Figure 1.--Here is Crown Prince Akahito and rge Crown Princess with two of their three children, Naruhito and Akishino. The phortrait was taken in August 1966.

Emperor Akahito and Emperess Michiko have two sons and a daughter. In spite of their busy lives with many official duties and some concern from court cirles, they raised their children on their own. This was a major departure from imperial tradition. They have tried to spend as much time as possible with their family in order to maintain close ties. Their constant visits to the Imperial Palace together with their children gave Emperor Showa and Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager much joy. We do not yet have much information on the children, but assume that they were discussed in some detail by the Japanese press. The royal children include:

Naruhito (1960- )

Prince Naruhito is the oldest son of Emperor Akhito and his wife (Michiki). Crown Prince Naruhito was born in Tokyo (February 23, 1960). As the eldest son of then Crown Prince Akhito, Naruhito was also known as Prince Hiro). We do not know a great deal about Prince Naruhito's childhood. We have some information about his clothing. As a todler he wire French style rompers. We note him as a younger boy wearing short panrs suits, often with ankle socks rather than kneesocks. We also see him in traditional robes. Prince Naruhito has one brother, Prince Fumihito (1965- ). Prince Hiro has pursued his interest in history in both Japanese and English universities. He has studied at both Gakushuin and Oxford Universities. The Prince published an engaging memoir of his experiences in England--The Thames and I. Prince Hiro used the opportunity of studying in England to travel widely in Europe. And when he returne to Japn, he visited many places in the United States (October 1965). Naruhito's coming-of-age was celebrated with court rituals at the Imperial Palace (February 23, 1980). Since then he has taken part in various imperial functions and officially attends many events. He has also made official visits to many countries. While his father was away on a state visit to the United States (October 1987), during the illness of his grandfather, Emperor Showa (Hirohito) , he temporarily took over the Emperor's duties in matters of state. Prince Hiro enjoys music and has learned to plays the viola and violin. His favoriate sport is mountain climbing and is a member of the Japanese Alpine Club. He also enjoys playing tennis which his parents also enjoy. Crown Prince Naruhito married Miss Masako Owada (June 9, 1993). She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Hisashi Owada, a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Akishino (1965- )

The royal couples's second son was His Imperial Highness the Prince Akishino. The Prince was born on November 30, 1965. He know little about his childhood. He attended regular Japanese schools like his brother. And like his brother he attended universities in Japan and Enfland. He graduated from Gakushuin University in March 1988 and studied at St. John's College of Oxford University from October 1988 to June 1990. Since his graduation, he has paid a number of official visits to other countries and has undertaken official duties at home. In June 1990 he married Miss Kiko Kawashima, daughter of Dr. Tatsuhiko Kawashima, a professor at Gakushuin University.

Sayako (1969- )

Their Majesties's daughter, Her Imperial Highness the Princess Sayako, who holds the title "Nori-no-Miya", was born on April 18, 1969. She graduated from Gakushuin University and is currently a researcher at the Yamashina Institute of Ornithology.

Created: 9:44 PM 5/21/2009
Last updated: 1:18 AM 2/22/2012