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Prepare to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Akihito on December 23! This special day is also known as "The Emperor's Birthday" and has been a national holiday in Japan since 1989. It honors the current emperor, who has been on the throne for over 30 years and will be abdicating in April 2019. The celebration includes a public address by the emperor and a ceremony at the Imperial Palace. It's a day to honor the past, present, and future of Japan's imperial family, and a time for citizens to come together in unity and celebration. Let's join in on the festivities and wish Emperor Akihito a happy birthday!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Prince Akihito</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prince Akihito was born on December 23, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Akihito Becomes Emperor</div><div class='timeline-text'>Upon the death of his father, Emperor Showa (Hirohito), Akihito ascended to the imperial throne on January 7, 1989.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Birthday as Emperor</div><div class='timeline-text'>December 23, 1989, marked the first celebration of Emperor Akihito's birthday as a national holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expanded Imperial Duties</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emperor Akihito began to expand his duties, focusing on humanitarian and environmental issues, establishing a new era in the imperial history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Abdication Announcement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emperor Akihito announced his intention to abdicate due to his declining health, which was a significant event in modern Japanese imperial history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Final Birthday Celeberation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emperor Akihito's last birthday celebration as Emperor is held before his planned abdication in 2019.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Emperor Akihito is known for his love of traditional Japanese culture, so honor his birthday by hosting a traditional tea ceremony. You can either attend one at a tea house or learn how to perform the ceremony yourself.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Japanese garden</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day at a beautiful Japanese garden, appreciating the beauty and tranquility of nature. Many gardens also offer special events or ceremonies to celebrate Emperor Akihito's birthday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional Japanese festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Japan, there are many festivals and events held in honor of the emperor's birthday. Check your local area for any Japanese festivals or events that may be happening on this day and join in on the celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a traditional Japanese dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Emperor Akihito's birthday by trying out a new traditional Japanese dish. Whether it's sushi, tempura, or ramen, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity in honor of Emperor Akihito</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Emperor Akihito is known for his philanthropy and involvement in various charitable causes. Honor his birthday by donating to a charity that he supports or one that aligns with his values.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates the birthday of a significant figure in Japanese history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Emperor Akihito is an important symbol and leader in Japan. By celebrating his birthday, we honor his contributions to the country and remember his impact on Japanese culture and society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and national pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating the birthday of Emperor Akihito brings together people from all over Japan to celebrate their shared heritage and pride in their country. This holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of community and unity within the nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases Japanese traditions and customs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, various traditional ceremonies take place to celebrate Emperor Akihito's birthday. These events provide an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate Japanese customs, such as the ritual of gift-giving or visiting shrines and temples.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Emperor Akihito was the First Emperor Enthroned under the Post-war Constitution</h3><p class='facts-content'>Emperor Akihito succeeded his father in 1989, becoming the first emperor to ascend to the throne under Japan's post-war Constitution, which defines the Emperor as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People".</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Emperor Akihito is Known for his Work in Ichthyology</h3><p class='facts-content'>Showing an interest in the natural sciences from a young age, Emperor Akihito has been actively involved in ichthyology - the study of fish. He has published several academic papers in this field.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Emperor's Birthday is Marked by a Nationwide Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Emperor's Birthday, a national holiday, is marked by a large celebration at the Imperial Palace. The palace grounds are opened to the public and the imperial family makes several balcony appearances.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Emperor Akihito was the First Japanese Crown Prince to Marry a Commoner</h3><p class='facts-content'>Breaking centuries of tradition, Crown Prince Akihito, as he was then, chose to marry a commoner, Michiko Shoda. The couple met at a tennis match.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Emperor Akihito is Known for his Devotion to Peace</h3><p class='facts-content'>Throughout his reign, Emperor Akihito has been a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation, often expressing profound remorse for Japan's wartime past. His speeches have won him wide respect both in Japan and abroad.</p></div></div>
Birthday of Emperor Akihito is celebrated on December 23 every year. In 2024, the celebration will fall on a Monday.
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2024
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2025
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2026
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