The Royalty Nerd

Please allow me, The Royalty Nerd, to introduce you to the core members of the Japanese Imperial family. While the family is quite large, this page will only be focusing on the royals you will see most often.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko

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Akihito reigned from January 7th 1989-April 30th 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son due to his advancing age and health.

Akihito and Michiko married in 1959 and have three children. Michiko was also the first commoner to marry into the Japanese Imperial family.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako

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Naruhito is the eldest child of Akihito and Michiko. He ascended the Chrysanthemum throne in 2019.

Masako is a former diplomat and had a very successful career. She suffers from an adjustment disorder and rarely attends foreign events. See the Japanese Imperial family category for more information on Masako!

Aiko, Princess Toshi

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Princess Aiko is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. She attends university (and should be graduating soon!) where she majored in literature and the Japanese language.

Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino and Kiko, Crown Princess Akishino

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The Imperial family follows a male only line of succession. So, this means that Naruhito’s younger brother, Fumihito, is the heir presumptive to the throne.

He married Kiko in 1990 and they have three children. Kiko is also highly educated and her patronages are mainly focused on scientific and and medical causes.

Prince Hisahito of Akishino

Prince Hisahito is the youngest child of the Crown Prince and Princess Akishino. With his father, Fumihito, first in line to the throne, Hisahito is second. His birth caused the succession debate to be placed on the back burner.

Hisako, Princess Takamado

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Princess Takamado was married to Norihito, Prince Takamado. He was a first cousin on Emperor Emeritus Akihito and passed away in 2002. Princess Takamado is often the representative member of the Imperial family at various foreign royal functions.

And those are the main players in the Japanese Imperial family! Check our their family tag or category for more posts!