Premise: Michiko (美智子 ) , born Michiko Shōda (正田美智子 , Shōda Michiko ) on 20 October 1934, is the Empress of Japan as the wife of Akihito, the current Emperor of Japan reigning from 7 January 1989. She succeeded her mother-in-law, Empress Nagako (Kōjun), consort of Emperor Hirohito (Shōwa).
Hypothesis: Michiko Shoda succeeded her mother-in-law, Empress Nagako, as Empress of Japan upon her demise in January 1989.