Engagement of Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, 1959

The Japanese Imperial Court announced the Engagement of Crown Prince Akihito of Japan and Michiko Shoda in Tokyo on this day in 1959, 65 years ago, which was the first marriage between a Commoner and the Heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne in centuries.

Michiko Shoda was accompanied by her parents Hidesaburo and Fumiko to attend the Nosai-no-Gi Engagement Ceremony with the Grand Master of the Crown Prince’s Household, Kikuo Suzuki, at the Togu Palace in Tokyo.

Hidesaburo and Fumiko Shoda then accompanied the future Crown Princess to call on Crown Prince Akihito at the Tokiwamatsu Palace to accept the betrothal gifts when she formally became the Crown Prince’s fiancee.

The betrothal gifts seen at the house of Michiko Shoda following the Nosai-no-Gi engagement ceremony.

The couple got married in a lavish ceremony at the Imperial Palace of Tokyo in April 1959, and ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1989.

Emperor Akihito abdicated the Throne in 2019, just days after their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Meiji Scroll Tiara

Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara

Honeysuckle Tiara

Diamond Scroll Tiara

Pearl Sunburst Tiara

Empress Michiko’s Diamond Necklace

Diamond Pendant

Chrysanthemum Earrings

Pearl Sautoir

Japanese Imperial Tiaras