Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
Following in his father’s footsteps, Emperor Naruhito married for love, as well. The couple met at the University of Tokyo in 1986, but Masako was so dedicated to her diplomatic career that she only accepted his proposal for marriage on the third occasion. She was eventually convinced that as Crown Princess, she could continue to pursue her ambitions. They celebrated a traditional wedding in 1993 and their daughter, Aiko was born on December 1, 2001. While the now-Empress Masako finds the life of royalty challenging, Emperor Naruhito is quick to speak in defense of her wife and supports her through the therapy she receives for her adjustment disorder.