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


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Crown Prince Akishino celebrates his 55th birthday on November 30

Photos and video were taken on November 14 at Akasaka Imperial property. Press conference was held on November 20 at Akasaka East residence. His daughter Princess Mako's marriage limbo dominates the news rather than his activities the past year and his official confirmation as Koshi "Crown Prince"...

Japanese transcript of press conference

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi

Japan crown prince accepts daughter's long-delayed marriage - Nikkei Asia
...Asked about the coronavirus pandemic, the crown prince noted its wide-ranging effects on health care, the economy and education. "I'm concerned about the many people in various industries and occupations who are going through trying times," he said, and gave special acknowledgment to medical workers.

Under these circumstances, the Imperial family's role is to "show as much understanding and sympathy as possible to people involved in difficult situations, and to the people who support them," the crown prince said.

Since the outbreak began, Akishino and his family have actively made use of the internet in their official duties. The crown prince himself has done so more than 50 times, to hear from experts and communicate with people involved in events the virus kept him from attending in person.

"It's quite convenient to be able to communicate while seeing each other's faces," he said.
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On December 1st, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako were briefed on the current coronavirus situation by Dr. Norio Ohmagari (Director, Disease Control and Prevention Center of National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), Japan) at Akasaka East residence. This is the 3rd time Dr. Ohmagari has briefed the Akishino couple on COVID-19.

Later, Crown Princess Kiko had an online meeting with Hokkaido Red Cross Blood Center in Sapporo. She spoke to staff and student volunteers about the pandemic’s impact on blood donation and activities to tackle the decrease in donations.

Photos of Crown Princess Kiko's meeting: Asahi, Sankei
 
On January 20th, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, and Princess Kako had an online meeting with Professor Takao Komine of Taisho University Regional Planning Institute about coronavirus' impact on the Japanese economy.

Source: Sankei

On January 25th, Crown Prince Akishino had online visits with 3 hospitals, which accept Covid patients, in Saitama, Osaka, and Fukuoka run by Saiseikai Foundation. He is patron of Saiseikai and encouraged the hospital staff. The prince received information about Covid response, issues, and resources.

Photos: Asahi

Crown Prince Akishino inspects hospitals online | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
... The crown prince chairs the Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, a medical and welfare organization.

The online inspection on Monday linked the crown prince's residence and hospitals affiliated with the organization.

The crown prince was first briefed by Saiseikai's chief director about the current status of coronavirus treatments at affiliated medical institutions.

[...]

When heads of the hospitals explained that the burden on doctors and nurses is increasing, the crown prince asked whether there are any problems for their sustained handling of the situation.

The crown prince also asked medical staff to take care of their health and offered words of appreciation...
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On March 2nd, Crown Princess Kiko attended the online 72nd National Tuberculosis Prevention Convention and recorded a video message. She is president of Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association.

Photos: Asahi
 
Crown Princess Kiko's message for World Tuberculosis Day on March 24:

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people around the world who have been contributing to the fight against COVID-19. As we continue to respond to this pandemic, tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death and human suffering in many countries and areas. Let us work together and support people who need help in achieving our shared goal of eliminating TB as well as ending the COVID-19 pandemic for us, our children, and future generations."

She is Honorary Member of The Union (International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease) and Patroness of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association

Message from Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Akishino of Japan, Honorary Member of The Union | The Union

https://twitter.com/x/status/1374657507554160642
 
On April 19th, the Imperial Household Agency reported a man in his 60s, a part-time employee supporting the Akishino family, is infected with COVID-19 and receiving treatment at a hospital in Tokyo.

He was last working at Akasaka East residence on April 8 and was present when Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako were briefed by the Reconstruction Agency's administrative vice minister. The risk of infection is low as everyone wore masks and social distanced. It appears the man was infected by his wife. She tested positive on April 14 and he tested positive on the 16th.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji

Wishing him and his wife a speedy recovery.
 
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On April 19th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko were briefed by the President of the National Center for Child Health and Development on the current situation and issues of pediatric medicine and health at Akasaka East Residence.

On April 20th, Crown Princess Kiko was briefed about the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-kai's annual business plan and pandemic support. She was grateful for the organization's activities and concerned about the staff's physical condition. Princess Kiko succeeded Princess Yuriko as president of Boshi-Aiiku-kai in October 2010.

Source: Imperial Sankei Weekly 689

On April 23rd, the Akishino family visited the Imperial Palace after 5pm to view, what is believed to be the oldest stone walls (about 400 years old), of Edo Castle found during an excavation ahead of the planned rebuilding of the Imperial repository in the East Gardens.
Emperor Naruhito's family visited the stone wall last week when visiting the Imperial Palace to inspect the Imperial residence's renovations.
 
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On May 17th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko had an online meeting with members of the Regional Development Cooperation Corps in Miyagi and Kochi Prefectures. The initiative recruits people to move from urban to rural areas, working with locals on revitalization. They learned about tourism development in Kesennuma City, Miyagi and revitalization of a shopping district in Shimanto Town, Kochi.

Photos: Sankei, Kyodo, Asahi
On May 27th, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 2nd Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook Webinar and delivered the opening message.

Photo: boshiaiikukai.jp
English message: https://conference.mchhandbook.com/webinar-downloads/


Back on December 16, 2020, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met Dr. Shinozaki Kazuo, recipient of the 36th International Prize for Biology, at their residence. The award ceremony, normally held at the Japan Academy, was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Photos and addresses: International Prize for biology | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science


ETA: On June 7th, Crown Prince Akishino met directors of hospitals run by Saiseikai Foundation in Saitama, Fukui, Okayama and Oita Prefectures. Topics included sicker patients, 4th wave, and people refraining from screening for other illnesses due to the pandemic.

Photos: Sankei, Sankei 2, Sankei 3
 
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Crown Prince Akishino sent a video message for the Tokyo Olympic Japan Team Forming Ceremony at the Japan Olympic Museum in Tokyo on July 6:



** Pic **
 
:previous: Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the Team Japan ceremony.

Photos: Sankei, Sankei2
 
On July 20th, Crown Prince Akishino remotely attended the 55th All Japan High School Equestrian Championships in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture. He also sent a video message.

Photo: Sankei, at-s.com
On July 21st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the IHA hospital for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Emperor Naruhito received his first vaccination dose on July 6. Six older Imperial family members received their 1st and 2nd doses on June 1 and June 22.
 
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:previous: Princess Kako also received the 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at the IHA hospital on July 21. She entered the Imperial Palace before 2pm. Her parents were vaccinated around 10am.

Video: fnn.jp

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko

akishino_vax_jiji.jpg

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:previous: Another step to distance the Emperor from the Olympics, if I am understanding it correctly.
 
Crown Prince & Crown Princess Akishino Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

Yep [emoji6]

Crown Prince Fumihito to attend Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony - Kyodo News
[...]

The International Olympic Committee prescribes the closing ceremony be attended by the head of state or someone chosen by them, according to the agency.

At the previous Tokyo Olympics in 1964, Emperor Hirohito, the current monarch's grandfather, attended both the opening and closing ceremonies.

[...]
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On July 31st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the 45th National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival (Sobunsai) in Wakayama Prefecture. The prince also sent a video message.

Photo/video: Sankei, Yomiuri, news24.jp

NNN screenshots
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On August 1st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the English section and arts & crafts section of the 45th National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival (Sobunsai) in Wakayama Prefecture.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly 704 page 2

ETA: Crown Prince Akishino greeted Emperor Naruhito at Akasaka Imperial residence on August 3 about his representing the emperor at the Olympics closing ceremony.
 
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Prisma said:
On August 1st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the English section and arts & crafts section of the 45th National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival (Sobunsai) in Wakayama Prefecture.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly 704 page 2
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That seems to be a lovely "bread and butter" engagement for royals to share with the public. Of course, it probably has added weight in this case as the crown princely couple have a son of the same age.
 
On August 10th, the Imperial Household Agency reported a male employee (40s) supporting the Akishino family was infected with Covid-19. There were no close contacts.

The man attended preparations for the remote National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival visit on the 1st. There was no contact with the Imperial family after the 2nd as he started summer vacation on the 3rd. He developed a fever on the 6th, the day after his 2nd vaccine dose. He took a PCR test and was confirmed positive on the 9th. It appears to be a domestic infection and he is currently being treated at home.

Source: Sankei

Wishing him a full recovery.
 
On August 13th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the opening ceremony of the Inter-High School Championships in Echizen City, Fukui. The sports festival was canceled last year. 6 prefectures (Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Nagano, and Wakayama) are hosting this year's festival.

The Crown Prince sent a pre-recorded message and the couple spoke to students involved in public relations for the festival.

Photos: NHK, Mainichi, Sankei, Nikkei
 
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On August 17th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the Team Japan unity ceremony for the Tokyo Paralympics. The prince sent a video message. Most of the 255 athletes attended online.

AP Image, NHK, nikkansports.com

Screenshots from news24.jp
paralympic_nnn.jpg

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Crown Princess Kiko turns 55 on September 11

The Imperial Household Agency released photos and video taken on August 23 along with written answers to IHA press questions. She's looking at books summarizing nurses' reports during the pandemic.

Written responses: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/kaiken/show/45 (Google translation)

Photos: Sankei, Sankei2, Sankei3, Sankei4, Yomiuri, AFPBB

Crown Princess Kiko Mum on Daughter's Marriage Prospects | Nippon.com
Japanese Crown Princess Kiko declined to answer questions about prospects for the marriage of Princess Mako

[...]
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Japan Crown Princess respects her daughter's thoughts on postponed marriage - The Mainichi
[...]

"There are things that we agree and disagree on, but we want to tell each other what we think is necessary, and I would like to respect my eldest daughter's feelings as much as possible," the crown princess said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency.

[...]

In the statement, the crown princess said, "As a parent, I am having many conversations with my daughter so that I can accept her feelings and thoughts," but did not touch on specific discussions they had or the outlook for the couple's marriage plans.

[...]

Crown Princess Kiko also touched on the future and the possibility of marriage for her 26-year-old second daughter, Princess Kako, in the statement, saying, "I would like to hear (her) thoughts carefully and cherish family talks."

[...]

The crown princess vowed to continue supporting the crown prince while expressing her willingness to respect Prince Hisahito's decision on which school he wants to attend after graduating from Ochanomizu University Junior High School.

As Japan continues to grapple with surging coronavirus infections, the crown princess said, "I have spent the past year worrying about the difficulties and hardships that many people are going through," while expressing her gratitude to health care workers.
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ETA: Kiko pledges to ‘respect’ Princess Mako’s feelings about marriage | The Asahi Shimbun
[...]

“We have continued to hold conservations, so that I can accept the thoughts and feelings of my daughter,” Kiko added. “While there have been matters that I could empathize with, there were also areas where our opinions differed.”

[...]

Kiko also touched upon the ceremony held in November 2020 proclaiming her husband, Fumihito, as crown prince.

“While supporting him in whatever way I can, I want to perform each and every duty with even more seriousness,” she wrote.

Kiko wrote that most of her official duties and participation in events have been performed online due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, adding that she had heard directly about activities in various sectors or taken part personally in events even during the health scare, in her roles, among other things, as head of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association and Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi Aiiku Kai.
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:previous: Thanks!

She very diplomatically answers (or not) the questions on the upcoming marriage of Mako and marriage prospects of Kako.

Interesting to know that Hisahito's parents will apparently allow him to freely choose his own high school.
 
On September 15th, Crown Princess Kiko attended the online 22nd World Congress of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). She also sent a video message for the opening ceremony.

Photo: Sankei
 
On September 29th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko watched the Fukuoka Prize award ceremony in Fukuoka Prefecture. The Crown Prince also sent a video message.

Photos/video: Sankei, Sankei Imperial Weekly 712, fnn.jp
 
On October 4th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the "150th anniversary ceremony of the Minting Business" at the Japan Mint in Osaka. The crown prince sent a video message.

Photos: Sankei, Mainichi
ETA: On October 5th, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Mako received National Order of Merit medals from the Paraguayan government. They made official visits to Paraguay in 2006 and 2016 respectively.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei, Mainichi, fnn.jp

Crown Prince Akishino, Princess Mako Get Medals from Paraguay | Nippon.com
[...] The two were honored for their contributions to strengthening ties between Japan and the South American country.

[...]

At the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo's Minato Ward, the Paraguayan Ambassador to Japan handed a box containing the medal each to Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Mako.

[...]
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Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko remotely attended the 44th National Tree Growing Festival in Hokkaido Prefecture October 9-10.

On the 9th, the couple connected to Tomakomai City for a tree care event where they inspected how the Picea glehnii, planted by his parents in 2007, was growing. Then, they met children and groups involved in conservation in Tomakomai and Sapporo.

On the 10th, the crown prince couple connected to the opening ceremony in Sapporo with video message from the prince.

Photos/video: Sankei, Mainichi, FNN
 
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Crown Prince & Crown Princess Akishino Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

On October 12th, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako watched the movie "Emu" commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf at the Akishino residence. They are all adept at Japanese sign language and Princess Kako works part-time for the federation.

Photo: Sankei

https://emu-movie.jp/
 
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Makes you wonder why prince Hisahito was excluded from watching this movie with his parents and siblings... At age 15, I don't think he would be 'too young' to watch a movie like that.
 
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