Akihito’s Eldest Son Is Next in Line for Japanese Throne
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TOKYO — With the death Saturday of Emperor Hirohito and the ascension of Crown Prince Akihito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the person next in line to succeed to the Japanese throne is Crown Prince Naruhito, 28, formerly known as Prince Hiro, eldest son of Akihito.
Other heirs to the throne in order are Prince Aya, 23, second son of Akihito; Prince Hitachi, 53, second son of Hirohito, and Prince Mikasa, 73, youngest brother of Hirohito.
Hirohito’s widow, Nagako, 85, now the empress dowager, is suffering from hip trouble and has not appeared in public for several years. Palace officials made no mention of her on Saturday.
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