Akihito

Reign: 1989 – 2019
Life: b. 1933

The era of his rule was named the Heisei era, Heisei being an expression of achieving peace worldwide. During the Second World War, he moved out of Tokyo with his classmates and remained in Nikkō until the surrender of Japan. In 1952, his Coming-of-Age ceremony and investiture as crown prince were held, and he began to undertake official duties in his capacity as crown prince. The next year, he made his first journey overseas and represented Japan at the coronation of Elizabeth II in London.

During Akihito's reign, Beatrix of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden ruled Sweden, and Elizabeth II ruled Great Britain.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

Go deeper on Akihito

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

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A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.

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A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
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