Former Emperor Akihito turned 92 as officials reported his heart condition has stabilized after a May diagnosis of reduced blood flow to the heart and a new medication started in July. He remains active in scientific research on goby fish—having identified 10 species—and visits a palace biology lab twice weekly. Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko marked the 80th anniversary of World War II with moments of silence on four key dates and continue to commemorate victims and survivors.
Former Emperor Akihito Turns 92 as Heart Condition Stabilizes, Continues Scientific Work
In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito poses for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking his 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Former Emperor Akihito celebrated his 92nd birthday on Tuesday, with palace officials reporting that a heart condition flagged earlier this year has stabilized following treatment.
Health Update
The Imperial Household Agency said Akihito — the father of current Emperor Naruhito — was diagnosed in May with reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. He began a new medication in July and has remained in stable condition since then, the agency reported.
In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, left, and Empress Emerita Michiko pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking Akihito's 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Scientific Pursuits
Despite his age, Akihito remains active in scientific research. He continues to study goby fish, a field in which he has identified 10 species, and visits a biology laboratory on the palace compound twice a week.
Public Life and Commemoration
Holding the title of Emperor Emeritus since his abdication in 2019, Akihito marked his birthday with family and received visitors, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Widely respected for his efforts to confront and remember Japan’s wartime past, he prayed this year for victims and survivors during the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
In this Dec. 8, 2025, photo released by Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, left, and Empress Emerita Michiko pose for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking Akihito's 92nd birthday on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Imperial Household Agency said Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko observed moments of silence on four significant wartime dates: the end of the Battle of Okinawa, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the day Japan surrendered. He has frequently said the war — which took place under the reign of his father, Emperor Hirohito — should not be forgotten.
Personal Moments
In August the couple visited Karuizawa, a central Japan resort town where Akihito was temporarily evacuated as a child during the war and where he and Michiko later developed their relationship.
Looking Ahead: Palace officials say Akihito will continue to be monitored, but his stable condition and ongoing scientific activities offer reassurance about his day-to-day well-being.
