The Mikasa Family Thread

On July 21st, Princess Yōko attended the finals of the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 4 Fuji Race at the Fuji Speedway, in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Princess Yōko presented the award (Princess Yohko Cup) to winner Sho Tsuboi (29). For Tsuboi, this is the third win since Round 7 at Fuji in 2020.

Sources/photos: Nikkan Sports (with photos from event of 19th July), FNN

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Also on July 21st (I think?), Princess Yōko visited the box of the Nakajima Racing, a Super Formula and Super GT team organized and founded by Satoru Nakajima in 1983, at the Fuji Speedway, in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Photos: Nikkan Sports (with photos from event of 19th July)

More photos of Princess Yōko at the finals of the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 4 Fuji Race:

photos: car.watch.impress.co.jp

This event attracted a lot of attention to Princess Yōko. Many people have photographed her and said that she is very friendly.
Personally, I saw a change in Princess Yōko: it was from the end of 2022 that she began to move away from Akiko's shadow (not that Akiko overshadowed her, but Yōko had fewer events and less visibility). Now I see her much more committed and happy to do what she does. Today was the turning point: I don't know why but it's the first time I've seen her so happy and satisfied to do what she does. Today was exceptional: she shone with her own light. She exceeded all my expectations and I will always be rooting for her (a little personal thought).

On July 21st, Princess Akiko attended the Rugby Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024 Japan vs. Italy at Sapporo Dome Stadium, in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefwcture.

Princess Akiko is Honorary President of the Japan Rugby Football Union and greeted the Italian players before the rugby match. Italy defeated Japan 42 to 14.


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Princess Yōko attended a celebrating party after the final of the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 4 Fuji Race on July 21st.

Fujingaho newspaper has published an excerpt from Princess Akiko's book "Red and blue gown" with two photos of Akiko in the UK.

The main anecdotes about Akiko that are reported are:
- Princess Akiko and the Mikasa family's security guards had a close relationship, and Akiko thought of them as family members. In Japan, she could walk unescorted only inside Imperial estates and in schoolyards.
- As soon as she arrived in Oxford, Akiko had to say goodbye to the security guards and was left alone. At first, Akiko felt a lot of loneliness.
- Akiko settled in the UK early on, and loved being able to have the freedom to call a friend and meet up shortly after, or go to the cinema to see a movie after studying. In Japan she could not have done this.
- The Princess thought she would struggle to get used to living in Japan again.
- The Princess talked about her daily habits, such as the fact that she doesn't like to come home late at night, and when she has to choose clothes at the store she hurries. She often got lost in the countries she visited.

Source/photos: Fujingaho.jp

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More photos of Princess Yōko at the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 4 Fuji Race on July 21st:

Photos: jp.motorsport.com

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Princess Yōko was spotted outside in the summer of 2022 for walks accompanied by a guard from the Mikasa family.

The article (mainly about Princess Kako's work for the deaf) states that the Princess pays close attention to the care of her person and likes to walk.




佳子さま　全日本ろうあ連盟に就職から2年…ご出勤状況について宮内庁の“答え”は？ | 女性自身

On July 22nd, Princess Akiko gave a lecture titled "What the British Museum Taught Me" at Otaru Art Village in Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture. About 60 members of Tokyo's Kokka Seiwaka, an association interested in ancient art, attended. Not only drawing from her experience studying in the UK and ancient Japanese art, Princess Akiko also spoke about anime, otaku and other subcultures. She is an avid reader of the slice-of-life comedy manga "Saint Young Men" by Hikaru Nakamura, where Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha are roommates living in Tokyo.

Photos, preview: Asahi, hokkaido-np.co.jp (both are paid articles)

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Short video of Princess Akiko's interview with Bunshun about her crowdfunding initiative to support Noto artisans

More on Princess Yohko:

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Fuji Speedway Rd. 4 1st Princess Yohko Cup attendance figures:

Saturday: 18,100
Sunday: 31,100
In total: 49,200

That's 16,000 more people than last year, an increase of 48,2%. Among the fans were 10,100 children. It's the largest number of fans post-pandemic.

Click to expand...

Visiting Nakajima Racing pit: Facebook - drivewithpiaa

Final race start ceremony and trophy presentation on July 21: Instagram - velulu2, Facebook - shunsuke.yanagisawa

July 19-20 drivers' briefing and press conference:




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More on Princess Akiko at Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024 Japan vs Italy match on July 21: Facebook video


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On July 24th, Princess Akiko attended the 700th memorial service for Emperor Go-Uda at his mausoleum in Kyoto. The 91st emperor reigned from 1274 - 1287 and died on July 16, 1324.

On July 27th, Princess Akiko gave an interview to Mainichi about the republication of her book "Kyoto: looking for time capsules on the streets" (京都 ものがたりの道), an essay, which took place a few days ago, on July 11th.

The book, which informs the reader about Kyoto's attractions, history, places, events, monuments, and much more, as well as presenting a map of the city with directions (it can also act as a tour guide), has been reprinted because Princess Akiko wanted to add her vision of the city of Kyoto during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

During the interview, she said: "I feel like I was able to see Kyoto in a deeper, three-dimensional way by walking through the many streets. This city is like a time capsule: the ancient era, before the relocation of the capital Heian, the turbulent period at the end of the Edo era, and the Meiji and Taisho periods when modernization progressed...". This book can be considered a continuation of the Princess's book about Oxford.

This book immediately gained a lot of popularity since it was reprinted. Many people have already bought it. The cost is 1.430 yen ($9,33).

Info/photos: Mainichi (paid item), Sankei

This is the Amazon page of the book: amazon.co.jp

Princess Akiko loves of high school baseball and gave an interview to Asahi Shimbun about her thoughts on baseball players and Koshien. She toured Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary and hosts the National High School Baseball Championship ("Summer Koshien"). Princess Akiko practices pitching regularly and her ball's distance is steadily improving.

She has followed high school baseball on TV and newspapers since she was a child but what got her to start watching it in real time was a segment on a variety show called "Comedians Who Love High School Baseball."

Nowadays, Princess Akiko always records the digest program at night, watches the broadcast of the day in real time, watches the digest program, and watches the recording [of the game] again. Her friends don't contact her much during the game, knowing she won't respond.

She also watches Kyujien (broadcast on NHK BS) every week. "The innings with errors and the innings with the designated hitter (DH) were really good. There are talks about the DH system being introduced in the Central League, but personally I prefer baseball with nine players. There are also pitchers who are good at defense, like Masumi Kuwata (former Giants player), and it's exciting when such pitchers hit a home run."

Princess spoke more about the DH system, stadium's future, and expressed encouragement to players at this summer's Koshien.

Source, photos: Digital Asahi, vk.sportsbull.jp, Asahi (paid article)

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On July 30th, Princess Akiko visited the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji in Kyoto for the annual memorial service of his death.


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Princess Yohko at the final race start ceremony of the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round4 at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka on July 21:

Princess Yohko will privately visit the United States, mainly Los Angeles and Monterey, August 9-20 for a project promoting Japanese arts and culture. She will also attend car events Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Monterey Car Week.

"BACK WALL PROJECT" will introduce art and culture from Japan and other countries. Traditional Japanese crafts such as Wajima lacquerware and Kutani ware, which were damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, will be featured. Princess Yohko supports the project's philosophy and has been consulting and advising privately since the planning stage.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (August 18) is one of the world's leading automobile competitions and "Monterey Car Week" (August 9-18) is a classic car event.

Princess Yohko departs from Haneda Airport to Los Angeles on August 9 and arrives the same day, local time. She'll depart from San Francisco on August 19 and return to Narita Airport the next day.

Since this US visit is private, no Imperial Household Agency staff will accompany her and no interviews will be arranged.

Sources: Sankei, TBS, Jiji

Thank you very much Prisma for informing us of Princess Yōko's visit to the United States. It's so nice that she started traveling again after visiting Myanmar (also a private trip) in 2019!

I think we will see Princess Yōko at some events in America, but at the same time I imagine that her visit schedule (if it is published) will be released later. I think her visit will be similar to Akiko's visit to France, with almost daily events and maybe (why not, after all, she always represents Japan, even if not officially) a visit to the local mayor.

Too bad that even this visit is considered private. I think Princess Yōko would be able to complete an official visit in an exceptional way.

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Part of Princess Yōko's speech at the 1st Princess Yohko Cup All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 4 Fuji Race.

On August 1st, Princess Yohko attended the 48th "Water Day" commemorative event "Gathering to Think About Water" at Nikkei Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo. She met winners of the All-Japan Junior High School Water Essay Contest afterwards.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly 857, TBS

During her visit to the United States in the next days, Princess Yōko will attend a special Japanese art exhibition at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers - San Gabriel Flagship Store, in California, on August 11th.

She will also inaugurate the exhibition, which will open at 11 a.m. local time.

There will also be a Japanese food tasting during the event. The artists who created the works that will be exhibited during the event will be present.

Info/information poster: Facebook - Hing Wa Lee Jewelers Official page

More about Princess Yohko at the 48th "Water Day" commemorative event "Gathering to Think About Water" on August 1.

- In the Heisei era, Crown Prince Naruhito attended this event. Princess Aiko joined her parents at the 2016 gathering.
- Princess Yohko has attended in the Reiwa era. This is her 3rd appearance.
- Part of her humorous speech, "I have attended these water gatherings several times now, and when His Majesty spoke on my behalf, I asked if it would be alright if I were to speak, even though I am neither a researcher nor an expert on water. I was told that it would be alright, and so I am participating. However, Toshio Koike (Chairman of the Water Week Executive Committee) pressured me by saying that he expected me to give a good speech, so I am feeling very nervous," eliciting laughter from Chairman Koike and everyone else.
- She has deepened her understanding of water issues: "This year marks the 48th Water Day, but as the saying goes, persistence is power, so I hope that we will continue to aim for the 50th Water Day. We, young and old alike, must always think about the biggest things, such as the Noto earthquake and the heavy rain disaster in Yamagata. I hope that we can spend more time thinking about disasters on a daily basis, rather than worrying about them after they occur." Until now, Yohko-sama has pointed out the problem of "being indifferent." From now on, she appealed for the importance of preparing for disasters on a daily basis, even if only a little.
- Princess Yohko read all winning essays of the All-Japan Junior High School Water Essay Contest
- She eased the tension meeting the award winners, who were already nervous about accepting an award on stage and then faced speaking to an Imperial family member.
- "Were you nervous? Did you all have to do something like a rehearsal? I felt so sorry, thinking that you probably thought you had to greet me properly," Yohko said.
- Despite these circumstances, Princess Yohko expressed her hope that through receiving this award, junior high school students will have more opportunities to think about water as 'speakers.'"
- She also commented, "I am encouraged by everyone's study skills, and I will also study hard. If I am asked to attend this event in the future, I will do my best, so I would like to continue to work hard together with you all."

Source, photos: FNN

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In relation to her new book "Kyoto: Looking for Time Capsules on the Streets," Princess Akiko made a special contribution to Mainichi's magazine, writing an article titled, "Fire - Hiking the trails on Mt. Daimonji."

- Summer in Kyoto is tough. Even though she’s lived in Kyoto for 10+ years, she still thinks so. "… Kyoto is a basin surrounded by mountains on three sides, so the warm air stays at the bottom and there is not much wind, resulting in a muggy heat that clings to your body. I don't like the heat, so I always become sluggish in the summer, but strangely enough, I don't dislike summer in Kyoto."
- discusses housing before air conditioning: homes of nobles were generally built in Shinden-zukuri style with open ceilings, rooms separated by blinds or folding screens that can be moved to promote ventilation, ponds
- events to enjoy the summer such as Three Great Festivals of Kyoto: Kamigamo Shrine's Summer Purification Ceremony, Yasaka Shrine's Gion Festival, and Shimogamo Shrine's Mitarashi Festival
- end of summer’s Gozan no Okuribi bonfires
- "When I worked at Ginkakuji Temple, I used to climb Mt. Daimonji every year on the day of the Okuribi. It's an easy climb that takes about an hour, but the first time I did it, I was very anxious because I couldn't see the end. The road was paved up to the trailhead, but the mountain path suddenly started from there.”
- discusses her first climb for the bonfire, torches, view of Kyoto City, brightness of the sky, priest reciting the Heart Sutra, firefighters ensuring safety, etc.
- "… There is a passion for the event, a feeling of people, and a history that you can't understand unless you go to the site. I think it was a very hard event for the police, but I am truly grateful that they let me climb it every year without saying anything. Recently, I have often looked up at the bonfires from below. But I always think back to the brightness and heat of the fires I saw on top of the mountain. I have been experiencing the Obon festival since coming to Kyoto. With that hot fire in mind, I would like to quietly send off the spirits of my ancestors this year as well."

Source, photo: weekly-economist.mainichi.jp

Princess Yohko, along with drivers, signed the back of artwork "Untitled [Red Bull Racing]" for City Circuit Tokyo Bay Auction July 26-28.

Created at the Japanese Grand Prix 2024 by Shinsuke Ikeuchi using metal parts provided by Red Bull Racing, resin, and tin. The reverse is signed by Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Yohko of Mikasa.
Proceeds (minus operating expenses) will be donated to the Wings for Life World Run charity, aiming to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

Click to expand...

Photo: Facebook BINGOInternational

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On August 3rd, Princess Yohko privately attended 2024 SUPER GT Rd.4 at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture. She visited several teams to encourage them. Some drivers received stickers and stuck them on their helmets for extra energy.

Astemo Real Racing's Kakunoshin Ota was surprised the princess would be visiting pit. "I thought, 'Seriously?'" but also said that it was a very appreciated thing for the motorsports industry. "I'm grateful that she spoke to me so frankly, and having Princess Yohko here raises the status of motorsports itself and tightens things up on the field, so I think it's only a good thing."

Source: jp.motorsport.com

Princess Akiko visited Nara Prefecture August 8th-9th:

On August 9th, Princess Akiko attended the memorial service for Emperor Heizei (also known as Emperor Heijō) at the Yangmei mausoleum in Nara city on the occasion of the 1200th anniversary of his death. He served as the 51st Japanese emperor, who reigned from 806-809 and died on August 5th, 824.


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On August 9th, Princess Yōko departed from Haneda Airport in the early hours of the morning for a private visit to the United States. She departed on a private plane.

She will stay in Los Angeles and other places and participate in events to present the works of traditional artisans of Wajima lacquer and Kutani ceramics, affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. She will return to Japan on the 20th.

Source: Yomiuri

Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held a kids camp July 26-28 at Izumo Taisha Shrine and places in Shimane prefecture. 15 people (children and their guardians) participated in the 3-day camp.

Video, article: FNN


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Princess Akiko gave an interview to Toyo Keizai about her popular book "Red and Blue Gown" and experiences in the UK.

Preview, photos: toyokeizai.net

On August 10th, Princess Yōko visited the Hing Wa Lee Jewelers - San Gabriel Flagship Store, in California, United States, for a pre-opening exhibition. She also answered the questions of the journalists present. The Princess was with the CEO of Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, David Lee.

The opening ceremony will take place on August 11th at 11 a.m. local time and Princess Yōko will be present.

Photos/videos:

On August 11th (probably?), Princess Yōko was for the second time at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers - San Gabriel Flagship Store, in California, United States, to attend the opening ceremony of a Japanese cultural exhibition.

She met David Lee, Chairman of Hing Wa Lee Group. He wrote in an Instagram post that Princess Yōko will attend his party at Casa Lee this Saturday. Since he uploaded photos of Princess Yōko at 10th and 11th August events, we will probably find photos of Yōko at the party. She also met Roddy Chong, a violinist of the "Kevin Costner & Modern West" rock band.

Although I wasn't sure at first, this is clearly another day as on August 10th the patterns on the Princess's shirt were different.

Photos: Instagram 1, Instagram 2

Hmm, Instagram 1 begins with

I am honored to have Her Imperial Highness Princess Yōko of Mikasa as an ambassador of @monzadesigncompany eyewear.

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I have mixed feelings about her becoming an eyewear ambassador... royals are unofficial ambassadors for anything they wear or use but to make it official? I can't recall any Imperial family member as a brand ambassador. Is there precedent?

Maybe it's ok for Princess Yohko because she's further from the main line or the role supports Back Wall Project / her foundation. I can't imagine Princesses Aiko or Kako becoming brand ambassadors.

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Princess Yohko established a foundation

... A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Princess Yohko Foundation’s efforts in rebuilding the Ishikawa region, which was devastated by the New Year’s Day earthquake. The region has been a hub for traditional crafts in Japan for generations, much of this was destroyed in the disaster. We have brought artists personally affected by this to Monterey to showcase the traditional art in the US....

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Source: Instagram Bingo International

Back Wall Project (@backwallproject) shared products for the August 14-18 events in Pebble Beach and Monterey to support the Princess Yohko Foundation

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Princess Yohko attended the 58th All Japan Kendo Dojo Junior Tournament at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo from July 30-31.

Blurry/distant photos: tessinkan.grupo.jp blog post
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...Yeah. Publicly becoming a commercial brand ambassador does feel like a tremendous departure from the standard operating principles of the imperial family's societal role and ideals (neutral, unselfish, modest, public-service oriented) and from the traditional, noncommercial jobs typical for royals (and even ex-princesses).

Frankly, it seems like a bad idea, and a terrible idea if it expands further into more commercial activities. I hope she reconsiders and that other royals do not follow her lead. If she wishes more freedom to take advantage of business opportunities, she is welcome (according to the Imperial House Law) to resign her membership of the imperial family and become Ms. Yohko Mikasa anytime she likes.

What is the reaction from the public? I can't imagine the Crown Princess for instance taking on a commercial branding role without being raked over the coals for it by some (with reason).

Hopefully, Princess Yohko's time as a brand ambassador is short but who knows what's in the agreement?

I still look forward to learning more about Back Wall Project and her foundation, wishing both to be successful ventures. It's interesting (or curious?) the Imperial Household Agency appears to be unaware or do not care about Princess Yohko's Back Wall Project, her foundation or Princess Akiko's crowdfunding for Noto artisans. Akiko said in an interview, she didn't ask the IHA before working on her crowdfunding initiative. The agency normally has a controlling reputation.

So far, I haven't seen anything from the Japanese public about Princess Yohko's activities in the US. No coverage from major media and I guess Japanese royal followers haven't found the Instagram or Facebook posts yet. I've been busy but will share more of Yohko's activities on my Twitter account tomorrow or Monday. I have some Japanese followers so we'll see if there's any reaction.

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More about Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha July 26-28 "Izumo Kids Camp" in Shimane Prefecture. This year, Shinyusha also happily welcomed university and high school students, who participated in the camp as elementary students, and wanted to help.

Day 1 photos: Facebook

• opening ceremony at visit Izumo Taisha Shrine office
• welcome speech by Chief Priest Senge Takasuke
• explanation of itinerary and precautions for camp
• worship at shrine and gratitude for camp after a pandemic hiatus. children were already curious about worshipping at top of tower gate, which is normally inaccessible
• tour of main hall, national treasure
• Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum where the group toured Izumo House and Izumo style garden and experienced a tea ceremony
• lecture on purification prayer and the great purification prayer at Taisha Kokugakukan inside Izumo Taisha Shrine
• all participants wrote their own purification prayer
• return to lodging for dinner
• return to Izumo Taisha Shrine for nighttime worship

Day 2 photos: Facebook

• arrive at Izumo Taisha Shrine
• Scouts of the Taisha 1st troop joined the camp and after praying together, everyone headed to Miho Shrine in a bus
• Chief Priest of Mankyusen Shrine explained mythology during the bus ride
• tour Miho Shrine
• visit Miho lighthouse
• Kukedo sightseeing boat which took them through a large cavern called Shinkukedo, where Sarutahiko no Mikoto was born according to a myth
• arrive at Mankyusen Shrine for 3rd of 4th mythology online session
• children online and in-person did a reading aloud at the end of session
• Day 2 ended with a barbecue

Princess Akiko and Shinyusha's Izumo Kids Camp - Day 3 photos: Facebook

• visit main shrine of Izumo Taisha
• everyone recited purification prayers they wrote on Day 1
• visit Ancient Izumo History Museum for talk about Yayoi culture of Izumo and exhibits
• free time
• make magatama at Rekihaku summer festival and stroll along Shinmon Street
• lunch
• closing ceremony
• closing speech from Senge Takamasa, Chief Priest of Izumo Taisha
• commemorative group photo in front of accommodation before everyone went home

On August 17th, Princess Yōko attended the Monterey Car Week 2024 and the party that followed at Casa Lee, in Monterey, California.

The Monterey Car Week is an annual car show, which takes place in one of the weeks of August.

Princess Yōko was also able to see a world premiere of a new watch from the Monza Design Company.

Sources/photos: Instagram, Facebook

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Honestly - in my personal opinion - I think there is nothing wrong with the fact that Princess Yōko has become an ambassador of Monza Design Company. It seems to me a good way to expand her activities (although I don't know exactly what she will do in the future with Monza Design Company and with the Back Wall Project).

I would have expected at least one publication from a Japanese newspaper regarding the establishment of the Princess Yohko Foundation: it seems to me a noble initiative on the part of the Princess and a good way to help the Noto Peninsula after the earthquake.

Perhaps she did not ask the Imperial Household Agency and perhaps she did not even feel compelled to do so. Maybe she doesn't care or who knows, maybe she asked for it instead. Maybe she didn't ask because she knew the Agency would say no? Perhaps - rightly - she wants more freedom for the activities she carries out.

In any case, she is now almost 41 years old, and I think she knows what she does, what she can and what she cannot do. I don't mind the fact that she became a Brand Ambassador, if it's something that makes her happy, she has to do it, whether the Agency likes it or not, because maybe Yōko doesn't care about doing what the Agency approves and only that.

I wish Yōko the best in whatever she chooses to do.

Tatiana Maria said:

...Yeah. Publicly becoming a commercial brand ambassador does feel like a tremendous departure from the standard operating principles of the imperial family's societal role and ideals (neutral, unselfish, modest, public-service oriented) and from the traditional, noncommercial jobs typical for royals (and even ex-princesses).

Frankly, it seems like a bad idea, and a terrible idea if it expands further into more commercial activities. I hope she reconsiders and that other royals do not follow her lead. If she wishes more freedom to take advantage of business opportunities, she is welcome (according to the Imperial House Law) to resign her membership of the imperial family and become Ms. Yohko Mikasa anytime she likes.

What is the reaction from the public? I can't imagine the Crown Princess for instance taking on a commercial branding role without being raked over the coals for it by some (with reason).

Click to expand...

I agree that this is a very strange step. While it seems there are still quite some expectations for former members of the imperial family (without much benefits it seems) - at least that is an official way to distance herself from the family if she prefers to take on commercial roles.

More from Princess Yōko' stay in California during her private visit:

* on August 10th at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers - San Gabriel Flagship Store (Instagram photo)
* on August 17th at Casa Lee after the Monterey Car Week 2024 (Instagram video)

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The official Instagram account of Back Wall Project and others published some objects created on the occasion of the party at Casa Lee with Princess Yōko and David Lee as Anime characters on the cover:

* Small diaries and t-shirts (Instagram photos and video)
* Post about Back Wall Project (Instagram photo)

Another graphic with Princess Yohko: Instagram

I like the star details. It's her personal emblem.

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Traditional Japanese musician Kenshi Maeda with Princess Yohko at the party in Monterey: Facebook Kenshi Maeda

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Artist reoasagiri (related to Back Wall Project?) painted Princess Yohko and was able to give it to her recently. Yohko was very happy.

Princess Yohko looking at the new Monza Design Company timepiece: Facebook Hing Wa Lee Jewelers

Princess Yohko and her Back Wall Project collaborators have raised over $200,000 to help Wajima earthquake victims.

Source: Facebook Mia Temple

Princess Yuriko (age 101) was in the intensive care unit at St. Luke’s International Hospital for pneumonia after developing a fever on August 16. She has recovered and is expected to return to the general ward soon.

The oldest Imperial family member has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the hospital since March following a mild cerebral infraction and aspiration pneumonia. Princess Yuriko is no longer taking food or liquids by mouth, but is nodding when spoken to.

Sources: Sankei, NTV, Asahi

On August 8th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held a "flower offerings" workshop at Arisugawa Memorial Hall of Kokugakuin University in Shibuya, Tokyo. The workshop resumed after a pandemic hiatus. Princess Akiko gave a speech and Sarasa Yoshioka, master dyer and 6th generation head of Somenotsukasa Yoshioka, gave a lecture on the washi paper creations.

These offerings are dedicated at the Iwashimizu Festival at Kyoto's Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine on September 15 and take the place of 12 types of fresh flowers: daffodils, camellias, nandinas, chrysanthemums, plums, bamboo, pine, peonies, tangerines, cherry blossoms, irises, and maples. Paper is dyed with materials from natural plants. Students made camellia and bamboo offerings for the festival.

Photos: Facebook Shinyusha

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Video of Tokyo Flower Carpet 2024 with Princess Nobuko on May 25

Sad news. Akifumi Kikuchi, eldest son of former Princess Masako of Mikasa and Sōshitsu Sen XVI of Urasenke tea ceremony, passed away suddenly on August 20 at age 39 due to acute respiratory failure caused by pneumonia.

I wrote a longer post in the general Imperial family thread here

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Princess Akiko appeared on Japanese actress Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's TV show "Tetsuko's Room" which will broadcast on September 16 at 1pm. The conversation with Ms. Kuroyanagi was full of hilarious stories about the everyday life of a princess, but it also gave a glimpse of her wonderful personality, and there were even some moments that brought people to tears.