Crown Prince & Crown Princess Akishino Current Events Part 1: May 2019 - October 2024

[Adda]

The Crown Princess intends to attend the Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) ceremony on January 11th at the Imperial Palace.

Sources: Mainichi, Sankei, Yomiuri

Personally I don't understand the point of such a choice: the Princess is ill, and therefore participates? She shouldn't be resting as recommended? Would the Princess prefer to risk feeling ill at the event?

It seems like it! If she can't eat, she shouldn't attend any event.

Wishing her a full recovery, the reports are concerning. It's always distressing when the cause can't be found.

 

[Somebody]

So, to summarise, if I understand it correctly, they still have no clue what the problem is but somehow do know that it will take about two months to recover. In order for her to recover she has to rest, that's why she is attending an official court ceremony tomorrow?!

 

[Ista]

The reasoning of the Imperial household is ever opaque, but the current Empress as Crown Princess had been the target of quite a bit of criticism for her non attendance of events due to her "adjustment disorder." Some of the criticism came from supporters of the current Crown Prince. Perhaps this showing up no matter what is related to that, or perhaps we will find out more information in the future that makes it clearer.

 

[Happiness Always]

Personally I don't understand the point of such a choice: the Princess is ill, and therefore participates? She shouldn't be resting as recommended? Would the Princess prefer to risk feeling ill at the event?

I think Princess Kiko/IHA is showing her/its Japaneseness. Whether royal or commoner, one must show one is willing to do more than one can do.

 

[Prisma]

Crown Princess Kiko would not be the first or the last person to continue working while sick. From my understanding, she can still eat but not as normal for her. She's probably eating less or taking longer to finish meals. If she can't eat at all, she'd be hospitalized or require stronger intervention than simply "consulting with doctors before deciding to attend events."

I agree with Ista. Kiko is well aware of the heavy criticism Masako experienced as crown princess and lighter speculation nowadays. Initial response to Masako's adjustment disorder was mostly supportive but prolonged absence and IHA's poor PR fed negative press. There's also plenty of criticism about the Akishino family already (Mako's marriage, residence renovation cost, Kako living separately, Hisahito's essay) and Kiko may be pushing herself to not give the press another reason to complain.

Gastric Endoscopy Finds No Abnormality in Japanese Crown Princess | Nippon.com

A gastric endoscopy has detected no abnormality in Japanese Crown Princess Kiko, the Imperial Household Agency said.

The Crown Princess, 57, underwent the endoscopic examination at a hospital in Tokyo on Wednesday, as she has not been feeling well since late last month and it is difficult for her to eat normal meals, the agency said the same day.

[...]

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended an event promoting traffic safety in Tokyo today, January 17:


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[Prisma]

more photos and video of the Akishino couple at the 64th National Traffic Safety Campaign's Central Conference on January 17. A moment of silence was held for Noto Peninsula earthquake victims and Crown Prince Akishino expressed condolences in his speech.

Photos: FNN, AP Images

On January 18th, Crown Princess Kiko visited Tokigawa, Saitama to inspect activities of the prefecture's branch of Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-kai, where she serves as President. She joined childcare and elderly health events.

Photos: FNN, Sankei Imperial Weekly 829

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino attended a study session hosted by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Fukuoka today, January 23:


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[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino participated in a meeting of a social welfare organization in Kumamoto on January 28:


** Pic ** gettyimages gallery **

 

[iceflower]

Crown Princess Kiko attended an award ceremony for book review contest winners in Tokyo today, February 2:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 **

 

[Prisma]

On February 4th, Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito attended the National School・Garden Biotope Competition 2023 Presentation at Tokyo National Museum in Taito, Tokyo.

Photos: Asahi, FNN, Nikkansports

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More content of recent events: Crown Prince Akishino at Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums meeting on January 23.

Crown Prince Akishino attended the "Saiseikai" general meeting on January 28

Crown Princess Kiko at 69th National Youth Book Review Contest award ceremony and party on February 2. The Prime Minister's award winner was a 5th grade student from Suzu City, which was severely damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

More photos: FNN, Nikkansports

 

[iceflower]

Today, February 7, Crown Princess Kiko attended an event on tuberculosis prevention in Tokyo:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 **

 

[Somebody]

Hopefully she is feeling better as the 'taking rest' continues to be ignored.

 

[Prisma]

On February 14th, Crown Prince Akishino visited Saiseikai Kanazawa Hospital in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. He met 17 people for about an hour, including patients and staff from earthquake-stricken areas. The hospital accepted a total of 78 inpatients and approximately 550 outpatients from Wajima and Suzu cities. As of the 14th, 35 victims remain hospitalized.

He was briefed on the impact for hospitals, nursing shortages and concerns of burn out. The Crown Prince is the first Imperial family member to visit the area since the New Year's day earthquake. He limited the visit to a day trip, offering sympathies and encouragement.

Photos/info: FNN, Asahi, TBS

Crown Prince Akishino Visits Kanazawa Hospital; Encourages Victims of Noto Earthquake, Medical Workers - The Japan News

[...] he spoke with a woman hospitalized with broken bones when a house collapsed because of the temblor that hit on Jan. 1. Holding the woman’s hand, Crown Prince Akishino said to her, “I’m sorry you had a difficult time.”

Doctors and nurses from affected areas and across the country have been going to the hospital to support operations.

According to the hospital, Crown Prince Akishino, who is the Patron of the Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation Inc., said to the medical staff, “Please take care of your health and work hard for the victims.”

 

[iceflower]

Crown Princess Kiko viewed an exhibition of calligraphy by 100 women in Tokyo today, February 16:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 **

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended an award ceremony for "promising researchers in their 20s to 30s" in Tokyo today, February 28:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 **

 

[Prisma]

14th Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Ikushi Prize ceremony and tea party on February 28.

More photos: FNN

JSPS Ikushi Prize | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Official Website of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

www.jsps.go.jp

In 2009, JSPS received an endowment from His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus Akihito on the 20th year of his reign. Amidst a severe economic environment in Japanese society, His Majesty’s desire was to encourage and support young scientists who are working diligently to advance their studies and research.

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended an award ceremony "to commend doctors for their contribution to regional medicine" today, March 1:


** Pic **

 

[iceflower]

Today, March 7, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended an award ceremony for winners of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award and the Japan Academy Medal in Tokyo:


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And they welcomed Brunei's Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah at Tokyo's Haneda airport:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

more content of March 7 events.

JSPS and Japan Academy Encouragement awards and reception: FNN, AP Images

Crown Princess Kiko wore a kimono made of Kaga Yuzen, a silk dyeing technique from Ishikawa Prefecture which suffered damage in the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

Brunei's Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah also brought their children for the official visit to Japan. According to Japan's Foreign Ministry, it is customary to hold a welcome ceremony at the airport when a crown prince visits as an official guest. TBS reports this is the Akishino couple's first time at an airport welcome and first in the Reiwa era. The last time a welcome event was held at the airport was about 10 years ago.

Photos: FNN, Sankei, AP Images

 

[iceflower]

Today, March 10, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended a memorial service on the 79th anniversary of the massive U.S. air raid during World War II:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 **

 

[zarat]

Crown Princess Kiko would not be the first or the last person to continue working while sick. From my understanding, she can still eat but not as normal for her. She's probably eating less or taking longer to finish meals. If she can't eat at all, she'd be hospitalized or require stronger intervention than simply "consulting with doctors before deciding to attend events."

I agree with Ista. Kiko is well aware of the heavy criticism Masako experienced as crown princess and lighter speculation nowadays. Initial response to Masako's adjustment disorder was mostly supportive but prolonged absence and IHA's poor PR fed negative press. There's also plenty of criticism about the Akishino family already (Mako's marriage, residence renovation cost, Kako living separately, Hisahito's essay) and Kiko may be pushing herself to not give the press another reason to complain.

Gastric Endoscopy Finds No Abnormality in Japanese Crown Princess | Nippon.com

Sorry- why prince Hisahito's essay and Kako living separately brought some criticism?

 

[Prisma]

Sorry- why prince Hisahito's essay and Kako living separately brought some criticism?

Prince Hisahito was accused of plagiarism in 2022 for his essay which won 2nd place in a 2021 literature contest, see post 24 and Prince Hisahito accused of plagiarism in praised essay | The Asahi Shimbun

• Some people think Hisahito should have returned the award or the contest organizers should have stripped Hisahito of the award.
• The contest rules say no edits after submission but Hisahito resubmitted with updated references, which I guess don't count as edits? There was criticism about rules not applying to the prince.

Some people are upset Princess Kako doesn't live in the renovated Akishino residence. That Kako (and her family) wasted taxpayer money so she can live alone in the temporary residence (now called annex or branch office). "Why should Akishino family get 2 homes?" Lots of criticism despite repeated explanations from IHA and Akishino couple:

• No rooms were planned for Mako or Kako in the Akishino residence as a cost saving measure. The family all agreed that the sisters would remain at the annex after renovations.
• Kako does not have the annex all to herself. The annex also serves as office space for the family's staff.

The IHA and Akishino couple took a long time to explain the living situation, leading to much speculation from weekly magazines and suspicion.

 

[Prisma]

Crown Princess Kiko attended the 75th National Tuberculosis Prevention Conference, sponsored by the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, at the Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo from March 14 to 15.

Photos: AP Images, FNN

第75回結核予防全国大会総裁おことば | 結核予防会通信 | 結核予防会

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On March 18th, Crown Princess Kiko visited Japanese Red Cross Society's blood donation and prosthetic manufacturing facilities in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On March 19th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala of Tonga at the Akishino residence for over 30 minutes.

Photos: FNN

 

[iceflower]

Today, April 4, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended an award ceremony related to global environmental preservation in Tokyo:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 **

 

[iceflower]

Crown Princess Kiko attended a symposium on court dresses of the Meiji Era in Tokyo on April 6:


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And Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito visited an insect research facility at Tamagawa University's College of Agriculture in Machida, Tokyo, that same day:


** Pic ** gettyimages gallery **

 

[iceflower]

Crown Princess Kiko viwed an "ikebana" flower art exhibition at a department store in Tokyo today, April 10:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 **

 

[Prisma]

On April 12th, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 56th Aiiku Group Members National Convention at Meiji Kinenkan in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos/article: Asahi

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino visited an earthquake-hit farm in the Ishikawa Prefecture town of Anamizu on April 18:


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