Emperor Akihito, left, watches Empress Michiko speak during their news conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in this photo from the Imperial Household Agency.

Emperor, empress celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

Friday 10th April, 07:00 AM JST

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14 Comments

roughneck at 09:40 AM JST - 10th April

Best wishes your highness.
meandmybigmouth at 09:41 AM JST - 10th April

Best wishes...and respect!
noirgaijin at 10:12 AM JST - 10th April

A truly remarkable milestone in an era where selfishness breed divorce. Very best wishes to them both.
Potsu at 10:32 AM JST - 10th April

Umm,they couldn't divirce even if they wanted to.Think poor Masako.
Vagante at 10:47 AM JST - 10th April

The stipulation of the Constitution of Japan that "the emperor shall be the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people," is evinced through a gracious royal couple who have served the country stoically and have gained the respect of many. However, the social restrictions, strict adherence to protocols, and other vicissitudes of daily life that the Japanese royals have to endure makes the role of "symbol of the state" somewhat ironic.
spudman at 11:22 AM JST - 10th April

50 years of dutifully walking behind her man hasn't done a lot to improve the plight of women in Japan. Consequently the nation is suffering a decline in population that is about to enter an extreme downward spiral. Michikosama is a gracious empress but is no more influential than a postage stamp.
presto345 at 12:46 PM JST - 10th April

Consequently the nation is suffering a decline in population that is about to enter an extreme downward spiral.

The decline in population has absolutely nothing to do with a (your?)perceived image the bond of Empress Michiko and the Emperor project.
bobbafett at 01:44 PM JST - 10th April

Michikosama is a gracious empress but is no more influential than a postage stamp.

Only in your mind. You cannot see into the heart and soul of Japanese people.
spudman at 01:55 PM JST - 10th April

Only in your mind. You cannot see into the heart and soul of Japanese people.

odd that all my under 40 Japanese friends have nothing but apathy for the royals. Maybe their hearts and souls aren't traditional enough?

The decline in population has absolutely nothing to do with a (your?)perceived image the bond of Empress Michiko and the Emperor project

How come so many Japanese single thirty something women point to the traditional roles of Japanese society and the restraints it puts on women's lives as a good reason for not marrying? Leaders like Michikosama dropped the ball in advancing the role of women in Japan. She sure as heck never made it any easier for Masakosama. Of course a counter argument would be welcome rather than pure denying an opinion with nothing else.
seesaw at 04:10 PM JST - 10th April

It has brought me joy that since our marriage, the empress has always understood the significance of my position and official duties, and in our family life, as she stood by me, she has been very devoted to the members of my family beginning with Emperor Showa,’’

That was the most romantic words I've ever heard in Japan.....
seesaw at 04:10 PM JST - 10th April

:)
ca1ic0cat at 08:49 PM JST - 10th April

Happy Anniversary and many more!

I find that most young people don't care about any tradition or social norms, they have to grow up first to realize where they came from and why it's a good thing that they did.

As far as constraints on Japanese women; yes, those are a problem to be sure and are likely the major cause of the declining birth rate. You would think that the guys would notice and make some changes but first the companies have to figure it out. It's tough to have a working couple raising kids. But both pulling 10 - 14 hour days AND taking care of kids? That just doesn't work. Pardon the pun.... And the traditional "salaryman" role forces all the home duties onto the wife.

I'm not so sure that this is Shinto "tradition" that is forcing Japanese women into this role. Sound like simple economics and an outdated business model to me.
jessssicaaa at 10:53 PM JST - 10th April

Happy 50th Anniversary! ;D and for many more to come!
ANOTSUSAGAMI at 04:33 AM JST - 11th April

The ceremony today was very romantic. Spudman's right on it. Japanese women these days look at the royals and pity the women. Japanese society requires that women be little more than ornaments and objects of men's desire. This is evident in the way women are treated in the workplace. If a woman comes to work at an office without makeup, it's considered rude at best, lazy at worst. When a woman gets married she's expected to quit, stay home and raise kids. If she wants to stay on, she can expect to be bullied or guilt tripped into leaving.It's almost like the men are saying "you're used goods, no one wants you now." The situation for the royals is even worse. Forced by tradition to walk behind thier men and speak in soft, unassuming tones and passive keigo. Empowered does not come to mind. More like subjugated. As the first commoner to marry into the royal family Michikosama could have attempted to inspire women to be so much more, though I'm sure the IHA would blame her lineage for such insolence.