Emperor Naruhito Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

[Prisma]

On November 13th, Emperor Naruhito attended the certification ceremony of Ryosei Akazawa, new Vice Finance Minister, at the Imperial Palace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1724035183043834110

Akazawa replaces Kenji Kanda who resigned due to unpaid taxes scandal.

 

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On November 15th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opera "Simon Boccanegra" at the New National Theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Photos: FNN, AP Images, Sankei

 

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On November 26th, Emperor Naruhito attended a performance of the Berlin Philharmonic at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. Afterwards, he met chief conductor and artistic director Kirill Petrenko and others, expressing gratitude.

Photos: FNN, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On November 27th, Emperor Naruhito met Robert Reed (Baron Reed of Allermuir), President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, at the Imperial residence for about 20 minutes. Topics included exchanges between Japan and the UK in the judicial field and His Majesty's studies at Oxford University.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Sankei

 

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On December 14th, Emperor Naruhito attended attestation ceremonies of new ministers at the Imperial Palace. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida replaced 4 Cabinet members and 5 vice ministers, members of the Abe faction, following a political funding scandal.

Photos: Getty Images

Embattled Japan PM Kishida ousts LDP's most powerful faction from Cabinet - Kyodo News

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On December 15th, Emperor Naruhito met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes. The Sultan and Prince are visiting Japan for the 50th Anniversary Summit of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

Topics included next year's Japan-Brunei 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, then-Crown Prince Naruhito's 2004 visit to attend Crown Prince Billah's wedding, and congratulations for Prince Abdul Mateen's upcoming wedding.

The Sultan and Prince Abdul Mateen also attended enthronement ceremonies in 2019.

Photos: FNN, Sankei

Japan's Emperor Hails Friendly Ties with Brunei | Nippon.com

[...]

Emperor Naruhito said it was very pleasant that Japan and Brunei have developed their friendship since the two countries established diplomatic ties about four decades ago, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed gratitude for Emperor Naruhito visiting Brunei in 2004 to attend the wedding ceremony of Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and said he wanted the Emperor to visit his country again. [...]

 

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Emperor Naruhito attends the opening ceremony of the 213th Ordinary Diet session in Tokyo today, January 26:


** gettyimages gallery ** gtresnews gallery ** rex gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito turns 64 on February 23

Birthday video and photos were taken with Empress Masako on February 9 at the Imperial residence. The couple are surrounded by Noto Peninsula crafts such as Wajima lacquerware and Suzu-yaki pottery.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Imperial Household Agency

Full 4-minute video: Government of Japan's Public Relations Office

Press conference was held on February 21 at the Imperial Palace's Shakkyo-no-Ma (Drawing Room).

Japanese transcript: 天皇陛下お誕生日に際し（令和6年） - 宮内庁

Japan Emperor Turns 64, Hopes for Noto Reconstruction | Nippon

[...] The Emperor expressed his condolences for the victims of the massive earthquake during a press conference at the Imperial Palace ahead of his 64th birthday.

"I sincerely hope that the restoration and reconstruction work will proceed smoothly," he said.

The Emperor said he has many memories of the quake-hit Noto region, which he visited during his school days. He thanked people involved in rescue operations, medical care and lifeline restoration there, while voicing concern over the prolonged evacuation and water outages. [...]

Emperor and Crown Prince families attended general public greetings on February 23.

Photos: FNN, AP Images, Mainichi, AFPBB

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received greetings from Imperial family members, government officials, relatives, ambassadors and IHA staff. No food or drinks were served to prevent infection.
Their Majesties visited the Emeritus couple at Akasaka Estate after 4pm.

Photos: FNN, Getty Images (includes public greetings)

 

[Prisma]

On April 15th, Emperor Naruhito met 41 members of the Houses of Representatives and House of Councillors at the Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall) of the Imperial Palace.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年4月15日（月）、天皇陛下は、皇居の宮殿において衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受けになりました。"

59K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jpApril 15, 2024 on : "令和6年4月15日（月）、天皇陛下は、皇居の宮殿において衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受け�..."

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On May 9th, Emperor Naruhito presented the Grand Cordon for spring decorations at the Imperial Palace Matsu-no-Ma (state room). 13 recipients received the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, Order of the Rising Sun, or Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi

2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (PDF)

 

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H.R.H. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

1. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will pay an Official Visit to Japan from 20 to 23 May.
   
   
2. During his stay in Japan, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will host a Court Luncheon in honor of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince [...]

 

[Prisma]

On May 13th, Emperor Naruhito privately visited the exhibition "Henri Matisse - Forms in Freedom" at the National Art Center in Minato, Tokyo.

Before the exhibition, the Emperor's family were briefed by Japanese Red Cross Society President Atsushi Seike on JRCS activities over the past year.

Photo: NTV, TBS

On May 14th, Emperor Naruhito planted seedlings of non-glutinous rice "Nihon Masari" and glutinous rice "Mangetsu Mochi" in the paddy field next to the Imperial Palace's Biology Research Institute.

Photos: Sankei

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年5月14日（火）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の水田において、お田植えをなさいました。"

237K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 14, 2024: "令和6年5月14日（火）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の水田において、お田植えをなさいました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

The May 20-23 visit of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud will be postponed.

H.R.H. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Visit Japan (Postponed) | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

On late night of 19 May the Government of Saudi Arabia informed the Government of Japan that H.R.H. Prince Mohammed’s visit needed to be postponed due to the health condition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

 

[Prisma]

On May 23rd, Emperor Naruhito attended credential presentation ceremonies for Ambassadors of Russia and Greece. Considering Japan-Russia relations following the invasion of Ukraine, Japan's Foreign Ministry decided the Russian presentation would not be filmed, only allowing coverage at arrival. The Russian Ambassador also opted to travel to the palace by car, probably for security reasons.

The Greek Ambassador traveled by horse drawn carriage and his presentation ceremony was filmed.

The Imperial Household Agency offers ambassadors a choice of car or carriage to travel to the palace for the ceremony. Most choose the carriage. Normally, the IHA films credential presentations and releases footage/photos upon request from the IHA press association. Russia's private ceremony is unprecedented.

Sources: TBS, FNN, Asahi, NTV

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Emperor Naruhito sent video message to the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia on May 21st. The ~20 minute video in English included references to the Noto earthquake, stone monuments related to flood control in Indonesia, water sharing system in Bali and expressed condolences for disasters around the world in the last year.

Photos: Asahi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年5月21日（火）、天皇陛下は、インドネシアで開催された第10回世界水フォーラムの主要プログラムの一つであるバンドン精神水サミットに、基調講演をビデオでお寄せになりました。 天皇陛下のビデオ基調講演は宮内庁ホームページでご覧いただけます。"

119K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 21, 2024: "令和6年5月21日（火）、天皇陛下は、インドネシアで開催された第10回世界水フォーラムの主要プログラムの一つであるバンドン精神水サミットに、基調講演をビデオでお寄せになりました。 天皇陛下のビデオ基調講演は宮内庁ホームページでご覧いただけます。".

www.instagram.com

Japan Emperor Sends Video Message to World Water Forum - Nippon.com

[...] After introducing an ancient stone monument displayed at the National Museum of Indonesia inscribed with information about flood-control systems that he inspected during his visit to the country last June, and a water-sharing system in Bali, the Emperor said, "I sincerely hope that humankind will continue to learn from such good examples and further prosper through water, leading to a world where we share the fruits of our efforts."

Touching on the damaged areas in Ishikawa, he introduced the Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice paddies in the city of Wajima that suffered numerous cracks due to the Jan. 1 earthquake, showing pictures he took in 2018, before the disaster.

Keynote Lecture by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan The Bandung Spirit Water Summit The 10th World Water Forum (through Video) - The Imperial Household Agency (transcript and video)

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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to emperor of Japan | Arab News

https://twitter.com/x/status/1793654921646231881

 

[Prisma]

Visit to Japan by Luxembourg Economic Mission led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Luxembourg Economic Mission will make a visit to Japan from June 10 to 13. This Mission will be led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg.

1. Luxembourg Economic Mission consists of about 70 people including business associates and is scheduled to visit Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, as well as Tokyo. During his stay in Tokyo, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Guillaume will have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. [...]

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On June 2nd, Emperor Naruhito attended "Road to 2027: Ikuyo Nakamichi Piano Recital" at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. The concert series marks the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death and 40th anniversary of Nakamichi's career.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images

 

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Today, June 10, Emperor Naruhito received HGD Guillaume of Luxembourg who is on an economic mission to Japan:

Mission économique au Japon - Audience avec S.M. l'Empereur Naruhito | Cour grand-ducale

Site officiel de la famille grand-ducale luxembourgeoise, le rôle de Chef de l'Etat du Grand-Duc.

monarchie.lu

 

[Prisma]

HGD Guillaume also met Empress Masako and Princess Aiko privately, after the audience with Emperor Naruhito.

Japan Emperor Meets with Luxembourg's Crown Prince | Nippon.com

[...] The Emperor expressed his gratitude for the sympathy from Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri for people and areas affected by the Jan. 1 major earthquake in the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, and for donations from the government of Luxembourg and other parties in the European country in the wake of the disaster, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Crown Prince Guillaume explained Luxembourg's efforts for space resources management. Emperor Naruhito responded that it is a very meaningful project.

After the meeting, which lasted about 20 minutes, Empress Masako and the Japanese Imperial couple's daughter, Princess Aiko, joined Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Guillaume, and the four held talks, according to the agency. [...]

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年6月10日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ルクセンブルク皇太子殿下とご会見になりました。"

76K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 10, 2024: "令和6年6月10日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ルクセンブルク皇太子殿下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

RTL Today - Tokyo Imperial Palace: Prince Guillaume visits the Emperor of Japan

... Prince Guillaume invited the Emperor to Luxembourg to celebrate the centenary of diplomacy between the two nations in 2027...

 

[Prisma]

On June 19th, Emperor Naruhito attended a press conference for the upcoming UK state visit at the Imperial Palace's Shakkyo-no-Ma (Drawing Room).

Full Japanese transcript: Imperial Household Agency

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年6月19日（水）、天皇陛下は、22日（土）からの英国ご訪問に先立ち、宮殿において、記者会見に臨まれました。"

141K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 19, 2024: "令和6年6月19日（水）、天皇陛下は、22日（土）からの英国ご訪問に先立ち、宮殿において、記者会見に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

Emperor shares thoughts ahead of state visit to Britain | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch

[...] At the news conference, Naruhito emphasized the significance of learning about the past, particularly the regrettable conflicts between the two countries during World War II, and stressed the importance of nurturing a love for peace.

The emperor highlighted the deepening cooperative relationship between Japan and Britain today, acknowledging the efforts made over the years by the people of both nations to heal the wounds of war.

[...]

Naruhito also expressed hope that younger generations in Japan would continue to engage with the world.

“I hope they foster international friendships through studying abroad and other opportunities,” he said, adding that staying in another country for an extended period is an invaluable opportunity to gain a new perspective on one’s own country. [...]

Emperor Expresses Hopes for Strengthening U.K.-Japan Ties Ahead of Official Visit; Expresses Regret Over Queen’s Passing - The Japan News

[...] At the beginning of the press conference, the Emperor referred to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. A planned visit to the United Kingdom in the spring of 2020 at the Queen’s invitation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a real shame that I was unable to visit while she was still alive,” he said. [...]

Reflecting on his time studying in the United Kingdom, the Emperor said, “Those were days filled with awe and inspiration,” and fondly remembered his interactions with the royal family, describing them as “a heartwarming welcome that made me feel like a member of the family.” [...]

Japan’s emperor says he looks forward to deepening ties with Britain’s royals during UK visit - AP News

[...] “I’m truly delighted to be able to make a visit to Britain this time,” Naruhito told reporters ahead of the June 22-29 trip. The emperor said he regretted that they could not make the trip while Queen Elizabeth was alive.

“Through our upcoming visit, I would like to reflect on the long history of exchanges fostered between Japan and Britain,” Naruhito said. He hoped to nurture the friendship with King Charles III and Queen Camilla and other members of Britain’s royal family, and boost relations between the two sides through meetings and exchanges.

Naruhito thanked King Charles III for accommodating the visit while he recovers from cancer treatment. He wished both Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, a speedy recovery.

 

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On July 9th, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremony of Naomi Unemoto, Japan's first female Prosecutor-General, at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Image

Japan Names Unemoto as 1st Female Prosecutor-General - The Japan News

... Unemoto, who became a public prosecutor in 1988, worked at the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office and took the helm of the Hiroshima High Public Prosecutors Office before becoming superintending prosecutor at the Tokyo prosecutors office in January 2023 ...

 

[Prisma]

On August 8th, Emperor Naruhito met Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes. This year marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland.

Photos: Instagram kunaicho_jp, Sankei, Sankei Imperial Weekly 858

 

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On August 17th, Emperor Naruhito attended Handel's opera "Rinaldo" conducted by Yoshimichi Hamada at Suntory Hall in Minato, Tokyo. The performance commemorates Hamada's receiving the 53rd Suntory Music Award.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi

 

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On August 16th, Emperor Naruhito attended the investiture ceremony for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the appointment ceremonies for new Supreme Court justices at the Imperial Palace.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年8月16日（金）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、親任式（最高裁判所長官）、認証官任命式（最高裁判所判事等）に臨まれました。"

34K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 18, 2024: "令和6年8月16日（金）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、親任式（最高裁判所長官）、認証官任命式（最高裁判所判事等）に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On September 4th, Emperor Naruhito harvested rice at the Imperial Palace. This year's harvest was average.

Photos: Asahi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年9月4日（水）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の水田において、お稲刈りをなさいました。"

136K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on September 4, 2024: "令和6年9月4日（水）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の水田において、お稲刈りをなさいました。".

www.instagram.com

Japan’s Emperor Harvests Rice at Imperial Palace Grounds; Rice To Be Offered to Gods in Niinamesai Rite - The Japan News

 

[Prisma]

On October 1st, Emperor Naruhito attended the investiture ceremony of new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and appointment ceremonies of 22 new ministers and officials at the Imperial Palace.

Photos, source: Getty Images, Sankei

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年10月1日（火）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、親任式（内閣総理大臣）、認証官任命式（国務大臣等）に臨まれました。"

7,409 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on October 1, 2024: "令和6年10月1日（火）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、親任式（内閣総理大臣）、認証官任命式（国務大臣等）に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年10月1日（火）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、内閣総理大臣の親任式に臨まれました。"

7,590 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on October 1, 2024: "令和6年10月1日（火）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、内閣総理大臣の親任式に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

More photos of October 1 investiture and appointment ceremonies: AFLO Images

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On October 3rd, Emperor Naruhito attended appointment ceremonies of Vice-Ministers at the Imperial Palace.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年10月3日（木）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、副大臣の認証官任命式に臨まれました。"

73K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on October 3, 2024: "令和6年10月3日（木）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、副大臣の認証官任命式に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

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On October 4th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 214th extraordinary Diet session at the National Diet Building's House of Councillors in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The session will run until the 9th.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On October 20th, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko attended an autumn Gagaku (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance) concert at the Imperial Household Music Department in the Imperial Palace.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, Asahi

 

[Prisma]

On October 20th, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko attended an autumn Gagaku (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance) concert at the Imperial Household Music Department in the Imperial Palace.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, Asahi

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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年10月20日（日）、天皇陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、皇居内の宮内庁楽部において、秋季雅楽演奏会をご鑑賞になりました。"

106K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on October 20, 2024: "令和6年10月20日（日）、天皇陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、皇居内の宮内庁楽部において、秋季雅楽演奏会をご鑑賞になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On November 3rd, Emperor Naruhito presented the Order of Culture to 7 recipients at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: AP Images

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年11月3日（日）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において行われた文化勲章親授式で勲章を授与され、その後、受章者及び配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。"

7,499 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 4, 2024: "令和6年11月3日（日）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において行われた文化勲章親授式で勲章を授与され、その後、受章者及び配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。".

www.instagram.com