Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

[Prisma]

The Imperial Household Agency reports Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet King Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at the Imperial residence on April 11 in the afternoon.

Crown Prince Hussein will visit Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on April 10 in the morning.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met King Abdullah and Queen Rania during the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in September last year. They met Crown Prince Hussein when he attended the enthronement ceremonies in 2019.

Source: NTV

Also, the King and Emperor met again last September when King Abdullah visited Japan to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

King Abdullah and Queen Rania are making an official visit to Japan from April 7 to 12.

Visit of the King and Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

King departs for Japan on official visit | Royal Hashemite Court

[...]

During the visit to Tokyo, where King Abdullah will also be accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, His Majesty is scheduled to meet with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan.

[...]

 

[Blog Real]

It's a good new. It will be interesting to see a visit by the Kings of Jordan and Prince Hussein to the Imperial Family of Japan.

 

[Prisma]

On April 13th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 2023 Japan Prize Presentation Ceremony at the Imperial Hotel in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: Getty, AP Images, Jiji, NTV

2023 Japan Prize Laureates Announced - The Japan Prize Foundation

Professor Masataka Nakazawa and Mr. Kazuo Hagimoto are co-winners in the fields of Electronics, Information, and Communication. Professor Gero Miesenböck and Professor Karl Deisseroth are co-winners in the fields of Life Sciences.

 

[Prisma]

An aide shared some details of Emperor Naruhito's family retreat at the Imperial Stock Farm.
- harvesting asparagus, bamboo shoots, etc. with staff
- a female calf was born during their stay and Princess Aiko named the newborn "Rainbow" because a rainbow had appeared recently
- mindful of the pandemic, the family wore protective clothing and masks when in the stables, barn, etc.
- visited the animal memorial, offering food and flowers
- Princess Aiko's favorite horse "Toyoyoshi-go," died in December 2022. The family laid flowers and carrots on the grave. Toyoyoshi-go was retired to the farm in 2021.

Sources: NTV, Jiji

Compilation video of the retreat: arrival, press appearance, and return to Tokyo

 

[Prisma]

On April 21st, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended opening ceremony of the 31st General Assembly of the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences (JAMS) held at Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The assembly has been held every 4 years since 1902. Then-Crown Prince Naruhito attended in 2003 and 2015.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi

 

[Prisma]

On April 25th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited "Sankyu With," a company focused on employment of people with disabilities, in Chuo, Tokyo. Their Majesties observed cafe and computer work. Such visits usually happen around Disabled Persons Week (December 3-9) but this visit was moved to spring due to schedule adjustments.

The company has 91 employees, including 71 with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Besides cafe and computer services, there are jobs in mail collection and delivery, administrative assistance, printer/copier services, conference room cleaning, recycling, document shredding, and scanning. "Sankyu With" was recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Photos/info: Asahi, Mainichi, Jiji, NHK

https://twitter.com/x/status/1650784188541313024

 

[Prisma]

On April 28th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 17th Midori Academic Prize Ceremony at the Palace Hotel Tokyo. The award honors outstanding achievements in botany and nature conservation. Their Majesties met the recipients afterwards.

Photos: Getty, Sankei, Mainichi, Jiji

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On April 28th, British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom held a press conference at the ambassador's official residence before the coronation of King Charles III. Although the late Queen Elizabeth II only visited Japan once, King Charles has had many opportunities to visit as Prince of Wales, noting "In a way, he waited so long to become king, which helped a lot in his relationship with Japan."

Regarding the postponed UK state visit of the Imperial couple, Longbottom said "I hope that the state visit will be realized at an appropriate time as soon as possible."

Source: Jiji

 

[Prisma]

On May 4th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko attended a performance by the Vienna Boys' Choir at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. They enjoyed about 90 minutes of works such as "Ave Maria" and "My Neighbor Totoro." The family met members of the choir afterwards.

Photos: Asahi, FNN, Mainichi, AP Images, Jiji

Imperial Family Attends Vienna Boys Choir concert - The Japan News

[...]

They listened to works including the theme song from director Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro” and the popular Japanese children’s song “Furusato” (Hometown).

They applauded enthusiastically at the end of each piece.

 

[Prisma]

On May 8th, Empress Masako attended the Beginning of Sericulture "Goyosan Hajime no Gi" ceremony at the Imperial Palace's Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery.

Afterwards, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko joined the Empress to feed silkworms mulberry leaves. This year's sericulture will breed all 4 silkworm varieties: koishimaru, tensan, hakken, ouken.

Video of the May 8 ceremony has not been released.

Sources (using old photos): NTV, TBS

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Iwate Prefecture June 3-4 for the 73rd National Tree Planting Festival and visit areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

- Kamaishi City
- Rikuzentakata City for Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, Miracle Pine Tree, Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum, meet survivors
- Kyassen Ofunato, reconstructed shopping district in Ofunato City
- return to Rikuzentakata City for National Tree Planting Festival events

Sources: NTV, Sankei

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On May 12th, the Imperial Household Agency reported Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako expressed condolences and concern for the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture on May 5. Seismic activity is increasing in the Noto region, and they are worried about people who are living with anxiety.

Source: Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On May 24th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 50th anniversary memorial service for wartime civilian sailors at Kannonzaki Park in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. They offered flowers at the cenotaph and met bereaved families.

Many civilian ships were requisitioned during WWII and over 60,000 sailors died. The memorial was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic. Their Majesties attended the 24th memorial in 1994 when they were Crown Prince and Princess.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, Jiji

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661214048590135297

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661210489681240064

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako with Princess Aiko viewed the exhibition commemorating the couple's 30th wedding anniversary in Tokyo today, May 30:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On May 30th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter The Princess Toshi (Aiko) attended a special exhibition commemorating the fifth year of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement and the 30th wedding anniversary of the Imperial couple. The family took a long look at the car then-Crown Prince Naruhito and then-Crown Princess Masako used for their wedding parade (June 9th, 1993).

Sources/Photos: Mainichi, Tokyo Web, Nippon, Kyodo News, Nikkei
Photos: Mainichi 2

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On the afternoon of May 30th, Empress Masako attended the feeding of mulberry leaves to silkworms (Koishimaru species) at the Momijiyama Sericulture Centre of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. She herself helped in the administration of the mulberry leaves. The Empress started sericulture on May 8th, when she took part in the "Goyosan Hajime no Gi" cerimony (ceremony of the First Sericulture).

Sources/Photos: TBS News Dig, Sankei, Nippon, Kyodo News
Video by NTV News

 

[Prisma]

Thanks! I'm glad some content was finally released for this year's sericulture.

More sericulture photos: FNN

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Some details when Emperor's family visited the "Steps of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress in a new era" special exhibition:

- At the display of Empress Masako's yellow dress from the engagement press conference, Princess Aiko pressed Emperor Naruhito to repeat his proposal. He just smiled wryly. The Empress commented, "It's already been 30 years."
- Before the car used for the wedding parade, Emperor Naruhito said "It's nostalgic," while Empress Masako said, "It's a little embarrassing."

More photos: FNN, FNN2

https://twitter.com/x/status/1663541432664338432

 

[Prisma]

On June 3rd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began their 2-day visit to Iwate Prefecture for the 73rd National Tree Planting Festival. After arriving at Hanamaki Airport, they traveled to Rikuzentakata City to offer flowers at Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, visit Miracle Pine Tree & Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum, and meet survivors.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images, FNN, Asahi, Mainichi

Emperor Makes 1st Visit to 2011 Disaster Areas since Enthronement | Nippon.com

[...]

At a memorial facility at Takatamatsubara Memorial Park for Tsunami Disaster in Rikuzentakata, the Imperial couple offered flowers including white lilies to the disaster victims and bowed deeply.

At the park, the couple also viewed a monument of "kiseki no ipponmatsu," or the miracle lone pine tree, which survived the tsunami while all other pine trees along the coast were swept away. They listened to an explanation by Rikuzentakata Mayor Taku Sasaki about the tree.

 

[Prisma]

On June 4th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited reconstructed shopping district “Kyassen Ofunato” in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture in the morning and met locals.

In the afternoon, Their Majesties attended the 73rd National Tree Planting Festival ceremony and tree plantings in Rikuzentakata City. They planted a total of six types of saplings such as oaks, tabunoki and Japanese dogwood. The couple also sowed 4 types of seeds including the Empress's personal emblem hamanasu (Rosa rugosa).

Photos: Asahi, FNN, AP Images, Asahi2, Mainichi, Getty Images

Asahi3 (includes June 3 events)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1665250727202103297

 

[Prisma]

On June 8th, the Imperial Household Agency released 17 private photos of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko during their April 5-10 retreat at the Imperial Stock Farm (Goryo Bokujo) in Takanezawa, Tochigi Prefecture.

Harvesting bamboo, daikon radish, tomatoes; collecting eggs; at cow paddock, feeding calves; biking and visiting horses

Photos: Mainichi, TBS, NTV, Asahi

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on June 9.

A written statement was released along with photos/video of the Emperor's family harvesting cocoons on May 30 for this year's Imperial sericulture.

Photos: Asahi (mixed with retreat photos), FNN, Sankei1, Sankei2

Full statement: NHK, TBS, Imperial Household Agency

Japan Emperor, Empress Mark 30th Wedding Anniversary | Nippon.com

[...]

"We have deep emotion" about the anniversary, the Imperial couple said in a written message to media organizations.

The couple said, "We feel a sense of deep gratitude" as they have lived together so far while sharing joy and sorrow with each other.

[...]

They said that while they are relieved to see COVID-19 infections calm down, "we're concerned about the plight of people facing continued difficulties."

Emperor, Empress ‘Deeply Moved’ as They Mark 30 Years of Marriage - The Japan News

[...]

The couple also expressed their intention to continue to visit many places to meet and listen to various people. “We want to listen to the sometimes unspoken voice of the heart and to give our hearts to those who are in difficult situations,” they said in the statement. “Through these efforts, we hope we can continue to open our hearts to the new possibilities of the people of this country.”

Japan emperor, empress celebrate 30th wedding anniversary - Kyodo News

[...]

"We are deeply grateful for having been able to experience many things together and come this far by helping each other and sharing joys and sorrows while receiving support from many people," the couple said.

Their married life has seen the birth of their only daughter, Princess Aiko, now 21, and the 63-year-old emperor's May 2019 enthronement, launching a new imperial era. But it has also seen the 59-year-old empress struggle with long-term mental health issues.

[...]

Much of their five years as emperor and empress has coincided with the coronavirus pandemic, and they have sought to abide by their principle of standing by the people, reiterating it in their statement.

The two said they will continue believing it is important for the imperial family to "share the people's sorrows and joys."

The emperor and empress were married on June 9, 1993, after first meeting in 1986 at a reception in Tokyo for Spain's Princess Elena. They saw each other again in 1992, and the then-crown prince proposed to the empress, then known as Masako Owada, that year.

The Harvard- and Oxford-educated former diplomat has said that she was touched when he told her, "I will protect you with all my might for my entire life."

[...]

The Imperial Household Agency, which manages imperial family matters, revealed in 2004 that she was diagnosed with stress-induced "adjustment disorder."

The empress continues to struggle with it, with her doctors stating last December that although she is recovering, her condition fluctuates and she may need time to recharge after major or successive events.

Throughout their marriage, the emperor has been strongly protective of his wife. He made waves at a May 2004 press conference by stating, "It is true there were developments that were regarded as denying Masako's career (as a diplomat) as well as her personality."

[...]

Over the years, the empress has slowly increased her public appearances, visiting evacuation centers to meet people affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan's northeast, and going on her first official overseas trip in 11 years to the Netherlands in 2013.

When the emperor ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019, ushering in the Reiwa imperial era with the empress, concern grew further that she may be overexerting herself with new official duties as empress.

[...]

The coronavirus pandemic, which hit Japan at the beginning of 2020, shrank the number of events for the imperial family to attend in person, prompting the couple to join events online.

But with the pandemic tailing off, more official duties have been conducted in person recently. For the first time since the enthronement, the couple traveled to commemorate the victims of the March 2011 natural disaster with a visit to Iwate Prefecture in early June.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Indonesia June 17-23. Whether Empress Masako will attend events will be decided based on her physical condition. It will be her first goodwill visit since December 2002.

Schedule
6/17: depart Haneda Airport, arrive in Jakarta in the afternoon
6/18: Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit, Pluit pump station
6/19: welcome ceremony, meeting & luncheon with President & First Lady, meet Indonesian people with Japanese connections
6/20: Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, National Museum, Darma Persada University, vocational high school, meeting JICA members & Japanese residents
6/21-22: Yogyakarta - Sabo Engineering Office, dinner with governor, Borobudur Temple
6/23: depart from Jakarta, return to Japan in evening

Only Emperor Naruhito will visit Yogyakarta, June 21-22. Empress Masako will remain at a hotel in Jakarta.

Sources: Mainichi, Sankei

Japan emperor, empress to visit Indonesia for 7 days from June 17 - Kyodo News

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Indonesia for seven days from June 17, the Japanese government said Friday, marking their first official goodwill visit abroad since the emperor ascended the throne in 2019.

[...]

The planned visit, approved by the Cabinet, comes as Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations mark this year the 50th anniversary of friendly ties. Indonesia is the 2023 ASEAN chair.

[...]

Empress Masako, who has long battled a stress-induced illness, will determine whether to attend individual events depending on her condition, the agency said.

[...]

The plan also includes visits to a high-speed railway constructed with Japan's economic assistance and a university engaging in Japanese-language education, as well as a meeting with Japanese residents in Indonesia.

 

[Prisma]

Translation of 30th wedding anniversary statement included in Emperor and Empress Celebrate 30th Wedding Anniversary, Embracing 'New Possibilities' | JAPAN Forward

Their Majesties' activities on June 9 per Sankei
- Emperor Naruhito had office work
- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had audiences with a shrine organization regarding the state visit and chief attendants accompanying them to Indonesia
- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received greetings from IHA officials for their 30th wedding anniversary

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Ahead of Their Majesties' state visit to Indonesia from June 17, a prayer ceremony was held at Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture on June 12 at 10am.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668111850649837570

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On June 12th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 113th Japan Academy Prize ceremony at Japan Academy Kaikan in Taito, Tokyo.

Afterwards, they received explanations on the award winning research. There were 11 recipients this year, including Masahiro Hara, inventor of the QR code, who received the Imperial Prize.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1668139663951900672

 

[Prisma]

Japan Imperial Couple's visit to Indonesia has 2 significant aspects - The Mainichi

[...]

The first is that this is the Emperor's first visit to a foreign country for the purpose of international goodwill since his enthronement. In foreign countries, His Majesty is treated as Japan's head of state, and his comments and actions there carry much more weight than when he was crown prince. It is hoped that the visit will promote mutual understanding and deepen friendly relations between the two countries.

[...]

Another significant aspect of the visit is that Empress Masako will be accompanying His Majesty. [...] This will be her first long-term visit to a foreign country in 21 years, since December 2002, before her recuperation. This time, too, she will attend events while monitoring her physical condition, but it will be a major step forward.

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On June 14th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greeted the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial Palace before their June 17-23 state visit to Indonesia. They entered Akasaka Estate before 5pm and stayed about 40 minutes. The Emeritus couple visited Indonesia in 1962 and 1991.

Photos: Getty Images, NHK

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito held a press conference at the Imperial Palace today, June 15, ahead of the weeklong official visit to Indonesia:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Transcript of press conference (Japanese) : https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/kaiken/show/62

Asahi gallery of the couple's "many" foreign trips. Kinda awkward. Nice photos but highlights Masako didn't have many official visits as crown princess...

I'm confused again on what type of visit...

PM's statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs says "Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will pay a State Visit to the Republic of Indonesia..."

Japan Today uses "state trip" or "state visit"

Nippon uses "official visit" whereas NHK uses "goodwill trip/official visit"

Emperor Naruhito Voices Hope before Indonesia Trip | Nippon.com

Ahead of his official visit to Indonesia from Saturday, Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Thursday expressed hope for more exchanges between young people from his country and the Southeast Asian nation.

"I hope that exchanges between the young generations of our country and Indonesia will become more active, and that exchanges and friendship between the two countries will further deepen," the Emperor told a news conference at the Imperial Palace.

[...]

Japan's Emperor holds news conference ahead of goodwill trip to Indonesia | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...]

Asked at a news conference on Thursday about the bilateral relations in the past when Japan ruled over Indonesia, the Emperor noted that there were difficult times.

He said Japan has contributed to peace and prosperity of the international community with Indonesia and other Asian nations since the end of the war.

[...]

He added that he expected the Empress to accompany him throughout his travel in Indonesia, but later decided to visit some places alone. He said he made the decision after conducting a comprehensive review of planned events.

[...]

Japan's Emperor Talks about Forthcoming Trip to Indonesia - The Japan News

[...]

During the press conference, the Emperor reminisced fondly about meeting members of an Indonesian children’s delegation who came to Japan between 1989 and 1997, when he was Crown Prince. The children who visited him at the Crown Prince’s Palace in Tokyo have since grown up and established themselves in such posts as a member of parliament and an assistant professor of a university. “I’m looking forward to seeing them again,” the Emperor said.

The Emperor also touched upon World War II, likely because the former Imperial Japanese Army occupied Indonesia, which was then a Dutch territory. “There were difficult times,” the Emperor said. “It’s important that we never forget the people who died, that we deepen our understanding of the past and that we nurture a love for peace.”

The Emperor also spoke about his impressions of Indonesia, saying, “Islam is the county’s main religion, but people follow various other religions, too, imbuing the country with rich diversity.”

Indonesia has a thriving economy and the largest population among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries. “I believe the country will continue to play an important role in the international community,” the Emperor said.

[...]

“I hope [my wife] will take care of herself in the hot climate and enjoy the visit safely,” the Emperor said.

Press conferences held prior to overseas trips are usually attended by both the Emperor and the Empress, but the Empress opted not to attend on this occasion so as to concentrate on preparations for the trip.

 

[Prisma]

On June 16th, the IHA reported Empress Masako’s attending physician Dr. Yutaka Ohno, who was scheduled to attend the visit, will NOT accompany her this time.

Source: last sentence in this Jiji article which mostly repeats the visit agenda

I assume Masako has other doctor(s) going with her? Seems a late change. Dr. Ohno's specialty is clinical psychiatry and cognitive therapy.

ETA: FNN reports it was decided the doctor was not necessary due to agenda on site and Masako's health condition. Good news!

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is chief attendant. He is the president of the Japan Indonesia Association. Emperor Naruhito worshipped at palace sanctuaries on June 16. Representatives worshipped at Ise Jingu and mausoleums of Emperor Jimmu and Emperor Showa.

The same day, Emperor Naruhito entrusted Crown Prince Akishino to act as his temporary representative in state matters during the trip. The crown prince visited the Imperial residence around 4:30pm for the paperwork.

Photo: TBS

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On June 17th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed from Haneda Airport for Indonesia around 11:20am and were seen off by the Crown Prince Akishino couple, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko, and others.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, FNN, Getty Images, AFPBB, AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1669898598623092736

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1669921908421443584

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1669906359029239809

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhP672WBriE
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia around 4:20pm. They were welcomed by Indonesian cabinet ministers and ambassadors and went to their hotel in Jakarta, where they were greeted by children from a Japanese school.

TBS reports Empress Masako will rest on June 18

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Asahi2, AFPBB

https://twitter.com/jokowi/status/1670052224691761152
https://twitter.com/KoyaJibiNIKKEI/status/1670018167815704578
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https://twitter.com/naokohanda/status/1670012082396479490
https://twitter.com/tv_asahi_news/status/1670055002436669443
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nZQsa_rQ7w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Z1pIBbXzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6NXRYCU8Gs

 

[Prisma]

On June 18th, Emperor Naruhito visited Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit and Pluit pump station in Jakarta. Empress Masako refrained from attending to maintain her health for tomorrow's events.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images, AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1670341284610056197

https://twitter.com/x/status/1670391465841946624

Japan’s Emperor visits subway facility in Indonesia | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...]

Officials briefed the Emperor on the process. He asked about hardships encountered during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as measures taken to help women and people with disabilities.

He also entered a driver's cabin and asked a female driver what made her decide to do such work.

Indonesia's first subway began operating in 2019, supported by Japanese technological cooperation and a yen loan. The line extends about 16 kilometers, connecting the center of the capital with southern areas.

Construction is underway to extend the system to the north. The expansion is expected to help ease traffic congestion in Jakarta, where conditions are said to be among the world's worst.

[...]

Emperor Naruhito Inspects Water Facility in Jakarta | Nippon.com

[...]

The facility, which drains rainwater into the sea to prevent flood damage, underwent repair work through 2014, after losing its drainage function in 2009. Japan provided about 2 billion yen in grant aid for the repair work.

At the facility, the Emperor, whose lifework is research on water issues, was briefed by an official of the Japan International Cooperation Agency while asking questions such as, "What is the role of the water reservoir?" He praised the repair work as a "good project."

[...]

ETA: Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Bogor Palace on June 19th. They were welcomed by President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo. Events include welcome ceremony, guestbook signing, planting "Aquilaria malaccensis" tree saplings, press remarks, and tour of the palace botanical gardens. There will be a luncheon, meetings, and afternoon party.

Photos: Asahi, Getty Images, Mainichi, AFPBB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9Kf6MHONHU

 

[Prisma]

While Emperor Naruhito and President Joko Widodo had a meeting on June 19, First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo guided Empress Masako through traditional Indonesian cultural exhibits such as painting and batik dyeing technique. Her Majesty tried the batik process and wore the fabric. The ladies later had tea.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1670812219737772032

Ibu Iriana Invites Empress of Japan to See Hokokai Javanese Batik Paintings and Exhibition

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In the evening of June 19th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met descendants of Japanese soldiers who remained in Indonesia after World War II.

Photos: Sankei, FNN

Emperor, Empress Meet Descendants of Japanese Soldiers in Indonesia - The Japan News

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On June 20th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta, Indonesia. Their Majesties observed a moment of silence and offered flowers. They later visited the National Museum for about 2 hours.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1671023905765740544

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBC1MaIHH2Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuYxTvbcBk

 

[Ista]

It certainly is packed with events, and Masako seems to be doing very well. I love her smile when she was wearing the fabric, she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself.

 

[Prisma]

Me too! Very encouraging to see Masako successfully handle a busy schedule. I expect this state visit will be the template for future overseas visits. I was disappointed only the Crown Prince Akishino couple attended the send-off at the airport but that could be the IHA being overly cautious about infection or prioritizing faster departure instead of saying farewells to so many people.

Monday's botanical garden event was not originally planned but I hope the Indonesian side at least notified the Japanese side on Sunday or something. Seems risky to squeeze in an event, no matter how nice a gesture, especially when the IHA has repeatedly stated Masako's condition fluctuates and may remain fatigued after a series of events.

Japan’s Emperor, Empress Take Impromptu Golf Cart Ride with Indonesian President - The Japan News

[...]

The Emperor expressed his gratitude to the president, saying, “It was very interesting to ride in a cart like that for the first time,” according to the Imperial Household Agency. The Indonesian president reportedly said he’d never been so nervous, even though he had driven the cart for several distinguished guests in the past.

The cart ride and stroll through the botanical garden were not part of the original schedule for Monday. They were conducted at the suggestion of the president, who “likes to arrange surprise events and gifts,” according to a senior agency official.

[...]

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I believe the June 19 cultural viewing with First Lady First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo is Empress Masako's first truly solo event outside the Imperial Palace in years. She's done solo sericulture work at the palace cocoonery and even though Emperor Naruhito was nearby meeting to the President, Masako was with the First Lady for a while. Media have described Masako's attendance at the Japanese Red Cross annual meeting and Florence Nightingale convention as "solo" but other Imperial princesses attended those events.

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Later on June 20th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Darma Persada University and met around 10 students studying Japanese and people who studied in Japan. They also visited a vocational high school and in the evening, met Japanese residents including Haruka Nakagawa, former pop idol who transferred from 'AKB48' to Indonesia-based sister group 'JKT48'.

Masako's participation at the university and vocational high school was a late decision. It was originally planned for Emperor Naruhito to attend afternoon events alone.

More June 20 photos: Asahi, FNN, Mainichi, AFPBB, FNN2

https://twitter.com/x/status/1671271830538317824

https://twitter.com/x/status/1671170978637029376

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito visited Yogyakarta, Indonesia June 21-22. Empress Masako remained in Jakarta as planned. On the 21st, His Majesty visited Sabo Technical Center and attended a banquet hosted by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X at Yogyakarta Palace.

Entertainment included traditional dance and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet). The Sultan also showed the Emperor treasures of the Sultanate.

Photos: Mainichi, Mainchi2, Asahi, Getty Images

Japan Emperor Visits Indonesia's Yogyakarta | Nippon.com

[...] the Emperor inspected a sand erosion control office established in Yogyakarta with technical support from Japan.

The know-how accumulated at the office has been shared with neighboring countries, Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono told the Emperor.

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On June 22nd, Emperor Naruhito visited Borobudur Temple in central Java, Indonesia. He wore upanat sandals to protect the stones and a batik shirt.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Getty Images

Japan Emperor Visits Borobudur Temple | Nippon.com

[...] "I'm very pleased to visit (the temple) as I'm interested in history and have wanted to come," Emperor Naruhito told reporters after the visit. "I sincerely hope that such a wonderful temple will be preserved for many years to come."

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[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako completed their first state visit and departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta after 11am (local time) on June 23. They will return to Japan in the evening.

They also held a moment of silence at the hotel for Okinawa Memorial Day at noon JST.

Photos: AP Images, NHK, Sankei, TBS

Asahi photo gallery of Indonesia state visit

Government officials say Kalimantan (Indonesian portion of Borneo) was also considered for the state visit but abandoned due to lack of accommodation facilities.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to visit the UK in 2024 as the pandemic postponed the 2020 state visit.

Source: Jiji

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako returned to Japan on June 23 in the evening after completing their state visit to Indonesia. The government plane arrived at Haneda Airport around 8:30pm with Crown Prince Akishino couple and others greeting the couple’s return.

IHA released a statement regarding the state visit: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detail/120#541

Photos: Mainichi, AP Images, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1672237850782498816

https://twitter.com/x/status/1672240542229626881

Japan's Emperor, Empress return from visit to Indonesia | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...] They were met by Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino, the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, and other officials.

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The Emperor and Empress issued a written statement after wrapping up their visit.

It says they were able to deepen their understanding of Indonesia's history and diversified culture, and see the results of mutual friendship and cooperation nurtured over many years.

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They also expressed their gratitude to the people who helped arrange the trip, and concluded the statement by saying they hope their visit helps to promote more exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Sankei's recap of the visit mentions events are usually closely coordinated, but the Emperor's sudden press remarks with President Joko Widodo happened at the request of Indonesia. Sankei is impressed with the response to "unusual requests in a natural and flexible manner."

In addition, Sankei expects this successful diplomatic visit, after a 21 year hiatus, will give Empress Masako "confidence in her future activities."