The Latest Breaking News from Akihito

The prince is the youngest of the 16-member imperial family, which now features no children

The young prince is a symbol of the challenges facing the world's oldest monarchy

Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the second in line to the throne, has held a debut news conference since he turned 18 last September

Emperor Akhihito concerned about extensive damage in Noto Peninsula

Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday on Monday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace

Japan’s beloved former Empress Michiko received greetings from her relatives and palace officials to celebrate her 90th birthday as she steadily recovers from a broken leg

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito has finally admitted that the future of the Chrysanthemum Throne is in peril. Speaking on the eve of his state visit to the UK in mid-June, Naruhito noted that the number of male heirs in the imperial family was shrinking and they were ageing.

Emma Loffhagen takes a look at the island nation’s royal couple and their unlikely British connections

As Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako make the first Japanese state visit to Britain since 1998, here are some key things to know about the imperial family: - Sun goddess - Legend has it that Japan's royals, whose myth-filled history spans 2,600 years, are descended from the Shinto sun goddess…