Figure 1.--Here Prince Naruhito is on a walk with his parents in 1963. Japanese magazines commonly express years in terms of years of the Emperor's reign. In this case the 37th year of Emperor Hirohito's reign. Prince Naruhito would be 3 years old. We are not sure where they are walking. Nor are we sure what the Prince is wearing, it looks like a kind os smock.

Crown Prince Naruhito was born in Tokyo (February 23, 1960). As the eldest son of then Crown Prince Akhito, he became second in line to seceed his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. Naruhito was also known as Prince Hiro. We do not know a great deal about Prince Naruhito's childhood. The Royal couple was determined to play a greater role in their children's life than was the case of previous emperors. We do not have a great amount of information on family life at this time. Most of our infirmation comes from the photographic record. We see some images of family life, although they are mostly staged, rather formal portraits. Several photographs show the Royal Couple taking Prince Naruhito on walks. I am not sure where they went, possibly the grounds of the Imperial Palace.

Created: 5:19 AM 5/25/2009
Last updated: 7:02 PM 5/25/2009