Why Akihito's speech matters

By Nicholas Szechenyi

Updated 2328 GMT (0728 HKT) August 8, 2016

Japanese Emperor Akihito turned 84 on December 23, 2017. Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan, a direct descendant of Japan's first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 B.C. Here, we take a look at the life of the world's only monarch with the title of emperor.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Japanese Emperor Akihito turned 84 on December 23, 2017. Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan, a direct descendant of Japan's first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 B.C. Here, we take a look at the life of the world's only monarch with the title of emperor.
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A portrait of Crown Prince Akihito in January 1936 at age 3. He is the son of Empress Nagako and Emperor Hirohito, whom he succeeded in 1989. The Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Records show the imperial line to be unbroken for 14 centuries.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
A portrait of Crown Prince Akihito in January 1936 at age 3. He is the son of Empress Nagako and Emperor Hirohito, whom he succeeded in 1989. The Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Records show the imperial line to be unbroken for 14 centuries.
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Crown Prince Akihito with some of his school friends at the Imperial School in Tokyo, circa 1938.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Crown Prince Akihito with some of his school friends at the Imperial School in Tokyo, circa 1938.
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Crown Prince Akihito in ceremonial robes for his formal investiture as crown prince at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on November 10, 1952.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Crown Prince Akihito in ceremonial robes for his formal investiture as crown prince at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on November 10, 1952.
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Prince Akihito in his private study at the Imperial Palace in 1952.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Prince Akihito in his private study at the Imperial Palace in 1952.
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Queen Elizabeth II and Akihito are seen in the royal box at the Epsom Downs Racecourse on June 6, 1953, in England. Crown Prince Akihito made the trip to attend her coronation.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Queen Elizabeth II and Akihito are seen in the royal box at the Epsom Downs Racecourse on June 6, 1953, in England. Crown Prince Akihito made the trip to attend her coronation.
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Akihito addresses the crowd upon arrival at Oahu Airport on October 8, 1953, in Honolulu. During seven months of travel, the crown prince visited 14 countries.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Akihito addresses the crowd upon arrival at Oahu Airport on October 8, 1953, in Honolulu. During seven months of travel, the crown prince visited 14 countries.
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Akihito during his wedding to Michiko Shoda in 1959. He is the first Japanese crown prince to marry a commoner.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Akihito during his wedding to Michiko Shoda in 1959. He is the first Japanese crown prince to marry a commoner.
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Akihito with his pet dog Dingo in December 1963, on the grounds of Togu Palace, his residence in Tokyo.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Akihito with his pet dog Dingo in December 1963, on the grounds of Togu Palace, his residence in Tokyo.
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Prince Akihito takes a walk with Princess Michiko and their son Naruhito in 1964.
Photos: Photos: Japan's Emperor Akihito
Prince Akihito takes a walk with Princess Michiko and their son Naruhito in 1964.
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