Japan's former Emperor Akihito has celebrated his 92nd birthday in stable health, according to officials from the Imperial Household Agency. The news comes as a relief following concerns earlier this year about his cardiac condition.
Stabilised Health and Birthday Celebrations
Palace officials confirmed on Tuesday 23 December 2025 that the beloved former monarch's heart condition has stabilised. Akihito, the father of the current Emperor Naruhito, was diagnosed in May with insufficient blood flow to his heart muscles. His condition improved significantly after he began a new course of medication in July and has remained stable since.
The former emperor marked his birthday with his family and was due to receive guests, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Akihito has held the title of emperor emeritus since his historic abdication in 2019, the first in Japan for over two centuries.
A Life of Science and Solemn Remembrance
Despite his age, Akihito maintains an active interest in his long-standing scientific passion. The Imperial Household Agency stated he continues to visit a biology lab on the palace grounds twice weekly. His career research into goby fish is particularly notable, having led to the discovery of ten new species.
This year also held profound significance for the former emperor as it marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Known for his efforts to reconcile Japan's wartime past, Akihito repeatedly prayed for victims and survivors. Alongside his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, he observed moments of silence on four key dates from 80 years ago:
- The end of the Battle of Okinawa.
- The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- The day marking Japan's surrender.
Akihito has consistently emphasised that the war, fought in the name of his father Emperor Hirohito, must never be forgotten.
Personal Reflections and a Nostalgic Retreat
In a poignant personal journey last August, Akihito and Michiko visited the resort town of Karuizawa in central Japan. This location holds deep personal history for the couple; Akihito was evacuated there as a child during the war, and it was also where their romance began years later. The visit underscored the enduring connection between the nation's history and their personal narrative.
The stabilisation of the former emperor's heart condition allows him to continue his quiet life of study, family, and reflection. His 92nd birthday is not just a personal milestone but a moment of national affection for a figure who has dedicated his life to peace, science, and the people of Japan.
