February 23, 1960 is the birthday of Naruhito, the current Emperor of Japan. He accended to the throne on 1 May 2019 following the abdication of his father, Emperor Akhito. He is the 126th monarch according to Japan’s traditional order of succession.

On April 30, 2019 after a reign of 30 years, Emperor Akihito abdicated due to health reasons. He is the first Japanese emperor to do so since 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era. Akihito’s younger son, Prince Akishino is his brother’s heir presumptive.

In Japan, the emperor has no political power but is an important figurehead.