Michiko (1934–)

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Michiko (1934–)

Empress of Japan. Born Michiko Shoda in Oct 1934; m. Akihito (b. 1933), emperor of Japan, in 1959; children: son Crown Prince Naruhito (b. 1960).

The 1st commoner to marry a crown prince, was criticized for breast-feeding her babies, carrying them in public, and attempting to raise them herself; for years, had conflicts with mother-in-law Nagako, who sided with the traditionalists; possibly suffered the 1st of 2 nervous breakdowns (1963); when Japanese press accused her of being domineering toward her husband (1993), fell unconscious the following day and reputedly could not speak for the next 6 months.

See also Women in World History.

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Michiko (1934–)

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