Crown Prince Hirohito, later known as Emperor Showa, was born on April 29, 1901, in Tokyo, Japan. He became the heir to the Japanese throne in 1926 and ruled during a significant period in Japanese history, including World War II. His reign lasted until his death in 1989, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in history. Hirohito was educated in both traditional Japanese culture and Western sciences. His leadership during the war and subsequent post-war period shaped Japan's transition from militarism to a constitutional monarchy, influencing the nation's modern identity and relationship with the world, particularly with the United States and Japan's post-war constitution.