Crown prince's marriage to commoner boosts royals' image
April 10, 1959
The marriage of Crown Prince Akihito to Michiko Shoda on April 10, 1959, generated huge public interest not only because she was the first commoner to marry a future emperor, but also because their romance was played out on tennis courts rather than arranged by palace insiders.
Crown Princess Michiko leaves the room where her traditional wedding ceremony to Crown Prince Akihito was held in the Imperial Palace.
Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko pose for a wedding photo wearing traditional attire that dates back centuries. The kimono worn by the princess is said to be a multilayered variety that originated in the 10th century.
The newlyweds acknowledge the cheers of well-wishers along the route of a parade that took them to their new residence. The parade was broadcast live on television and is said to have helped establish the popularity of television as many households purchased TV sets just to view the parade.
Thousands of people throng the streets of Tokyo along the route of the horse-drawn carriage transporting Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko. The imperial couple would later help to redefine the image of the imperial household and win the hearts and minds of the public, often by visiting ordinary citizens who had suffered during a natural disaster.
