On Tuesday, Emperor Akihito of Japan stepped down in the first abdication of the Chrysanthemum Throne in 200 years. In Episodes 1 and 2 of this series, he redefined the world’s oldest monarchy for a nation defeated in war. The story continues here with his eldest son, Naruhito, who will become emperor on Wednesday.

They spoke for only a few minutes, but that was enough.

He was 26, an affable prince who had studied history at Oxford and happened to be second in line to the throne.

She was 22, a bright Harvard graduate following her father into a career in the Foreign Ministry. Or so she thought.

On an October afternoon in 1986, they met at a reception he hosted in Tokyo for Princess Elena of Spain.

As a string ensemble performed classical music, the diplomat’s daughter, Masako Owada, sipped orange juice. Naruhito, eldest son of Crown Prince Akihito, circulated among the 120 guests. When the two were introduced, he asked, “What kind of diplomat would you like to be?”