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Emperor Akihito

Emperor Akihito

★ 9.0/10•2019•1h 13m•Documentary
Similars

Akihito, the Emperor of Japan, abdicated on April 30, 2019. This 3-parts NHK World documentary series chronicles the life of a former "divine child" who became the symbol of the Japanese State when he ascended the throne in 1989.

StatusEnded
Runtime1h 13m
LanguageEN
First Air DateApr 27, 2019

Episodes

E173m

Crown Prince of a Defeated Nation

Crown Prince Akihito's childhood is spent in the shadow of a war fought in the name of his father, Emperor Showa (Hirohito). With peace comes democracy. The Crown Prince learns to balance an imperial identity with a sense of social equality. At 19, he attends Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. His first trip abroad offers him fresh insights into Japan's place in the world, and the role of a monarch who reigns, but does not rule.

Apr 27, 2019

E273m

The Two of Us

Crown Prince Akihito graduates from Gakushuin University. At a tennis tournament he meets his future wife, Michiko, who becomes the first commoner to join the Imperial Household. In another break with tradition, they raise their own children. Together, the Imperial Couple press ahead with duties in Japan and abroad, even in the face of danger. On the death of his father, Crown Prince Akihito becomes Emperor in 1989.

Apr 28, 2019

E373m

The Symbol of a Nation

Crown Prince Akihito ascends to the throne in 1989 and the Heisei Era dawns. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko devise new ways to interact with the public, and actively seek opportunities to offer comfort after earthquakes and other disasters. They make a landmark diplomatic visit to China with a message of friendship. Throughout his reign, Emperor Akihito has explored his role as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People. Eventually, foreseeing a time when he can no longer perform his duties as he wishes, the Emperor decides to abdicate.

Apr 29, 2019

Actors

Dawn Matus

Narrator (voice)

Akihito

Akihito

Self (archive footage)

Michiko

Michiko

Self (archive footage)

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