Akihito
House Imperial House of Japan Father Emperor Shōwa Mother Empress Kōjun Born (1933-12-23) 23 December 1933 (age 81) Tokyo, Japan Religion Shintoism Japanese Imperial Family HIM The Emperor HIM The Empress HIH The Crown Prince HIH The Crown Princess HIH The Princess Toshi HIH The Prince Akishino HIH The Princess Akishino HIH Princess Mako of Akishino HIH Princess Kako of Akishino HIH Prince Hisahito of Akishino HIH The Prince Hitachi HIH The Princess Hitachi HIH The Prince Mikasa HIH The Princess Mikasa HIH Princess Tomohito of Mikasa HIH Princess Akiko of Mikasa HIH Princess Yōko of Mikasa HIH The Princess Takamado HIH Princess Tsuguko of Takamado HIH Princess Ayako of Takamado v t e Akihito (明仁?, born 23 December 1933)  English pronunciation (help·info) is the reigning Emperor of Japan (天皇, tennō?), the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan's traditional order of succession. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1989. In Japan, the emperor is never referred to by his given name, but rather is referred to as "His Imperial Majesty the Emperor" (天皇陛下, Tennō Heika?) which may be shortened to "His Imperial Majesty" (陛下, Heika?). In writing, the emperor is also referred to formally as "The Reigning Emperor" (今上天皇, kinjō tennō?). The Era of Akihito's reign bears the name "Heisei" (平成), and according to custom he will be renamed "Emperor Heisei" (平成天皇 Heisei tennō; see "posthumous name") by order of Cabinet after his death. At the same time, the name of the next era under his successor will also be established.