In the 20 years that Emperor Akihito has reigned, he and Empress Michiko created a new, softer image for the Imperial Household in the Heisei Era and have become closer to the people.
The Imperial Couple will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their marriage on April 10, and continue to express their hopes for peace and support for the vulnerable — such as the disabled, the elderly and disaster victims — both in Japan and abroad.
The 75-year-old Emperor, who marked his 20th year on the throne Wednesday, has always attempted to be a symbol of the unity of the Japanese people since ascending the throne on Jan. 7, 1989, following the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito.