The beautiful love story of nearly 60 years of Emperor Akihito and his wife
Meeting each other on the tennis court 59 years ago, Mr. Akihito fell in love with Ms. Michiko and was determined to marry her regardless of her background.
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| Born in Tokyo, Michiko was the eldest daughter of Shōda Hidesaburo, Honorary Chairman of the Nisshin Flour Milling Company. Although she was the daughter of a wealthy capitalist, she was still a commoner. (Photo courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency). |
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| In 1957, Ms. Michiko unexpectedly met Crown Prince Akihito at a tennis court. The meeting made Crown Prince Akihito fall in love with this charming and beautiful girl. (photo: Getty). |
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| Day10/4/1959, Crown Prince Akihito is determined to marry Ms. Michiko Shoda regardless of her status. (Photo: Japanese Royal Family). |
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| Their wedding became a hot topic of discussion in Japanese society at that time. (photo: Reuters). |
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| Crown Prince Akihito is the first member of the Japanese royal family to break tradition and marry a "commoner". (photo: Getty). |
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| Becoming Crown Princess and then Empress, Ms. Michiko had a hard time keeping up with the strict rules of the Royal Family as well as facing countless prejudices from the nobility. (photo: Getty). |
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| Gradually, she gained the trust and affection of the Royal Family members. She is now happily married for nearly 60 years. (Photo: Getty). |
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| On December 12, 2009, the entire Japanese Imperial family visited the Kodomonokuni area (also known as Children's Land) in Yokohama to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. Akihito and Mrs. Michiko. (photo: Reuters). |
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| Emperor Akihito and his wife hold hands and dance at a charity event at a hotel in Tokyo. (photo: Reuters). |
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| A couple walks together on a beach, enjoying a happy moment in Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan in 2013. (photo: Getty). |
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| They have been through many ups and downs together in life. Mr. Akihito and Ms. Michiko at the funeral of a close relative in 2012. (photo: Reuters). |
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| They took a walk together in a beautiful setting on the Emperor of Japan's birthday in 2007. (photo: Getty). |
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| The Japanese royal couple share simple joys together. (Photo: Getty). |
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| During her trips, Ms. Michiko always accompanied her husband. (Photo: Getty). |
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| After 59 years together, the affection between Emperor Akihito and his wife is still full. (Photo: Getty). |
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| In their spare time, they still play tennis together - the sport that brought them together 59 years ago. (photo: Getty). |
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| Both the Emperor and his wife are very close to the people. (Photo: Getty). |
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| The Emperor and Empress also have a deep interest in the education of children in Japan. (photo: Getty). |
According to VOV
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