Emperor of Japan since 2019; Reiwa era leader
Japan’s leaders face renewed regional scrutiny as Koizumi’s Yasukuni Shrine visit on the 81st anniversary sparks protests from China and South Korea, while Tokyo stresses a peaceful, postwar path.
King Harald V has died at 89. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has become King Haakon VIII and will take the constitutional oath on Tuesday. Queen Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra have assumed their new roles. The royal family and Norway have entered official mourning; the funeral is set for Sept. 9.
Japan has revised imperial succession laws, allowing distant male relatives raised as commoners to join the royal line through male-only lineage. Princess Aiko remains excluded from succession. Critics warn of a new class structure and constitutional questions as the government pushes male-only succession.