NEWS
Japan imperial couple mark Diamond anniversary ahead of abdication
14:12 April 10, 2019 Reuters
Japanese Emperor Aikihito and Empress Michiko celebrated their Diamond anniversary on Wednesday (April 10), marking six decades of a marriage that helped modernise the monarchy. Akihito, 85, will abdicate on April 30 and be succeeded by his elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito. Their marriage, widely portrayed as a love-match, fanned hopes that Michiko, the vibrant daughter of a wealthy businessman, would modernise the tradition-bound court. The imperial couple was marking their anniversary with a series of low-key ceremonies including formal congratulations by family and officials and a dinner at the imperial palace.