Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako

(Original Caption) Tokyo, Japan: Small, shy Emperor Hirohito, the man who was once God to 75 million Japanese, celebrates his 55th birthday Sunday. The ruler who denounced his divinity just ten years ago, will celebrate by playing host to 200,000 of his subjects at the Imperial Palace. The five-foot, three-inch sovereign is timid, myopic, and non-Imperial in his actions, but is adored by Japan's present population of 90 million. At left, the Emporer sits in his study where he spends much of his time with his books and tropical fish. At right, he is shown in the garden with Empress Negako. In background, is bed of tulips. April 29, 1956.