Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Mich

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (R) wave to wellwishers as they listen to the Imperial Guard music band's performance, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in the Imperial Palace compound in Tokyo on April 10, 2009. Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary as the media hailed ways in which they have adapted the world's oldest monarchy to modern times. In the half century since they married, Japan has emerged from the aftermath of World War II and US occupation to become Asia's economic powerhouse, and the Chrysanthemum Throne has changed along with the times. AFP PHOTO / Katsumi Kasahara / POOL (Photo credit should read KATSUMI KASAHARA/AFP via Getty Images)