Naruhito was born on 23 February 1960. He is the current Emperor of Japan. He became Emperor on 1 May 2019, after his father, Akihito, stepped down. This marked the start of a new period in Japan called the Reiwa era. He is the 126th Emperor in Japan's long history.

Naruhito is the older son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. He was born when his grandfather, Emperor Shōwa, was still Emperor. Naruhito became the next in line to the throne (called the heir apparent) when his father became Emperor in 1989. He was officially named Crown Prince of Japan in 1991.

He went to Gakushūin schools in Tokyo. Later, he studied history at Gakushuin University and English at Merton College, Oxford in the United Kingdom. In June 1993, he married a diplomat named Owada Masako. They have one daughter, Aiko.

Naruhito has never visited Yasukuni Shrine. This is because his grandfather and father also chose not to visit due to controversies about the shrine. He is very interested in water policy and how to save water. He was an honorary president for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. He also supports the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Understanding the Emperor's Name
Naruhito's Early Life
His Education Journey
Personal Life
- Marriage and Family
- Hobbies and Interests
As Crown Prince
His Reign as Emperor
Selected Works
Titles and Honours
- Titles and Styles
- Honours
Images for kids
See also

Understanding the Emperor's Name

Before Naruhito became Emperor, people in Japan usually called him by his title, Kōtaishi (Crown Prince). When he became Emperor, he is now called "His Majesty the Emperor" (天皇陛下, Tennō Heika). This can be shortened to "His Majesty" (陛下, Heika).

In official writings, he is also known as "The Reigning Emperor" (今上天皇, Kinjō Tennō). The time he rules is called the "Reiwa" (令和) era. After he passes away, he will be known as Emperor Reiwa (令和天皇, Reiwa Tennō). The name for the next era will be decided after his reign ends.

Naruhito's Early Life

Naruhito in February 1961

Naruhito was born on 23 February 1960, at the Imperial Household Agency Hospital in Tokyo Imperial Palace. His parents were then the Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko. His grandfather, Emperor Shōwa, was the Emperor at the time.

Naruhito's childhood was happy. He enjoyed activities like mountain climbing, horseback riding, and playing the violin. He also played with the children of the royal staff. He was a big fan of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team.

One day, Naruhito found parts of an old roadway on the palace grounds. This made him very interested in the history of transportation. This interest later became the topic for his university degrees. He once said that roads were like a "precious bridge to the unknown world" for him, as he didn't have many chances to go out freely.

In August 1974, when he was 14, Naruhito went to Melbourne, Australia, for a homestay. His father, Akihito, had a good experience there and encouraged his son to go. Naruhito stayed with a family and enjoyed his time. He rode bikes, played violin and tennis, and even climbed Uluru. He once played the violin for important guests at a dinner in Australia.

His Education Journey

Prince Naruhito, aged 9, with his parents and siblings, 1969

When Naruhito was four, he started at the famous Gakushūin school system. Many children from important Japanese families go to this school. In high school, Naruhito joined the geography club.

He earned a history degree from Gakushuin University in March 1982. In July 1983, he went to Merton College, Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He studied there until 1986, focusing on English and history. He later wrote a book about his time there called The Thames and I – a Memoir of Two Years at Oxford.

While at Oxford, he visited many historic places. He joined the Japan Society and the drama club. He also became the honorary president of the karate and judo clubs. He played tennis for his college team and took golf lessons. During his three years, he climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, and England.

He also traveled around Europe and met many royal families. He was surprised by how relaxed the British royals were. He saw Queen Elizabeth II pour her own tea! He also went skiing with Liechtenstein's Prince Hans-Adam II and sailed with Norway's Crown Prince Harald.

After returning to Japan, he continued his studies at Gakushūin University. He earned a master's degree in history in 1988.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

The newly married crown prince and crown princess in traditional court dress (1993)

A 500-yen coin made for the Imperial Wedding

Naruhito first met Owada Masako in November 1986. She was working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The prince was very interested in her and arranged to meet her several times. Because of this, the press followed them closely in 1987.

Even though the Imperial Household Agency (the government office that manages the Imperial Family) was not sure about her, Naruhito remained interested. He proposed to her three times. Their engagement was announced on 19 January 1993. The wedding took place on 9 June that same year in Tokyo. Many important guests, including leaders and royals from Europe, attended.

By the time they married, Naruhito's father had become Emperor. So, Naruhito had already been named Crown Prince on 23 February 1991.

Their first pregnancy was announced in December 1999, but it did not continue. They later had one daughter, Aiko, Princess Toshi (敬宮愛子内親王, Toshi-no-miya Aiko Naishinnō), born on 1 December 2001.

Hobbies and Interests

Naruhito is very interested in water policy and saving water. He has given many speeches on these topics at international events. For example, in 2003, he spoke about "Waterways Connecting Kyoto and Local Regions." In 2006, he talked about "Edo and Water Transport."

He plays the viola, which is like a violin but with a deeper sound. He switched from the violin because he felt it was "too much of a leader." In his free time, he enjoys jogging, hiking, and mountain climbing.

The Emperor and King Charles III of the United Kingdom have a close family relationship, according to Japan's Prime Minister.

As Crown Prince

Naruhito at his Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince (Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi) in 1991

As Crown Prince, Naruhito supported the 1998 Winter Olympics and 1998 Winter Paralympics. He also supports the World Organization of the Scout Movement. In 2006, he attended the Japanese national scout meeting. He was also an honorary vice-president of the Japanese Red Cross Society since 1994. In 2001, he visited the United Kingdom and met Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2012, Naruhito temporarily took over his father's duties. This was while Emperor Akihito had heart surgery and recovered. Naruhito's birthday is even called "Mount Fuji Day" in some areas because he loves the mountain.

His Reign as Emperor

The Emperor and Empress with their daughter, Princess Aiko, in Nasu, Tochigi, 2019

On 1 December 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Naruhito's father, Emperor Akihito, would step down on 30 April 2019. Naruhito then became the 126th Emperor of Japan on 1 May 2019. This began the Reiwa era.

The change happened at midnight. Naruhito formally began his reign in a ceremony later that morning. In his first speech as Emperor, he promised to follow his father's path. He also pledged to fulfill his role "as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan."

Under Japan's constitution, the Emperor's role is mostly ceremonial. He represents the country but does not have political power. He cannot make political statements. His job is to perform duties as outlined by the constitution. For example, he formally appoints the Prime Minister, but he must appoint the person chosen by the National Diet (Japan's parliament).

His official enthronement ceremony took place on 22 October 2019. On 23 July 2021, the Emperor opened the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His grandfather, Emperor Shōwa, had done the same for the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Emperor Naruhito (left) poses for a photo while visiting the Borobudur Temple Compounds in Magelang, Central Java, 22 June 2023.

The Emperor and Empress made their first trip abroad as Emperor and Empress in September 2022. They went to the United Kingdom for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. In June 2023, they visited Indonesia, which was their first official state visit.

In February 2024, the Emperor turned 64. He sent a message mourning the victims of the 2024 Noto earthquake. He also said he wanted to visit the affected areas. He and the Empress visited cities hit by the earthquake in March and April 2024.

In April 2024, the Imperial Household Agency started an Instagram account for the Imperial Family. This was done to connect with younger generations in Japan.

The Emperor and Empress made a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom in late June 2024. They were invited by King Charles III. This visit happened even though there was a general election campaign in the UK. It was the first state visit during an active election campaign in modern times.

Selected Works

1993 – Temuzu to tomoni: Eikoku no ninenkan (テムズとともに: 英国の二年間, OCLC 032395987)
2006 – The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford with Hugh Cortazzi. Folkestone, Kent: Global Oriental. ISBN: 978-1-905246-06-9;

Titles and Honours

Titles and Styles

23 February 1960 – 7 January 1989: His Imperial Highness The Prince Hiro
7 January 1989 – 30 April 2019: His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince
1 May 2019 – present: His Majesty The Emperor

Honours

National Honours

Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (since 2019)
Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (since 1980)
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers (since 2019)
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure (since 2019)
The Order of Culture (since 2019)
The Golden Pheasant Award of the Scout Association of Japan (since 1989)
The Golden Medal of Merit of the Japanese Red Cross (since 2019)
The Golden Medal of Honorary Member of the Japanese Red Cross (since 2019)

Foreign Honours

Austria: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria (1999)
Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant (2004)
Hungary: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (2000)
Malaysia: Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (2012)
Philippines: Grand Collar of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Raja (2002)
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Military Order of Christ (1993)
Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III (2008)
Tonga:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Crown of Tonga (2008)
- Coronation Medal of H.M. King George Tupou V (2008)
United Arab Emirates: Member First Class of the Order of Zayed (1995)
United Kingdom: Stranger Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (2024)