As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
After almost three decades as the ceremonial figurehead of Japan, Emperor Akihito has been given permission to step down. The 83-year-old, who has undergone heart surgery and had treatment for prostate cancer, no longer feels he can carry out his duties properly. A one-off bill has been passed by the government allowing him to renounce the throne. It will be Japan's first abdication in more than two centuries, with the baton being passed on to his son, Crown Prince Naruhito. The exact date of the succession has yet to be confirmed, though reports have suggested it will take place on January 1, 2019. Naruhito will become the 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy, a line dating back to the 5th century. So,what do we know about the heir apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne? Here’s a look at the life and times of the future emperor.
THE NARU-CHAN CONSTITUTION
The eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Naruhito was born in a makeshift hospital at the palace on February 23, 1960. His mother – the first commoner to marry into the imperial family – decided to raise Naruhito and his siblings, Prince Akishino and Sayako Kuroda, herself, even breastfeeding them. While that may not sound noteworthy, at the time it was considered significant as the everyday care of royal children had previously been the duty of wet nurses and maids.When his parents were away Naruhito would be left with nannies who were given written instructions by Michiko on how to take care of him. He was allowed no more than one toy at a time and had to be hugged at least once a day. This list of rules was turned into a best-selling book titled Naru-chan Kenpo (The Naruhito Constitution) that’s still popular today.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Tokyo Weekender.
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Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Tokyo Weekender.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The Life And Love Of Japan's New Emperor
As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
What It's Really Like Inside Terrace House
The Japanese reality TV show has been described as both boring and fascinating, and has gathered a cult following abroad. Matthew Hernon chats with the stars to find out what it’s like on the inside.
Sanjo And Tsubame: Forged By Fire
Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
1 In 6 The Number Of Children In Japan Living In Relative Poverty
Although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated there is "no way" Japan is in poverty, statistics show that 54% of single-parent families, and 16% of children, are living below the poverty line. Matthew Hernon investigates the country’s hidden crisis.
Food Is Like Fashion
Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Under The Tracks In Yurakucho
Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…
Breaking The Rules Of Kimono
A new book by Dr sheila Cliffe shows off the different personalities of this very traditional yet often misconceived garment.
The Misunderstood Crows Of Tokyo
Love or hate them, the city’s gigantic crows cannot be ignored. To make sense of their place in the concrete jungle, we look at their longheld connection with Japan, and some surprising lessons we can learn from these sometimes smart, sometimes foolish “urban guerrillas of birds”
Boys For Sale
A shocking new documentary brings to light a particular kind of sex trade happening in shinjuku ni-chome,where young, mostly straight boys are being paid to sleep with older men.
Seeking White Sand
Craving an island escape? Here are three destinations in Japan that should be on the list of “Asia’s best beaches”
