(click the image for video)
Satoko and I were in Toritsu Daigaku, and the Emperor of Japan, aka, 天皇 (Tennou or, Tennō), and his wife, Michiko, just happened to be driven through. It’s sort of a big deal for the obvious reason—he’s the Emperor of Japan, but also because this is the last month he will be the Emperor in this 平成時代 (Heisei jidai/period). He’s stepping down to make way for the next in line—his son, and the new period, 令和時代 (Reiwa jidai/period). This is unusual, as the Emperor usually will hold his position until death, but Akihito (his given name) may be wiser than his predecessors in that he’s willing to live out his final years as a common mortal. I hold him in higher regard simply for wanting a relaxing life. It was cool to be able to see him and Michiko •