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Japan's former Emperor Akihito marks his 91st birthday

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Japan's former Emperor Akihito marks his 91st birthday
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Japan's former Emperor Akihito marks his 91st birthday

2024-12-23 15:04 Last Updated At:15:10

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday on Monday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace.

Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 and handed over the Chrysanthemum throne to his son, Emperor Naruhito, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus.

Akihito has since receded from official duties and enjoys his time quietly while caring for his 90-year-old wife, former Empress Michiko, who broke her leg bone in October and is still recovering, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Akihito's daily routine includes reading newspapers in the morning and evening, and watching the news with Michiko over meals, the IHA said.

The former Emperor was to celebrate his birthday on Monday with his relatives and other guests.

This year, Akihito has been particularly concerned about people who were affected by a fatal New Year earthquake and heavy rains in autumn in Japan's northcentral region of Noto, the IHA said.

Akihito continues to actively research the classification of Japanese freshwater goby fish at a palace laboratory and his residence, officials said.

Under Japan’s Constitution, the emperor is a symbol without political power. Wartime militarist governments worshipped the emperor as a living god and fought the war in his name until Akihito's father renounced that status after the country’s 1945 war defeat.

Akihito during his three-decade reign embraced an identity as peacemaker and often made reconciliatory missions and carefully scripted expressions of regret on the war.

Palace officials said Akihito continues to observe a moment of silence on days marking key events of the war, including the end of the Battle of Okinawa, the anniversaries of the U.S. atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the day Japan surrendered.

The former emperor’s daily life is “still deeply connected with his wartime memories,” the palace said. Akihito and Michiko are currently rehearsing passages from a book on the Battle of Okinawa as part of their daily routine, the IHA said.

This handout photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Japan's former emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

This handout photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Japan's former emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Former Emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2024 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan and released on Dec. 23, 2024 shows Japan's former emperor Akihito, left, and former empress Michiko as they pose for photos at their residence in Tokyo. Former Emperor Akihito turns 91 on Dec. 23. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)

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Barcelona routs Real Madrid again to win Spanish Super Cup final 5-2

2025-01-13 08:07 Last Updated At:08:11

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid came out looking for some payback in the latest “clasico” against Barcelona but ended up being embarrassed again.

Madrid lost 5-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. That followed a 4-0 loss at home to Barcelona in the Spanish league in October.

Kylian Mbappé put Madrid ahead early in his second clasico, but Barcelona then ran away with goals by Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha — who scored twice — and Alejandro Balde.

Rodrygo scored for Madrid on the hour mark after Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off early in the second half.

It was the third straight win for Barcelona in 2025 after it lost two games in a row to end last year.

“The Christmas break helped us reflect on what we had done wrong,” Lewandowski said. “Now we can look forward to the run of games that we have until the end of the season.”

Madrid lost for the first time after a run of five consecutive victories.

“It was a bad night,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “It's a disappointment, we won't hide it, but it's soccer ... you have to try to learn from the losses. We have to look forward to what's ahead.”

Mbappé had been contained when the rivals met in October but scored a superb goal five minutes into the match at King Abdullah Sports City stadium after picking up the ball just inside Madrid's half, running at the defense and then finding the net with a clever finish. But Yamal evened the match with a nice run in the 22nd and Lewandowski, who scored twice in the earlier clasico, put the Catalans ahead in the 36th.

Raphinha added goals in the 39th and 48th minutes, while Balde scored in first-half stoppage time.

Rodrygo scored from a free kick in the 60th after Szczesny was sent off for a foul outside the area to stop a breakaway.

Lewandowski has 26 goals in 27 appearance across all competitions for Barcelona, while Raphinha has scored 19 times and Yamal eight.

Barcelona was able to count on Spain midfielder Dani Olmo after the Spanish government stepped in to provisionally allow the club to register him with the league.

The final came after Mallorca fans said they were harassed by local men who support Madrid after Thursday’s semifinal. Two wives of Mallorca players said they were groped.

The Spanish Super Cup has become a moneymaker for the federation and competing clubs since the federation struck a deal in 2019 to hold it in Saudi Arabia.

Atletico Madrid set a club all-time record of 14 straight victories with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday and went top of the Spanish league at the halfway stage.

Julián Álvarez scored in the 55th minute at the Metropolitano stadium to give Atletico the milestone victory and a one-point lead over second-place Madrid. Diego Simeone's team has a six-point gap to third-place Barcelona.

Atletico has won all of its matches across all competitions since October. Its last setback was a 1-0 loss at Real Betis in the Spanish league on Oct. 27. Eight of the victories have come in the league.

“It's an important streak to show the growth of this club,” Simeone said. “We have been working really hard.”

It was the seventh consecutive league game without a win for Osasuna, which is in 11th place.

Also Sunday, 15th-place Getafe won 2-1 at 14th-place Las Palmas.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Gavi, centre, lifts up his team's trophy after they won the final soccer match of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Gavi, centre, lifts up his team's trophy after they won the final soccer match of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

President of Barcelona Joan Laporta, centre, and his players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

President of Barcelona Joan Laporta, centre, and his players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after they won the final soccer match of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after they won the final soccer match of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid players leave the pitch after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid players leave the pitch after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate with their team's trophy of the Spanish Super Cup after the final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez, left, challenges for the ball with Barcelona's Pedri during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez, left, challenges for the ball with Barcelona's Pedri during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate after Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, second right, scored his side's fourth goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona players celebrate after Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, second right, scored his side's fourth goal during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe reacts during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe reacts during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, top, react during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, top, react during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, right, and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal react during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, right, and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal react during the Spain Super Cup final soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

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