Japan Emperor married commoner in 1959, ending 1,500-yr-old tradition

In 1959 Japanese Emperor Akihito, who was then the Crown Prince, married a commoner, ending a 1,500-year-old tradition. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko's love story was dubbed the "tennis court romance" as they met over the nets. The 85-year-old Emperor stepped down today after three decades on the throne because of his age and declining health.