Shōda Michiko

wife of Japanese emperor Akihito

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July 17, 2026

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Shōda Michiko was the wife of Emperor Akihito and the mother of Emperor Naruhito. She was born in Tokyo in 1933 and was the eldest daughter of a wealthy businessman. In 1959, she broke with tradition by marrying a commoner, Akihito, who was then crown prince. Their marriage was widely celebrated, and they had three children: Naruhito, Akishino, and Nori.

During their reign, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko traveled extensively as goodwill ambassadors for Japan. Akihito abdicated in 2019, and his son Naruhito became emperor, with Michiko now holding the title of Empress Emerita.12

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Akihito
…tradition, he married a commoner, Shōda Michiko, who was the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Michiko was a graduate of a Roman Catholic university for women in Tokyo. Their first child, Crown Prince Naruhito, was born on February 23, 1960; he was followed by Prince Akishino (born November 30, 1965)…
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…tradition, he married a commoner, Shōda Michiko, who was the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Michiko was a graduate of a Roman Catholic university for women in Tokyo. Their first child, Crown Prince Naruhito, was born on February 23, 1960; he was followed by Prince Akishino (born November 30, 1965)…
Read More