Imperial Family of Japan Current Events Part 3: May 2017 -

[Prisma]

On January 16th, the Imperial family attended Ceremony of the Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading). This year's theme is "hikari" (light).

Crown Princess Masako did not attend due to persistent cold symptoms.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images

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news24.jp video just missed Princess Tsuguko

Closer screenshots of Akishino, Mikasa, and Takamado princesses:
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Another news24.jp video
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Waka Poems by Their Majesties and Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess, 2019 - The Imperial Household Agency

Imperial Couple introduces their poems at annual New Year ceremony - The Mainichi

Background of the Emperor's poem:

Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress visited Hyogo Prefecture in 2005 to attend the Memorial Ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. On that occasion Their Majesties conversed with a girl representing the families of the deceased, who presented them with some sunflower seeds called "Haruka's Sunflowers."* That year Their Majesties planted those seeds in the garden of the Imperial Residence, and ever since then, they have continued to grow those sunflowers every year, by planting the seeds taken after the flowering season. In this poem His Majesty describes how those sunflowers are thriving.

Final New Year poetry reading ceremony of Heisei era held at Imperial Palace - The Mainichi

[...] Her Majesty, meanwhile, wrote of her experience of feeling encouragement to carry on with her life from the sight of beautiful roses in the twilight.

Crown Prince Naruhito wrote a poem about climbing Mount Kinpu, which straddles Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures in central Japan, when he was a first-year student in high school. He felt as if he was guided by occasional rays of sunlight coming through clouds.

The piece by Crown Princess Masako was about silver birch trees shining in morning sunlight in the garden of the Togu Palace, and her giving thought to the care given to the plants when Their Majesties used to live there. [...]

[...] the themes of the New Year poetry ceremony was decided by Emperor Akihito based on the opinions of judges. In previous years, the theme for the following year was also announced at the ceremony. However, due to the forthcoming Imperial succession this year, the next theme will be announced after the Crown Prince ascends to the throne on May 1.

Emperor's poem touches upon flower with roots in Kobe disaster: The Asahi Shimbun

 

[iceflower]

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Several members of the family attended the 68th Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition in Tokyo today, February 1:


** ap gallery **

 

[eya]

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the National Theatre to attend the memorial ceremony in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Emperor's accession to the throne on 24 February in Tokyo

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Emperor Akihito with Empress Michiko, receives celebratory greetings for the 30th anniversary of his enthronement from Crown Prince Naruhito , Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on 24 February

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[iceflower]

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Here are two more galleries of the celebrations:


** rex gallery ** ap gallery **


** dailymail: Japan's emperor marks 30th year of reign at Tokyo ceremony **

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Akihito's 30th reign anniversary celebrations on February 24th.

The Imperial couple received greetings from family members in the morning.
Photos: Mainichi, Asahi 1, Asahi 2

Screenshots of the Hitachi couple and Princess Yuriko
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In the afternoon, they attended 30th anniversary ceremony at the National Theater in Tokyo.
Photos: Mainichi, Asahi 3

Well-wishers signed guest books at the Imperial Household Agency.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will host 3 tea ceremonies over 2 days (February 25-26) for the heads of 3 branches of government, diplomatic corps, cultural personalities, notable athletes, Nobel laureates, and about 2,100 representatives of various fields. [Sankei Imperial Weekly #579]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1099507471276802049

Mainichi video includes the Hitachi couple and Princess Yuriko's bows but fades before getting to the other Mikasa and Takamado princesses.

Akihito honored at ceremony on 30th anniversary of his reign: The Asahi Shimbun

In reflecting on his 30-year reign, Emperor Akihito said it has been a challenge in exploring the role the emperor should play as the symbol of Japan, as stipulated in the nation's postwar Constitution.

"It was a never-ending path," Akihito said at a ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his reign on Feb. 24. “I am hoping that the emperor in the next era and the emperor in an era following the next will pursue the way the symbol should be, complementing the role I played during this era.”

[...]

In his address, [Prime Minister] Abe said, “We will never forget both the emperor and empress who have always been with the people over the past 30 years.”

Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori, who gave a speech representing the public, expressed his appreciation for the imperial couple's tireless visits in encouraging victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

“You gave us the courage to move forward toward the future,” he said.

[...]

Emperor thanks people for support in his 30-yr reign at ceremony - The Mainichi

[...] "It was fortunate that I have been able to undertake duties with the help of people," the 85-year-old emperor said in a government-sponsored ceremony marking his reign [...] About 1,100 people, including foreign ambassadors, attended the event.

He expressed gratitude to "the people, in whom I take pride and for whom I feel joy in being 'the symbol of the state' and the civilization of this country built over the long period."

[...]

Referring to a series of disasters that struck Japan during his reign, he said, "Affected people who endured many hardships and those from other parts of Japan who stood by them and offered support in various ways have become an unforgettable memory for me."

The emperor also thanked foreign countries and international organizations for their support for Japan when the country was "in the middle of suffering and sorrow" due to the disasters.

[...]

Before the emperor delivered the address, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the people will "never forget" how the imperial couple have "always stood by the people for 30 years."

Abe also said the couple's official visits to 35 countries since the emperor ascended the throne have strengthened friendly ties between Japan and those nations.

Fukushima Gov. Masao Uchibori, whose northeastern prefecture was hit by a nuclear crisis in 2011, thanked the imperial couple for their encouraging messages and visits to the affected areas.

"The people of Fukushima were given the courage to move forward as they tried to recover from the globally unprecedented triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis," Uchibori said.

At the ceremony, singer Daichi Miura from Okinawa performed a song in the style of the southern island, "Utagoe no Hibiki" (Resonance of Singing Voices), composed by Empress Michiko with lyrics by the emperor following his first visit to the prefecture in 1975.

Another song, "Omoigo" (Endearing Child), composed by the empress as a lullaby for Crown Prince Naruhito, was sung by soprano Yumiko Samejima.

[...]

About 8,000 members of the public signed their names in registers to commemorate the emperor's 30-year reign at designated points in front of the Imperial Household Agency building in the Imperial Palace grounds.

[...]

The Japanese Communist Party boycotted the ceremony, having previously not participated in events to mark the 10th and 20th years of the emperor's reign, citing concerns that the Abe government could "politically exploit" him.

About 150 people marched in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district on Sunday to express their opposition to the celebration, while rightist group members in support of the emperor tried to block them. No trouble occurred as police prevented the rightists from approaching the demonstrators.

"The imperial system symbolizes class discrimination. It's wrong to use taxpayers' money to celebrate (the emperor's reign)," said 71-year-old Yasukazu Amano, one of the demonstrators.

[...]

Full ceremony from FNN:

 

[iceflower]

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Here are some photos of the tea party marking the 30th anniversary on throne on February 25:


** gettyimages gallery ** ap gallery **

 

[Prisma]

After a busy day on February 24th, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko had dinner with the CP, Akishino, and Kuroda couples at the Imperial Residence.
Source: news.tv-asahi.co.jp

Tea parties:
Feb 25: Members of government
Feb 26 morning: Notable personalities (scientists, artists, Nobel laureates, athletes, actors, musicians, etc.)
Feb 26 afternoon: Diplomatic corps

Tea ceremony on February 26 for notable personalities: Asahi gallery

Sayako Kuroda


Videos of 1st and 2nd tea parties:

ETA: Skater Asada, Nobel laureate attend imperial couple's tea party - The Mainichi

[...]

About 2,100 people in total were invited to the party at the Imperial Palace, with guests also including Kabuki actor Nakamura Kichiemon, former major league baseball player Hideo Nomo, and former Imperial Japanese Army soldier Keiji Nagai, a survivor of the fierce battle on Palau's Peleliu Island during World War II.

[...]

Japan Hall of Fame slugger Sadaharu Oh said the emperor encouraged him to further enliven Japanese baseball. "I said I will do my best as the Olympic Games will be held next year," he said.

It was the second of three tea parties hosted by the imperial couple. On Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and some 440 other guests including Diet members took part, while foreign ambassadors to Japan were to attend the last session Tuesday afternoon.

Imperial Palace holds talent-rich tea party for Emperor Akihito: The Asahi Shimbun

Top athletes and Nobel Prize recipients who made their mark in the Heisei Era (1989-2019) dressed to the nines for a tea party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s reign on Feb. 26.

[...]

The impressive lineup of celebrities included Olympic medalists such as figure skater Mao Asada, wrestler Kaori Icho and swimmer Kosuke Kitajima.

Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, veteran soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura and star golfer Ryo Ishikawa also were in attendance.

Three Nobel Prize recipients, Yoshinori Ohsumi and Satoshi Omura, both winners in physiology or medicine, and Takaaki Kajita, in physics, also joined the celebration.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On February 28th, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and Princess Kiko attended a joint event of the 70th National Tuberculosis Prevention Meeting and 80th anniversary of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Their Majesties attend every 10 years; Princess Kiko is patron of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association.

AP Images, Getty Images

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Sayako Kuroda attended the morning tea party on February 26. [Mainichi gallery]

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Princesses Mako and Kako at the afternoon tea party:
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'Deeply Grateful': Emperor Akihito Marks 30th Year of His Reign | JAPAN Forward (includes photo gallery)

[...] the Emperor "does not think his task of establishing the Emperor's image has been completed through his own activities." [...] "The Emperor is presumably of the belief that his successors on the Chrysanthemum Throne should continue pursuing what should be the role desired of the Emperor in response to the needs of the times."

[...]

The Emperor concluded his speech at the February 24 ceremony by reciting a waka (known in court as miuta) that the Empress composed in 1990. A senior official of the Imperial Household Agency said, "The Emperor, when drafting his speech, may naturally bear in mind the Empress, who has always been at his side for these long years."

While the Emperor was reading his remarks at the ceremony, there was a moment the pages appeared to get out of order when he was turning them over. But the Empress, who sat next to him, took note and reached out gently to the text, looking at him with a soft smile. [...]

ETA: Imperial family members formally greeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on February 24. Including the Mikasa and Takamado princesses!

 

[Prisma]

On March 12th, Emperor Akihito reported his abdication to the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Imperial family members attended, except for Empress Michiko, CP Masako, Prince Hitachi, Princess Hanako, and Princess Yuriko. The clothes and elaborate hairstyle would burden the empress' neck.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei

fnn.jp video includes CP Naruhito, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko's arrivals.

Emperor starts ceremony series related to his abdication: The Asahi Shimbun

Emperor Akihito on March 12 took part in the first ceremony related to his abdication, informing imperial ancestors, including Amaterasu-omikami, the legendary sun goddess, of his intention to step down on April 30.

The “hokoku no gi” started around 10 a.m. within the Imperial Palace grounds, with Akihito dressed in the “sokutai,” a formal traditional attire that can only be worn by an emperor.

Akihito read out a document to the imperial ancestors that said in effect that he would abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne on April 30. The imperial line is said to have descended from Amaterasu-omikami.

The same document was read at two other shrines in the Imperial Palace dedicated to past emperors and other Shinto gods.

[...]

Crown Prince Naruhito also took part in the March 12 ceremony dressed in the sokutai designated for his position. Eight imperial family members joined, but Empress Michiko was unable to attend because of a recurrence of pain from cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

[...]

Following Akihito’s wishes, the imperial family members’ personal expenses for daily life and activities are covering some of the 10 ceremonies not designated as state events.

[...]

Emperor begins court rituals for abdication - News - NHK WORLD - English

[...] Unlike the rites for enthronement, the prime minister and the heads of the legislative and judicial branches did not attend Tuesday's rituals.

[...]

Rituals by the outgoing Emperor at the three sanctuaries in the Imperial Palace are due to take place again on the day of his abdication on April 30.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1105308276944703489

 

[Prisma]

On March 15th, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, and Princess Yoko of Mikasa attended a martial arts tournament hosted by the Imperial Household Police. The kendo and judo tournament is another event celebrating the emperor's 30-year reign. Princess Yoko holds a fifth-dan rank in kendo.

Photos: AP Images, NHK

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[Prisma]

On March 17th, the Imperial family gathered at Togu Palace in Akasaka Estate for luncheon to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 30-year reign and 60th wedding anniversary with a luncheon.

The Crown Prince, Akishino, and Kuroda couples co-hosted the 3-hour luncheon for about 50 guests, including former royalty and featured performances by singers Masako Nako and Haruko Sakurai and pianist Chika Kobayashi.

Sources: Jiji, news.tbs.co.jp (TBS specifically mentioned grandkids Aiko, Mako, Kako, and Hisahito attending)

Blurry screenshots from JNN of the Kurodas, Princess Nobuko, and the Moriyas arrivals:
Yoshiki and Sayako Kuroda

Princess Nobuko of Mikasa

A corner of Ayako's face...

Kei and Ayako Moriya


Of course, there are better photos of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko entering and leaving Akasaka Estate.
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[iceflower]

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Today, March 18, the Imperial Family attended an Imperial Court Music concert to commemorate the Emperor Akihito 30th Enthronement anniversary at the Imperial Palace:


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[Prisma]

On the morning of March 19th, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino visited the Imperial Palace for their monthly meeting with Emperor Akihito. This meeting lasted about 50 minutes.

Arrivals:
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Video of the March 18 Imperial court music (gagaku) concert and more of Princess Hisako and CP Naruhito:
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[Prisma]

On March 20th, Imperial family members attended a concert by music university graduates at the Tōkagakudō in the Imperial Palace East Garden. Empress Kojun started the annual concert to increase performance opportunities to music graduates. This year, 12 alumni from 5 universities, such as Tokyo University of the Arts and Ueno Gakuen University gave piano, violin, and solo soprano performances.

Tōkagakudō "Peach Blossom Music Hall" was built to commemorate Empress Kojun's 60th birthday and was completed in 1966.

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[iceflower]

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Today, April 2, the Imperial Family attended a concert for the 30th anniversary of Emperor Akihito's enthronement and the 60th anniversary of Akihito and Michiko's marriage at the Imperial Palace:


** ap gallery **

 

[Prisma]

The IHA hosted the concert which featured music composed by the Imperial couple or their poems set to music.

Some screenshots I took, including ex-princess Sayako Kuroda from JNN and news24.jp/NNN

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Larger photos from Sankei and Jiji
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1113033287163756545

ETA: Concert held to mark Emperor's 30 years on throne - News - NHK WORLD - English

[...]

Tenor Gijin Yamamoto performed a song with lyrics written by the Emperor and a melody composed by the Empress.

[...]

At the end of the event, the participants all sang "Furusato," a well-known Japanese children's song, which means "hometown."

Akihito serenaded with song that cheered him in hard times: The Asahi Shimbun

[...] Saori Yuki sang "Yoake no Scat" (Scat in the break of day), her well-known hit released in 1969, to a big applause by the imperial couple at Tokagakudo concert hall in the Imperial Palace compound.

Michiko encouraged Akihito with the song during his recuperation following coronary artery bypass surgery in 2012.

[...]

Musician Ryudo Uzaki and his wife Yoko Aki, who works as a lyricist, actress and novelist, emceed.

 

[Prisma]

On April 10th, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. In the morning, they received congratulations from the Imperial family and heads of 3 branches of government.

Princess Aiko and Prince Hisahito will offer their greetings in the afternoon. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will have dinner with the Crown Prince, Akishino, and Kuroda couples. [Jiji]

Photos: Mainichi, Getty Images, Asahi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1115883444523999232

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I'm still waiting for better photos/video of Hitachi, Mikasa, and Takamado members. NHK video shows Prince Hitachi and Princess Hanako at the very end...

ETA: AP Images has some photos of the Hitachi couple and Princess Yuriko

Japan imperial couple mark Diamond anniversary ahead of abdication - Reuters

[...]

“To break with tradition in Japan is extremely difficult,” said Kazuo Oda, who was present when Akihito and Michiko met at a tennis match in August 1957, two years before they wed.

In many ways, Michiko did just that. She raised her two sons and daughter herself, even making them pack their school lunches. By tradition, royal children had been raised by wet nurses and royal helpers.

She also took the lead in a popular outreach to common folk including elderly, handicapped and victims of disaster, often kneeling down to embrace or speak to people - a gesture that shocked conservatives but endeared her to the general public.

[...]

“Living as crown princess and later empress was not an easy position for me by any means,” she said in remarks ahead of her 84th birthday last October.

Akihito has often expressed his gratitude to Michiko and on their 50th anniversary acknowledged he was not always “sufficiently considerate”, given their different backgrounds.

“The empress suffered various rough times. That was natural given her position,” said one acquaintance. “A lot of time has passed, but I think the emperor wonders what he should have done at those times.”

[...]

Japan’s emperor and empress celebrate 60 years of marriage - AP News

Imperial Family members congratulate Emperor, Empress on 60th wedding anniversary - The Mainichi

The Imperial Couple entered the "Matsu no Ma" room at around 11 a.m. with the Emperor wearing a morning coat, while the Empress wore a long dress. They were congratulated on their milestone by Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko as well as other family members. The Emperor responded with a smile and said, "Thank you."

60 years in photos: Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko - Kyodo News+

 

[Prisma]

On April 24th, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino visited the Imperial Palace for 3-way talks with Emperor Akihito. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes; this will be the last monthly discussion before the abdication.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei, Getty Images

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[Prisma]

On April 27th, Princess Akiko was keynote speaker at a symposium related to the "Meiji 150th Anniversary: The Blossoming of Imperial Culture" exhibition currently at Gakushuin University Museum of History.

Crown Prince Naruhito attended the event privately.

Princess Akiko said she was "very thankful and happy about the attendance of the Crown Prince, who becomes emperor in 4 days, despite his very busy schedule."

Videos: news24.jp, fnn.jp

https://twitter.com/x/status/1122023693247369216

CP Naruhito arrival:
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I took screenshots for twitter:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1122189097575931905

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ETA: In ANN's report, Princess Akiko mentioned during the lecture she was recently given a brooch her grandmother Princess Yuriko inherited from Empress Teimei.

 

[Prisma]

On May 22nd, Empress Masako, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko, and Princess Hisako attended the Japanese Red Cross Society annual meeting at Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: Sankei, Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1131076660734910464

Empress Masako conducts 1st official duty in new capacity - Kyodo News+

[...] The 55-year-old empress, who has been steadily recovering from an adjustment disorder, appeared at the Japanese Red Cross Society's annual gathering in Tokyo. She became honorary president of the organization on May 1, succeeding former Empress Michiko in the position.

The event at the Meiji Jingu hall in Shibuya Ward was also attended by Crown Princess Kiko, honorary vice-president of the society, and several other members of the imperial family. [...]

Empress Masako makes solo duty debut at Red Cross meeting: The Asahi Shimbun

[...] She presented awards to four organizations and nine people who have continuously provided support to the society.

The empress also listened to a report from doctors and others who worked as health care coordinators during the deadly flooding disaster caused by heavy rain that hit western Japan last summer. [...]

 

[Ista]

I'm very pleased for Masako, and hope that she is able to continue undertaking these kinds of engagements. She certainly looks well, unlike some times when she has clearly been stressed or ill at ease. Nice to see her looking herself!

 

[Prisma]

Me too! Next week will be busy: US state visit and then National Tree Planting Festival in Aichi Prefecture.

ANN videos:

Imperial ladies leaving Meiji Jingu Kaikan.

 

[Prisma]

On May 27th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attend the state visit welcome ceremony for President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako also had an audience with the Presidential couple.

Photos: Mainichi, Sankei, Asahi, Getty Images

Japan's Emperor Naruhito meets Trump, 1st state guest since taking throne - Kyodo News+

[...] "Nice to meet you," said both the emperor and the empress in English in meeting the Trumps, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

[...]

During a summit with Abe in Washington ahead of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement, Trump said he had initially hesitated to accept an invitation to meet the emperor, unsure if he could make the trip.

Trump said he had asked Abe how big the imperial succession would be for the Japanese people compared to the Super Bowl and Abe replied, "It's about 100 times bigger," leading him to immediately agree to visit.

Trump is first head of state to meet Japan's new emperor: The Asahi Shimbun

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https://twitter.com/NBCNews/status/1132814890635276288
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[Prisma]

State banquet on May 27th.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images, AFPBB

Donald et Melania Trump, invités d'un banquet impérial à Tokyo - Paris Match

The entrance was changed for this banquet. The Emperor, Empress and Trumps entered when other royals and guests were already at the table. In the Heisei era, the other royals followed the Imperial couple and state guests in the procession.

Everyone seated except for the Imperial and Presidential couples.
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Princesses Tsuguko, Yoko, and Nobuko:
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Princesses Akiko and Hisako on the far right:
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The Akishino family:
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Japan emperor, empress treat Trumps with course dinner, orchestra - Kyodo News+

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako held a banquet for U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday, entertaining them with a full-course French dinner and live orchestra music.

[...]

The Trumps feasted on consomme soup a la Royale, turbot meuniere with tomato sauce, rib steak, seasonal salad, Mt. Fuji-shaped ice cream, melon and grapes.

[...]

State guests are usually served a French dinner but the palace also caters to religion, for example offering a halal dinner to Muslim guests. Vegetables used in the dishes come from the imperial stock farm, while wine is brought directly from the palace cellar.

For guests like Trump, who is teetotal, juice may be prepared instead of champagne for a toast, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Changing monarchy on display as imperial couple greets Trump and first lady using English | The Japan Times

[...] On Monday, the emperor and empress acted as translators for Trump and the first lady as they spoke to a seemingly endless line of politicians, ambassadors and other guests. Professional interpreters — who were presumably hired for the occasion — could only watch while the imperial couple handled themselves with poise while navigating countless introductions and interactions throughout the affair. [...]

With Trump's Visit to Japan, Empress Masako Finds a Spotlight - The New York Times


On May 28th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bid farewell to the US President and First Lady at a Tokyo Hotel.

Photos: Asahi

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako visit Trump's hotel to say goodbye - Kyodo News+

The emperor said he was very happy to have been able to host the president and his wife, while Trump expressed his gratitude for a banquet held by the imperial couple the previous night, emphasizing how he now considers them personal friends, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

 

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Several members of the Imperial Family visited the grave of Prince Katsura (Yoshihito) at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo today, June 8:



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[Prisma]

Some more from Japan's media.

The Imperial couple do not attend the memorial service by convention so they arrived later around 5pm to worship. Princesses Yuriko and Akiko were hosts. [Jiji]

Princess Yuriko:
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako with Princess Akiko behind them.
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Tadahiro Konoe (Prince Katsura's nephew) and Sayako Kuroda. Anyone know the lady between them?
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Kurodas bowing:
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Yasuko Konoe, ex-Mikasa princess & Prince Katsura's eldest sister
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fnn.jp video

 

[Prisma]

On June 9th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited Prince Katsura's tomb at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo. Princess Yuriko greeted their arrival; the retired Imperial couple stayed about 30 minutes.

Empress Emerita Michiko visited the IHA hospital for a heart examination in the afternoon of June 8th.

Photo: Sankei

Later on June 9th, there was a dinner at Akasaka Imperial Palace to celebrate Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's 26th wedding anniversary. Emperor Emeritus Akihito, Empress Emerita Michiko, Akishino couple, Kuroda couple, and Empress Masako's parents attended. [Mainichi]

Photo/video of arrivals: Sankei, tbs.co.jp

 

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Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako received the winners of the Japan Academy Award at the Imperial Palace today, June 17:


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[Prisma]

On June 24th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea party for recipients of the 75th Japan Art Academy Awards at the Imperial Palace.

Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, and Princess Kako also attended.

Getty Images

 

[Prisma]

On August 7th, Empress Masako, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko, and Princess Hisako attended the 47th Florence Nightingale Medal Ceremony at the Tokyo Prince Hotel. The biennial award honors achievements in nursing.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Mainichi

Japan Empress Masako Attends Nightingale Medal Ceremony | Nippon.com

Japanese Empress Masako attended a ceremony to award the 47th Florence Nightingale Medal at a Tokyo hotel Wednesday morning.

[...]

The medal is awarded to nurses with outstanding achievements around the world. This time, 29 individuals of 19 countries were awarded.

The Empress pinned the prestigious medals on Japanese nurses Masako Akiyama, 69, from Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, and Kikuko Takeshita, 69, from the city of Chiba, near Tokyo.