By Tom Place For Daily Mail Australia
Published: 17:24 BST, 30 April 2019 | Updated: 17:24 BST, 30 April 2019
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The new emperor of Japan Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend to the throne today almost 50 years after he lived the life of an everyday Aussie kid.
In 1974 Naruhito's father, Akihito, decided to send his son to Australia for his first overseas trip in which he had the chance to stay with a local family in Melbourne for five days.
The emperor was 14-year-old when he stayed with a host family, the Harpers, in their holiday at Point Lonsdale.
In 1974 Naruhito's father, Akihito decided to send his son to Australia for his first overseas trip in which he had the chance to stay with a local family in Melbourne, known only as the Harper, for five days
During his stay Naruhito (centre), Alex Harper and his friend Thomas Harley played on the beach and rode around on old bicycles
Alex Harper, who was also 14 at the time and is now a doctor, said he remembers it as a positive
