Royal Profile: Empress Michiko of Japan

Empress Michiko of Japan was born Michiko Shoda on 20 October 1934 as the eldest daughter of Hidesaburo Shoda {Source}.

She attended Futaba Elementary School {Source}. In her senior year, she was elected, upon nomination by her classmates, president of the student government{Source}. Many of her classmates recall that, though very reserved, she won full cooperation from her fellow students and helped to introduce a harmonious spirit into University life{Source}. She graduated with a degree in Foreign languages and literature from University of the Sacred Heart in 1957 {Source}. At the ceremony of her graduation in 1957 she was valedictorian{Source}. 

She is honorary president of the Japanese Red Cross Society {Source}.
Her marriage was approved by Imperial House Council on 27 November 1958 {Source}. Her engagement ceremony took place on 14 January 1959 {Source}. Her wedding took place on 10 April 1959 {Source}.
Her children, grandchildren and children-in-law are {Source}:

1. Crown Prince Naruhito (1960) 
1. Crown Princess Masako
1. Princess Aiko (2001) 
2. Prince Akishino(Fumihito) (1965) 
1. Princess Kiko (1966)
1. Princess Mako (1991) 
2. Princess Kako (1994) 
3.  Prince Hisahito (2006) 
3. Princess Sayako, Mrs. Yoshiki Kuroda (1969) 

Empress Michiko has an extensive interest in art, and is particularly well-read in Japanese classical literature {Source}. She has constantly kept up her interest in children's literature and has done work in that field herself {Source}. Hajimete no Yamanobori (My First Mountain), a picture book for which the Empress wrote the story, was published in 1991 {Source}. She also published a book of poems by Michio Mado, selected, translated and arranged by Empress Michiko and entitled Dobutsu-tachi(THE ANIMALS) in 1992, among other works{Source}. 

She plays the piano, and is a good accompanist to the Emperor who plays the cello and to Crown Prince Naruhito who plays the viola and violin {Source}. In her spare time, she enjoys morning walks with her husband, playing tennis and being a mother and grandmother {Source}.