Akihito

And in contrast to Hirohito's address, which had been couched in language familiar only to the well-educated and notable for a confusing lack of detail about the surrender itself, Akihito was clear in his message of hope.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

Until last week, however, no event in the country's history was considered traumatic enough for his son, Akihito, to perform a similar task.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

By custom, Akihito will be known as Heisei Emperor by order of the cabinet after his death.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

After Hirohito's death in 1989, Akihito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne to become Japan's 125th emperor.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

Following the Kobe earthquake in 1995, which killed 6,400 people, Akihito visited survivors living in an emergency shelter in a school gym.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

In his birthday address of 2004, Akihito seemed to suggest he was fed up with Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife criticising his eldest son for speaking in public earlier that year of the "suffocating atmosphere" in the royal household which he claimed had contributed to his wife's clinical depression.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

Emporer's messageJapan's Emperor, Akihito, is making an unprecedented national address.

Japan's Nuclear Evacuees Ponder Fate 2011

Emporer's messageJapan's Emperor, Akihito, is making an unprecedented national address.

Japan's Nuclear Evacuees Ponder Fate 2011

But Akihito injected calm where there had been fear.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011

In 1993, Akihito became the first emperor to go to Okinawa.

Emperor Akihito: A bulwark against a sea of troubles | Observer profile 2011