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate on the 30th April this year, and it is believed that this ceremony is something he wished to do before his…
Japanese Emperor Akihito has cancelled his public duties after he was diagnosed with dizziness and cerebral anaemia, the Imperial Household Agency announced today. Cerebral anaemia is a condition which causes insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Earlier this morning, the…
King and Queen of Sweden greeted by Emperor and Empress of Japan in official welcome to country
24th April 2018
As their visit officially kicked off yesterday, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were formally welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan at the Museum Intermediate Theater in Tokyo in the morning. They were then taken on a guided tour of the…
The Japanese Imperial Family has released three new photos to mark the new year. The images show the senior members of the family: Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, his wife Crown Princess Masako and their daughter Aiko, Princess Toshi, the Emperor’s second son Fumihito, Prince Akishino, his wife Kiko, Princess Akishino and their children Princess Mako…
