Royal retirement: Akihito enjoys his time quietly while caring for his wife Michiko, who is recovering from a leg injury. — AP
BELOVED former emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace.
Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 and handed over the Chrysanthemum throne to his son, Emperor Naruhito, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus.
Akihito has since receded from official duties and enjoys his time quietly while caring for his wife, former empress Michiko, who broke her leg bone in October and is still recovering, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Akihito’s daily routine includes reading newspapers and watching the news with Michiko, 90, over meals, the IHA said.
He celebrated his birthday yesterday with his relatives and other guests.
This year, Akihito has been particularly concerned about people who were affected by a fatal New Year earthquake and heavy rains in autumn in Japan’s northcentral region of Noto, the IHA said.
Akihito continues to research the classification of Japanese freshwater goby fish at a palace laboratory and his residence.
Under Japan’s Constitution, the emperor is a symbol without political power. Wartime militarist governments worshipped the emperor as a living god and fought the war in his name until Akihito’s father renounced that status after Japan’s 1945 war defeat.During his three-decade reign, Akihito embraced an identity as peacemaker, making reconciliatory missions and carefully scripted expressions of regret on the war.
Palace officials said he still observes a moment of silence on days marking key events of the war, and that his daily life is “still deeply connected with his wartime memories”. — AP
