Recalling our recent visitor from Japan, today we visit the heir to the Chysanthemum Throne, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan.
From Wikipedia:
Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan 徳仁皇太子 (Naruhito Kōtaishi) (born February 23, 1960 at Togu Palace, Tokyo) is the eldest son of HIM Emperor Akihito and HIM Empress Michiko. Titled Prince Hiro (浩宮 Hiro-no-miya) as a child, he became heir apparent to the Japanese throne upon the death of his grandfather, the Showa Emperor (Hirohito), on January 7, 1989.
The Crown Prince is well known for his extensive charity work. He also carries out a full schedule of royal duties.
Source: BBC (Chinese)Here he is hanging out with the arriviste British royalty. By tradition, the Prince's father, Emperor Akihito is the 125th direct descendent of Emperor Jimmu, who founded the empire in 660 BCE. Libby certainly seems to have tarted it up a bit to meet him, don't you think?
[Yanks: no respect!]
[Yanks: no respect!]
I love this father-daughter photo as they walk together in the rain. Too cute!
There was a great deal of controversy and some talk of changing the succession laws to allow females to inherit equally (and Japan has had female rulers, I read) but the birth of a male nephew has "solved" the traditionalist dilemma and it seems that Princess Aiko may never ascend the throne after her father. Sucky.
You may read a bit more about the imperial family here. [Don't tell HIH but I think his wife's a dish.]
--the BB
2 comments:
She is, and very smart. Do you remember the brouhaha when they got married and the whole thing about her giving up her brilliant career as a diplomat?
Then there was the whole thing with the pregnancy watch, was she pregnant, would there be a male heir, was she suffering from depression or other mental disorder due to the stress and pressure of the situation. Really unpleasant stuff.
Quick search yielded this by Australian journalist Ben Hills ("controversial" says the not always reliable Wikipedia) and this from Wikipedia (as I said, not always reliable, but there are links) for the memories.
A short and recent piece on her current state from the generally reliable BBC is here. If you read only one, read that.
They look like a happy family in those pictures, though.
When I saw the photo of the Crown Prince and his daughter in the rain, I thought, Kawai desu,ne?
It is a very cute photo!
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