On January 7, 1989, Emperor of Japan Hirohito (119, also known as Emperor Showa) passed away at the age of 87 in Tokyo, Japan. Hirohito, born on April 29, 1901, was the 124th Emperor of Japan. He ascended the throne on December 25, 1926 and remained Japan’s ruler for more than sixty-two years. He is the longest reigning Emperor of Japan and only the second to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne through the traditional ceremonies. During his reign, Hirohito experienced the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression, World War II and Post-War recovery. Following his accession to the throne, he enacted various reforms and modernized Japan’s education system, media and infrastructure. He also introduced record-breaking economic growth. Hirohito pushed for peaceful international relations and the elimination of nuclear weapons, and participated in the Tokyo Summit of world leaders in 1976. He also pushed for democracy with the Imperial Rule Assistance Association. Hirohito was the father of four children and was married to Empress Nagako. He will be remembered for his incredible longevity and contributions to Japan’s transformation into a modern nation.