A exhibit of photographs marking the 50th anniversary of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are displayed at a department store in Tokyo.

The royals viewed the collection as part of the joint celebration of their golden wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the emperor’s ascension to the Chrysanthemum throne. Also in the exhibit, protected behind glass, was the carriage used for the wedding parade.

What a treat it must be for the emperor and empress to see these photos from 50 years ago, and to relive the memories of their special day.

Image: Newscom

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko listen to a performance by the Imperial Guard music band at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 10, 2009.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary today, April 10, 2009 in Tokyo.

In a press conference earlier this week, Emperor Akihito expressed his appreciation of his wife for her understanding of his position and royal duties, and her devotion to their family.

‘‘She has truly made great efforts which she has continued to make right up to this very day. She has truly made great efforts over these fifty years,’’ he told reporters.

The royals were also asked about the marriage proposal that happened 50 years ago. The emperor described having discussed it with the empress many times before she said yes. The empress said that she could no longer remember the ‘exact words’.

The Japanese media has praised the royals for leading the world’s oldest monarchy and the country to meet the challenges of modern times.

via: Japan Today; Image: Newscom

Emperor Akihito’s health issues has forced Japan’s Imperial Palace to cut back on his public comments.

The 75-year-old monarch will give fewer speeches, meet fewer dignitaries and generally reduce the official duties that he will carry out this year. His wife, Empress Michiko, 74, will also have a lighter schedule to reflect the emperor’s.

No word has been given about whether the duties will be passed on to Emperor Akihito’s son Crown Prince Naruhito.

While Prince Naruhito continues his royal duties, his wife, Crown Princess Masako, has not appeared much in public in the past years. Princess Masako has her own stress-related health issues, believed to be brought on by the strict regulations upon life in the Imperial Palace. However, the Crown Princess is said to be on the slow road to recovery. She was present at the traditional New Year appearance of the Imperial Family earlier this month.

via: Reuters; Image: Newscom

From left: King Juan Carlos, Emperor Akihito, Queen Sofia and Empress Michiko at the welcome ceremony on November 10, 2008.

Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia arrived in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on November 9, 2008 for a state visit to Japan. That night, they attended a reception party at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

The Spanish royals were official welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on November 10, 2008. If you’re confused about the time, just remember that Japan is ahead of us (in the U.S.) by several hours.

The last time the Spanish royals were in Japan was in 1998, for the opening ceremony of the Nagano Olympics. They will stay until November 14, 2008 for this visit.

More photos of the arrival at the airport from Yahoo; and the Nov. 9 reception from Zimbio.

image credit: Newscom