In April 1959, he married Michiko Shōda, a commoner; it was the first imperial wedding to be televised in Japan, drawing about 15 million viewers.

[2] Akihito abdicated in 2019, citing his advanced age and declining health,[4] and assumed the title Emperor Emeritus (上皇, Jōkō, lit.

Titled Prince Tsugu (継宮, Tsugu-no-miya) as a child, Akihito was educated by private tutors prior to attending the elementary and secondary departments of the Peers' School (Gakushūin) from 1940 to 1952.

During the American firebombing raids on Tokyo in March 1945 during World War II, Akihito and his younger brother Prince Masahito were evacuated from the city.

Akihito was tutored in the English language and Western manners by Elizabeth Gray Vining during the Allied occupation of Japan, and later briefly studied at the department of political science at Gakushuin University in Tokyo, though he never received a degree.

In June 1953, Akihito represented Japan at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London on his first journey abroad.

Initially, there was little enthusiasm for the couple's relationship; Michiko Shōda was considered too low class for the young Crown Prince and had been educated in a Catholic environment.

[13][failed verification] At that time, the media presented their encounter as a real "fairy tale",[14] or the "romance of the tennis court".

On 23 December 2001, during his annual birthday meeting with reporters, the Emperor, in response to a reporter's question about tensions with South Korea, remarked that he felt a kinship with Koreans and went on to explain that, in the Shoku Nihongi, the mother of Emperor Kammu (736–806) is related to Muryeong of Korea, King of Baekje, a fact that was considered taboo for discussion.

Akihito offered prayers and flowers at several memorials, honouring not only the Japanese who died, but also American servicemen, Korean labourers, and local islanders.

After succeeding to the throne, Akihito made an effort to bring the Imperial family closer to the Japanese people.

[23][24] In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami which also triggered the Fukushima nuclear accident, the Emperor made a historic televised appearance [ja] urging his people not to give up hope and to help each other.

[27][28] On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster NHK reported that the then 82-year-old Emperor intended to abdicate in favour of his eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito within a few years, citing his age.

[33] Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in December 2017 that Akihito's abdication would take place at the end of 30 April 2019, and that Naruhito would become the 126th Emperor as of 1 May 2019.

[35] In December 2021, Akihito celebrated his 88th birthday (米寿, Bēju), making him the longest-living verifiable Japanese emperor in recorded history, ahead of his father.

[36] His daily routine is said to include morning and evening walks with his wife, reading and visits to an imperial biology institute.

[37] In August 2023, Akihito and Michiko visited the tennis court where they first met and interacted with members of the organization responsible for its upkeep.

[38] With the death of Princess Yuriko in November 2024, Akihito is now the oldest living member of the Japanese imperial family.

[51][52] In 1965, then-Crown Prince Akihito sent 50 Nile tilapia to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in response to a request for fish that could solve malnutrition issues in the country.

Unless otherwise noted (as BC), years are in CE / AD  * Imperial Consort and Regent Empress Jingū is not traditionally listed.