Akihito is the reigning emperor of Japan and he has an estimated net worth of $40 million. He is the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan’s traditional order of succession. He acceded to the throne in 1989 and has ruled for over 23 years. Born on December 23, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan, he is the eldest son and the fifth child of Emperor Hirohito (the Showa Emperor) and Empress Kojun. He was titled Prince Tsugu and was raised and educated by private tutors. He attended elementary and secondary departments of the Peer’s School (Gakushuin) from 1940 to 1952.

While serving at the empire, Emperor Akihito was known for both his interest in interacting with the Japanese people on a more personal level as well as for his ichthyological research and publications that included Gene and Japanese Journal of Ichthyology. Despite the strictly constrained constitutional position, he has issued several wide-ranging statements of remorse to Asian countries for their suffering under the Japanese occupation. He is viewed as a very successful leader with both national and international honors and recognitions.