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

[Prisma]

On June 28th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial Palace in Akasaka Estate around 5pm to report their return from the state visit to Indonesia. They stayed about 40 minutes.

Photo/video: Jiji, TBS, NHK

Emperor and Empress Grateful for Indonesia's Warm Welcome and Friendship | JAPAN Forward includes English translation of statement about state visit to Indonesia

Emperor, Empress Pin Hopes on Youth to Help Deepen Japan-Indonesia Ties - The Japan News

[...]

In a statement released Friday night, the Imperial couple said, “We hope the younger generation will play a big role in deepening mutual understanding, and in further developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”

[...]

While the trip focused on exchanges with local people, the couple also heard from Japanese descendants about the hardship experienced by Japanese soldiers who remained in Indonesia after World War II and fought in the country’s war of independence against the Netherlands.

“The Emperor and Empress feel they must ensure the history is passed down,” said Junichi Ihara, head of the Imperial Household Agency’s Board of the Ceremonies who accompanied the Imperial couple.

[...]

During the trip, the Emperor offered words of encouragement to Indonesians working on problems related to water management, a subject in which he is interested.

On Friday, Indonesian Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, who showed the Emperor around an erosion control facility on Java Island, expressed hope that the Emperor’s international activities in the field would continue.

“The Emperor’s determination to link his expertise to international goodwill activities was strongly felt,” the minister said. “With his deep knowledge, Japanese water management technology will spread to other countries around the world.”

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On July 3rd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 79th Japan Art Academy Award ceremony at Japan Art Academy Kaikan in Ueno, Tokyo. There were 9 recipients and after the ceremony, Their Majesties met 3 winners of the Imperial Prize.

Photos: AP Images, Kyodo, NHK, FNN

https://twitter.com/x/status/1675732781207547909

https://twitter.com/x/status/1675796203567546369

2023 winners: https://www.geijutuin.go.jp/info/202303000259.html

ETA: In the evening, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met 21 new members of the Japan Academy and 21 new members of the Japan Art Academy at the Imperial Palace. These are the 42 academy members for years 2019-2022. Before the pandemic, tea ceremonies were held for new members but this has been postponed.

Photos: AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On July 9th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony of the 22nd World Congress of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) at PACIFICO Yokohama convention center in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The convention is held every 3 years and 2nd time for Tokyo to host, after 42 years. Researchers and engineers from about 80 countries are scheduled to participate until the 14th. [TBS, NTV]

Photos: AP Images, Nikkansports

Japan Emperor, Empress Attend Int'l Conference in Yokohama | Nippon.com

[...]

Advances in automatic control "will play a critical role in enhancing sustainability of our society" through self-driving cars, drones, robots, energy management, medical technology and biotechnology, he added.

The Emperor, who studies water issues as his lifework, expressed hope that automatic control will continue to "contribute to the technologies for appropriate and efficient distribution of water resources around the world."

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On July 12th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met former members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) at the Imperial residence after 5pm for about 1 hour.

3 people were from the Senior Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and have worked in Malaysia, Serbia, and Paraguay to assist people with disabilities and provide educational support. 1 person was from the Japanese Community Senior Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. All participated in JOCV several times.

Sources/photo: NTV, TBS, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On August 15th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead, commemorating the 78th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images, AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691297944056836096

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691292045602897920

Japan remembers war dead 78 years after end of World War Two | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

... Emperor Naruhito said "Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated. Together with all our people, I now pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war, both on the battlefields and elsewhere, and pray for world peace and for the continuing developments of our country..."

Japan Renews Vow for Peace on 78th War Anniversary | Nippon.com

[...] The Emperor said that he sincerely hopes that people will work together with a unity of mind to continue to seek their happiness and world peace.

This year, he did not mention the COVID-19 pandemic, which had been referred to in his annual memorial ceremony speech since 2020.

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Hokkaido Prefecture September 16-17 for the 42nd National Sea Enrichment Convention. Emperor Naruhito may attend alone depending on the Empress's physical condition.

September 16: fly to Kushiro Airport on special plane, visit Kushiro wetland wildlife conservation center in Kushiro City, meet people involved in the fishing industry
September 17: opening ceremony and fish release at Akkeshi Town, visit oyster breeding facility

Sources: Jiji, Sankei

Japan Emperor, Empress to Visit Hokkaido in Sept. | Nippon.com

 

[Prisma]

On August 18th, Emperor Naruhito's family attended the 80th birthday concert of Japanese violist Nobuko Imai at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. The concert was about 2.5 hours and featured six pieces including a suite by a Bulgarian-born composer and Mozart's Symphony Concerto for Violin and Viola.

Emperor Naruhito has attended Imai's concerts since he was Crown Prince and most recently he attended her concert in June.

Photos/sources: AP Images, Getty Images, FNN, NHK, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

After a pandemic hiatus, the Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko traveled to Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture on August 21 to stay at Nasu Imperial Villa until early September. The family arrived at JR Nasushiobara Station around 3:30pm and greeted well wishers.

Emperor Naruhito will briefly return to Tokyo August 31-September 1 for the monthly ritual at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

The family arrived at the villa after 4pm, took a break and appeared for press around 6pm.

Sources/photos: Mainichi, NTV, TBS, FNN, AP Images, Getty Images, Shimotsuke.co.jp

Uncut video of meeting with press and arrival at Nasushiobara station.

 

[Prisma]

On September 5th, Emperor Naruhito's family returned to Tokyo in the afternoon after a ~2 week retreat at Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji

Emperor Naruhito briefly returned to Tokyo August 31-September 1 for the monthly ritual "Shun-sai" at the Imperial Palace.

Photo on 8/31: Jisin

The family were spotted visiting Nasu Animal Kingdom and Nasu Teddy Bear Museum during the ~2 week retreat. Nasu Animal Kingdom is ~10km from the Imperial Villa and the family visits nearly every time on their Nasu holiday, spending an entire day at the attraction for the animals, lunch and shows.

Princess Aiko had some fun, wearing a giant pink bow, at lunch at a Western-style building on Nasu Animal Kingdom's hill. The family seemed to be in high spirits, laughing and Emperor Naruhito taking some photos. Apparently, it is customary for the family and facility staff to spend lunchtime together, such as a "fun party" at lunch.

Photos: Jisin

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Princess Aiko had some fun, wearing a giant pink bow, at lunch at a Western-style building on Nasu Animal Kingdom's hill. The family seemed to be in high spirits, laughing and Emperor Naruhito taking some photos. Apparently, it is customary for the family and facility staff to spend lunchtime together, such as a "fun party" at lunch.

Photos: Jisin

The Animal Kingdom staff or the Imperial Villa staff? Either way, I didn't know that, but I'm glad imperial protocol doesn't prevent the family from socializing casually with employees.

 

[Prisma]

I believe Animal Kingdom staff

"那須どうぶつ王国を訪れた際には、天皇ご一家と施設関係者たちが一緒になって、ランチタイムにはお楽しみ会のように、和気あいあいと過ごされることが恒例となっていると聞いています。両陛下と愛子さまも、昔からこのひと時を満喫されていらっしゃるそうですよ"

Google translation:
“I have heard that when visiting the Nasu Animal Kingdom, it is customary for the Emperor’s family and facility staff to spend lunchtime together in a friendly atmosphere, like a fun party. It seems that Their Majesties and Princess Aiko have been enjoying this moment for a long time.”

Source: https://jisin.jp/koushitsu/2238685/2/

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ETA: Photo of Emperor Naruhito's family arriving at Tokyo station on September 5.

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ETA: Emperor Naruhito's family at Nasushiobara Station on September 5.

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began a visit to Hokkaido today, September 16:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Thanks! More photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Nikkansports

https://twitter.com/x/status/1702987243286417426

https://twitter.com/x/status/1702965713517056035

Japan Emperor, Empress Visit Hokkaido for Marine Convention | Nippon.com

[...]

They visited the Kushiro wetland wildlife conservation center on Saturday afternoon.

At the center, which protects and treats injured birds, Emperor Naruhito asked staff what is the most difficult thing about protecting birds.

Empress Masako said protected Steller's and white-tailed sea eagles at the facility, both endangered species, looked "very calm."

Meeting winners of calligraphy & painting contest and people involved in fishing industry

 

[Prisma]

On September 17th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 42nd National Sea Enrichment Convention and fish release in Akkeshi, Hokkaido Prefecture. They released juvenile Matsukawa flounder and Hokkai shrimp. The couple visited an oyster breeding facility between convention events.

Before the convention ceremony, they had lunch at a welfare center and met nursery children.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, AP Images, NTV

https://twitter.com/x/status/1703327040127238190

https://twitter.com/x/status/1703394743999467651

Emperor, Empress Attend Hokkaido Marine Convention - The Japan News

[...] Touching on the damage caused to the fisheries industry by a red tide that occurred off the Pacific coast of Hokkaido in September 2021, the Emperor said at a ceremony of the convention held at Akkeshi port that “I sincerely respect” the concerted efforts by people and organizations concerned to restore the damaged fishing grounds.

He added, “I would like to express my profound respect for the efforts by all of you who are working to create a rich sea, as well as my hope to see further development backed by support from a number of people.” [...]

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Kagoshima Prefecture October 7-8 for the National Sports Festival and Ishikawa Prefecture October 15-16 for the National Cultural Festival and National Art & Cultural Festival for Persons with Disabilities.

National Sports Festival agenda:
10/7: fly to Kagoshima, opening ceremony and related events in afternoon
10/8: ferry to Tarumizu City for fencing, tour sweet potato farm/company in Kanoya City

National Cultural Festivals agenda:
10/15: fly to Ishikawa, opening ceremony in Kanazawa City
10/16: exhibition, performances, Ishikawa Prefectural Library

If Empress Masako's health deteriorates, then Emperor Naruhito will attend events alone.

Sources: NTV, NHK

This year's National Sports Festival is a special event and unnumbered because Kagoshima's 2020 / 75th event was canceled due to the pandemic. Kagoshima worked with other prefectures hosting the next festivals to reschedule. Mie Prefecture's 2021 / 76th event was also canceled but Mie decided not to reschedule.

 

[Prisma]

On September 24th, Emperor Naruhito’s family privately participated in the "Forum on living with animals," sponsored by the Japan Clinical Veterinary Forum, at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo. The event included seminars on medical care and interaction with dogs and cats and a corner for meeting service dogs.

The family always has shown an interest in animal welfare, keeping rescue cats and dogs, and attended the forum in the past.

Photos/video: FNN, FNN2, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On September 26th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met returning members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) at the Imperial residence for about 75 minutes.

Eight volunteers worked in various fields such as education and medical care in Sri Lanka, Kenya, Peru, Palau, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ghana, etc.

Photos: FNN, TBS, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On September 29th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo to report completion of June's state visit to Indonesia at the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun. It's their first visit since December 2019.

Photos: AP Images, AP Images2, FNN

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko visited the Japanese Red Cross Society headquarters in Tokyo today, October 2, and viewed an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

more photos at FNN, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On October 7th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako flew to Kagoshima Prefecture from Haneda Airport before 10am for a 2-day visit. They attended the opening ceremony of the special National Sports Festival at Shiranami Stadium in the afternoon and met 7 officials and athletes involved in the festival. Around 7:30pm, about 2000 people with lanterns welcomed Their Majesties from nearby Terukuni Shrine. The couple waved back with their own lanterns from Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima.

The next day, the couple will take a ferry to Tarumizu City to see the fencing competition and tour a sweet potato farm/company in Kanoya City.

Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, FNN, Asahi (includes past/other Imperial family visits to Kagoshima)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710528114571538468

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710513174154543612

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710490316888039461

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710488652944691478

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710592211329634655

https://twitter.com/mainichiphoto/status/1710610559442571622

Emperor, Empress Attend Sports Festival Opening in Kagoshima | Nippon.com

[...]

As the sports festival in Kagoshima was postponed to this year from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emperor said at the ceremony, "I would like to express my deep respect for the efforts of many people who have made preparations for the sports festival despite various difficulties."

Ahead of this year's 70th anniversary of the return of Kagoshima's Amami Islands to Japan from U.S. rule, the Emperor expressed hope that the sports festival in this very significant year will be fruitful.

[...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtEQjM3HXa0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri6fIj4GWjs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE4_rorLiwE

 

[Prisma]

On October 8th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako took a ferry across Kagoshima Bay to Tarumizu City, where they attended the men's foil event of the fencing competition. In the afternoon, Their Majesties visited sweet potato company Minamihashi Shoji in Kanoya City. They learned about the company which mainly grows the Beniharuka variety and met employees.

Photos: AP Images, TBS, Asahi

Motorcade video:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710951852949573890

Japan Imperial Couple Visit Sweet Potato Company in Kagoshima | Nippon.com

[...]

Meeting with three Minamihashi Shoji employees aged 22-26 on Sunday, Emperor Naruhito asked them, "How is your work?"

Empress Masako asked them how long they have been working for the company.

According to the company's president, Ryusaku Yahata, 45, "yokan" using Beniharuka harvested last year was served as part of the day's lunch for the Imperial couple. Yokan is a traditional Japanese confection.

 

[Prisma]

On October 12th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko visited a horse that will be presented to Ise Jingu, at the Imperial Palace stables. The 8-year-old male riding horse named Motoisamu-go will be a "Shinme" or sacred horse.

Ise Jingu keeps 2 horses each at the inner shrine (Naikū) and outer shrine (Gekū). The Imperial family has gifted horses since the Nara period but the custom eventually stopped and was revived at the end of the Edo period.

Motoisamu-go was chosen for his gentle temperament and friendly nature. After training at the Imperial Stock Farm (Goryo Bokujo), he will go to Ise Jingu in January. He replaces a horse who was kept at Naiku and died in June at age 35.

Photos/video: Asahi, FNN, FNN2, TBS, NTV, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On October 15th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began a 2-day visit to Ishikawa Prefecture for the "Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023," which is the unified name for the 38th National Cultural Festival and the 23rd National Art & Cultural Festival for People with Disabilities.

Their departure from Haneda Airport was delayed for about 1.5 hours because the original aircraft had a system problem (Jiji reports sensor malfunction). Their Majesties were transferred to a spare aircraft and departed around 11:20am for Komatsu Airport.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had lunch at a hotel in Kanazawa City and then attended the cultural festivals' opening ceremony at Ishikawa Sports Center. This is their first trip together to Ishikawa since 1998. Then-Crown Prince Naruhito has made solo visits.

After the opening ceremony, Their Majesties watched a stage show introducing the history and traditional culture of Ishikawa Prefecture and met performers.

Photos: Mainichi, AP Images, AP Images2, FNN, FNN2, Asahi, TBS, Sankei

Asahi2 (includes past visits to Ishikawa)

Japan Emperor, Empress Visit Ishikawa Pref. | Nippon.com

[...]

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Emperor said many traditional crafts and performing arts and rich garden culture have been nurtured in the prefecture and are now alive.

"I hope the festival will expand the scope of cultural and artistic activities and lead to the creation of new culture," he said.

There was a stage featuring traditional performing arts from Ishikawa, and the Emperor and Empress interacted with the performers after the stage. The Emperor asked Nahoko Kurosaki, 61, a pianist who plays with only her left hand, "When did you start practicing?" The Empress said to Sokyu Nara, a 54-year-old tea ceremony master, who showed how to make tea, "Tea ceremony is a good thing, isn't it?"

 

[Prisma]

Emperor, Empress of Japan Fly to Kanazawa to Attend Festival to Foster Exchanges Transcending Generations, Regions and Disabilities - The Japan News

On October 16th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended events in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture for Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023.

- National Exhibition of Works by Persons with Disabilities and meet students with special needs at Japanese umbrella workshop at Ishikawa Prefectural Music Hall
- tour Ishikawa Prefectural Library which opened last July
- rehearsal of Kyōka Izumi's short story "Gekashitsu" by high school students and professional voice actors (which will be performed next month), meeting some performers

Approximately 20,000 people welcomed the Imperial couple along the roads during the 2-day visit.

Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, Jiji, TBS, Asahi (includes day 1)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1713859951741768163

 

[Prisma]

On October 23rd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended Kabuki performance "Imoseyama Onna Teikin Part 2," a special farewell performance at the National Theatre in Chiyoda, Tokyo before the 57-year-old theatre closes at the end of this month for reconstruction. The couple arrived after 11:30am and watched the 3-hour long performance.

Afterwards, Their Majesties spoke to actors Nakamura Shikan VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke V for 20 minutes. According to sources, Empress Masako is disappointed Princess Aiko was unable to attend due to university commitments. Aiko is interested in traditional performing arts and also studies Kabuki.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images, Jiji, TBS

https://twitter.com/x/status/1716378937809347067

Emperor and Empress Watch Kabuki Ahead of Tokyo National Theatre Reconstruction - The Japan News

The Emperor and Empress watched a kabuki performance of the second part of “Imoseyama Onna Teikin” (“Husband and Wife Mountains: An Exemplary Tale of Womanly Virtue”) on Monday in Tokyo at the National Theatre, which will close at the end of this month.

[...]

The current piece is set in the Asuka period (592-710), themed on the assassination of Soga no Iruka by Fujiwara no Kamatari.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On October 26th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended Kumakawa Tetsuya's K-Ballet Tokyo Autumn Tour 2023 of "The Sleeping Beauty" at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Taito, Tokyo. The production celebrates the 25th anniversary of K-Ballet Company.

Photos: AP Images

Japan’s Emperor, Empress Watch Tetsuya Kumakawa’s Version of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ Ballet at Tokyo Hall - The Japan News

... Star ballet dancer Tetsuya Kumakawa’s K-Ballet Tokyo presented the ballet in a new production that reinterprets Tchaikovsky’s classical masterpiece ...

 

[Prisma]

On October 29th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the autumn G1 race "168th Tenno Sho" at Tokyo Racecourse. 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the Horse Racing Act.

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

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718528034918342828

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718520166341083530

Before the race, the Imperial couple visited the Japan Racing Association (JRA) Racing Museum.

Photos:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718485078983233755

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718502674105348343

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718504415420940731

https://twitter.com/tiro77_masaki/status/1718496475272126733

Their Majesties petting miniature horses Lucky and Aoba
https://twitter.com/Eidan_Obrien/status/1718488580228833463

So far... I haven't seen any update on Masako's allergy to horses, which the IHA cited as the reason she used a car instead of horse-drawn carriage for enthronement rituals at Ise Jingu in 2019. Perhaps her allergy got better?

Japan Emperor, Empress Watch Their First Horse Race, Autumn Tenno Sho at Tokyo Racecourse - The Japan News

[...] "Tenno” is Japanese for “emperor” and the spring edition is held in Kyoto.

This was the first time for the Imperial couple to watch a horse race, and the first time in 11 years that an emperor has done so when the now Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Emerita did so.

The 2,000-meter race on turf was won by Equinox, the favorite in the race, in a course and race record time of 1 minute 55.2 seconds. Jockey Christophe Lemaire tipped his cap and bowed deeply to the applauding Imperial couple in the stands.

[...]

“That was an amazing race,” the Emperor said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKnMwOXOMxE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS7ZrkGjj68

 

[Prisma]

On November 6th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met 6 Order of Culture recipients and 18 Persons of Cultural Merit at the Imperial Palace's small dining room "Rensui." Their Majesties hosted winners for the first time in 4 years but the usual tea party was not held due to pandemic precautions.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Nikkansports, FNN, Jiji, Kyodo

 

[Prisma]

President of the Kyrgyz Republic and Mrs. Zhaparova to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

1. H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, and his spouse, Mrs. Zhaparova will pay an Official Visit to Japan from 17 November to 20 November.

2. During their stay in Japan, the President and Mrs. Zhaparova will make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will host a Court Luncheon in honor of the President and Mrs. Zhaparova. [...]

I wonder what the IHA has planned for the luncheon. It's the first event with food since the pandemic. Maybe limited to the Imperial and Presidential couples?