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


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Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and other members of the family during an Imperial tea party for leaders of the African nations attending the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today 30 August


https://www.belgaimage.be/#/gallery/6688407
 
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:previous: Thanks! Princesses Mako, Kako, Akiko, Yoko, and Tsuguko also attended the tea party for TICAD.

Getty Images

Video: Japan: Emperor Naruhito hosts royal tea party as 7th TICAD summit concludes | Ruptly

Emperor, Empress meet TICAD leaders | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
[...] The Emperor said he hopes the TICAD meeting will contribute to the further development of the African countries and the happiness of their people.

The Emperor also said he prays for the health and happiness of the guests, and the welfare of the people of their countries. [...]
Click to expand...
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On September 4th, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Hitachi (Hanako) were elected Imperial Representatives to the Imperial Household Council. Princess Mikasa (Yuriko) and Crown Princess Kiko were elected as reserve members. Term of office is 4 years.

Empress Emerita Michiko refrained from voting although she has the right to vote unlike Emperor Naruhito and Emperor Emeritus Akihito.

Source: Jiji

Honestly, I'm surprised 96-year-old Princess Yuriko became a reserve member. I don't expect the work as a reserve member to be demanding and acknowledge she has been an Imperial representative/reserve member before but wow... Imperial family members must think of her highly to vote in Yuriko over other younger members.
 
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On September 19th, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Princess Akiko attended a welcome reception for the 2019 Rugby World Cup at a hotel in Tokyo. The Crown Prince is honorary president of the Rugby World Cup and Princess Akiko is honorary president of Japan Rugby Football Association. [Mainichi]

Unfortunately, there are only photos of Crown Prince Akishino making a speech...

https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/09/19/20190919hpj00m050034000q/9.jpg
 
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On October 11th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre to see "John Gould's Pictorial Birds Books," a special exhibition organized by their daughter Sayako Kuroda. Sayako is an ornithologist and researcher at Tamagawa University Museum of Education. She described the exhibits to her parents.

AP Images

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/191011/lif1910110023-p1.jpg
 
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Prisma said:
On October 11th, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre to see "John Gould's Pictorial Birds Books," a special exhibition organized by their daughter Sayako Kuroda. Sayako is an ornithologist and researcher at Tamagawa University Museum of Education. She described the exhibits to her parents.
Click to expand...

I didn't know Sayako had returned to her research work after quitting when she married, but that is wonderful news! How long ago did she resume her academic work?
 
On November 2nd, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Princess Akiko attended the 2019 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Princess Akiko's arrival. She is honorary president of Japan Rugby Football Union.
Getty Image
https://twitter.com/x/status/1190538831340146689

Crown Prince and Princess Akishino
Getty Images, Getty Images 2

Princess Akiko in the receiving line for the Akishino couple's arrival
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIakkv3WoAAZiyj.jpg
 
Prisma said:
On November 2nd, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Princess Akiko attended the 2019 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Princess Akiko's arrival. She is honorary president of Japan Rugby Football Union.
Getty Image
https://twitter.com/x/status/1190538831340146689

Crown Prince and Princess Akishino
Getty Images, Getty Images 2

Princess Akiko in the receiving line for the Akishino couple's arrival
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIakkv3WoAAZiyj.jpg
Click to expand...

In terms of protocol, the sight of one member of the imperial family in the line of hosts at an event receiving other members of the imperial family as guests caught my eye.

It absolutely makes logical sense given Princess Akiko's position, but I personally can't recall other instances of seeing it in the Japanese or other royal families (which may simply be because I haven't given it enough attention).
 
Former Emperor, Empress likely to celebrate New Year with public - The Mainichi
[...] If the couple attends the event at which Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will offer greetings at the Imperial Palace on Jan. 2, it would be their first public appearance since the imperial succession earlier this year.

[...]

The former and current emperor have not appeared on public occasions together since the succession, amid the view that having the two together would create the impression of dual imperial authority.

[...]

For the upcoming New Year greetings, the emperor and empress will appear before the public along with other members of the imperial family five times throughout the day, with the emperor delivering a speech.
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:previous: On December 27th, the IHA confirmed Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will attend the 3 morning appearances (10:10, 11:00, 11:50am) of New Year's general public greetings.

There are 5 appearances total (+ 1:30, 2:20pm in the afternoon).

Sources: Kyodo, Sankei

New Year's Poetry Reading will be held on January 16. On December 25th, the IHA announced 10 winners, whose poetry will be read with poetry from the Imperial family and professional poets. The oldest winner is Toshiko Mori (74) from Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture and the youngest is Akari Shinoda (17) from Niigata, Niigata Prefecture.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji
 
:previous: I suspect people who are fervent fans of Emperor Naruhito and his family care the most about dual authority.

On December 27th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a family luncheon at the Imperial Palace and received year-end greetings from the Imperial family. Some 30 attendees included the retired Imperial couple, adult Akishino members, other Imperial branches, and relatives.

Emperor Naruhito arrived earlier around 11am because he had a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about domestic and international situations.

AP Images
 
Imperial family photos for New Year 2020

Photos and video were taken on December 12. Zodiac animal figures and a traditional toy "buriburi" are on the table.

Asahi gallery

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200101/lif2001010004-p1.jpg
https://img.kyodonews.net/english/public/images/posts/e2bda8a1cfcee00c238e6e892a4841bd/photo_l.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENKjnEqU4AAmmPP.jpg

Recent Portraits of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and Their Family on the occasion of New Year (2020) - Imperial Household Agency

Japan's Emperor Naruhito hopes for disaster-free year after enthronement - Kyodo News
Emperor Naruhito hopes 2020 will be a happy year free of disasters as he pursues his role as the symbol of the state after ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne last year, his New Year address released Wednesday showed.

[...]

He also referred to powerful typhoons and torrential rain last year and said his "heart aches as many precious lives were lost" in them. "I pray that there will be no disaster this year," he added.

The emperor's New Year message is the first since the practice was halted under his father's reign in 2017 in an effort to reduce the workload of the 86-year-old, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

But the emperor and the empress did not release any poems in the New Year, as was customary for the previous emperor and empress, as they could not prepare them in time in a year full of enthronement-linked events, the agency said.

[...]

This year, the emperor is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visits Japan this spring as a state guest and announce the opening of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in summer.

The emperor and the empress are also expected to make their first trip overseas under their new status, while they are already scheduled to travel to Shimane Prefecture in May, Miyagi Prefecture in September and Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures in October to attend domestic events.

[...]
Click to expand...
New Year Receptions.

Schedule for January 1, 2020. Emperor Naruhito has worship rituals at 5:30am and 5:40am, and then a first meal ceremony at 9:30am.
Receptions begin at 9:45am (with Empress Masako), Their Majesties visit Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko at 3:30pm and then return to Akasaka Imperial Palace for the last reception at 4:30pm.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENLAX6tU8AM6ZA3.png

AP Images, Getty Images, Asahi

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200101/lif2001010020-p1.jpg
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/media/2020/01/20200101-OYT1I50013-1.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENLIr76UYAAX8L9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENLIr77UcAAjvvJ.jpg
FNN remembered the Mikasa and Takamado princesses! ?
 
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On January 2nd, the Imperial family attended New Year's Greetings for the general public at the Imperial Palace. There were 5 appearances.

Princess Yuriko attended the 1st event; the Hitachi couple, other Mikasa and Takamado princesses attended the 1st and 2nd events; Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko attended the 3 morning events.

Mainichi, Asahi, AFPBB, AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1212547926334984192
https://twitter.com/x/status/1212549675510722560
https://twitter.com/x/status/1212610005649608704
https://twitter.com/x/status/1212549317682053121

https://twitter.com/x/status/1212648626188500992
https://twitter.com/Tomo_kancolle/status/1212597820420542470
https://twitter.com/Roots_Photo/status/1212635395583668224
https://twitter.com/KzK_750/status/1212657727538728960

Screenshots from various videos...

Empress Emerita Michiko
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQxXxUUEAA-Kzz.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQxXxUUcAAcmIy.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQxXxUUEAEuPlr.png

Princess Yuriko
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQzIa9VUAE3sUD.png

Princess Nobuko and Princess Akiko
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQzIbAUUAA5tL2.png

Princess Tsuguko, Princess Hisako, Princess Hanako, and Prince Hitachi
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENQtBzoU8AAN_VK.jpg

Japan's Emperor Naruhito hopes for peaceful year in 1st New Year greetings - Kyodo News
[...]

Accompanied by his wife Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family, the 59-year-old, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 following his father's abdication, waved to thousands of well-wishers from behind the windows of a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

"I hope this year will be a peaceful and good year without natural disasters," the emperor said, expressing sympathy for those hit by flooding and powerful typhoons in 2019.

"At the beginning of the year, I wish for the happiness of people in our country and the world," he said.

Former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko joined them to greet New Year well-wishers, making their first public appearance with the emperor since last year's imperial succession.

[...]
Click to expand...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iawGUdGwDtI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqz1GyXUdZk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IW8NtqAUYo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COlrS1L7gSk
 
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Princess Aiko leaving the Imperial Palace on January 1:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yw-t0ntKZ/

More videos of general public New Year's Greetings on January 2. Sankei video has more footage of the Hitachi, Mikasa, and Takamado families.
 
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On January 14th, the Imperial family attended New Year’s Lectures at the Imperial Palace.

Lecturers and topics:
Professor Emeritus Haruyuki Tono of Nara University : Japanese Foreign Exchange as seen by Tang (China) Ambassadors
Professor Emeritus Osamu Saitō of Hitotsubashi University : Industrialization in History
Professor Emeritus Akira Hasegawa of Tohoku University : Emergence mechanism of subduction zone earthquakes and volcanic genesis

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200114/lif2001140019-p1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200114/lif2001140019-p2.jpg
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/media/2020/01/20200114-OYT1I50030-1.jpg

Screenshots from FNN, ANN, TV Tokyo
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EONzSyYU4AI5mAb.jpg

Empress Masako
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EON7N5aUEAIiLmx.png

Princesses Nobuko, Akiko, Yoko, Hisako, and Tsuguko
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EON8djRU0AACEsN.jpg

Princess Kako, Princess Mako, Crown Princess Kiko, and Crown Prince Akishino
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EON6TGGVAAIa61_.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EON6TGJUUAARorG.jpg

Arrivals at Imperial Palace:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1216906090568241157
https://twitter.com/x/status/1216905315683196929
https://twitter.com/x/status/1216904036227538944
 
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It's so wonderful that Masako was able to attend the lectures. She does look a little tense, but this is just incredible progress.

Which of course raises the question of what element is present or missing this time around? Thoughts to ponder...
 
Emperor, Empress attend New Year lectures | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
[...] The couple, along with other members of the Imperial family and academics, listened to three experts for about an hour in the Matsu-no-Ma State Room on Tuesday.

Professor Emeritus of Nara University and Osaka University, Haruyuki Tono first spoke about the history of Japanese envoys to the Tang Dynasty in ancient China.

He explained that Japan at that time efficiently formed its unique culture by choosing necessary things from the continent and absorbing them.

Professor Emeritus of Hitotsubashi University Osamu Saito reflected upon the history of industrialization around the world.

He pointed out that currently, Japan lacks high added-value services which are the driving force behind economic growth.

[...]
Click to expand...
34-minute TV Tokyo video and screenshots. I couldn't get a better photo of Princess Hisako.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOQin4PUwAAiapO.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOQin4SVUAIb-Uy.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOQin4QUYAEv1I0.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOSw4y2UYAAjKeC.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOSw4y3UcAAa5bZ.png

Emperor Naruhito & Empress Masako appear periodically, Akishino family at 7:06, Mikasa & Takamado princesses at 15:17
 
Somewhat off topic, but I love the fabric covering the tables in front to the Emperor and Empress. It is gorgeous.
 
On January 16th, the Imperial family attended New Year's Poetry Reading "Utakai Hajime" at the Imperial Palace. This year's theme was "nozomi," meaning "hope." Next year's theme is "jitsu," meaning "fruit."

Empress Masako attended for the first time since 2003. She planned to return last year but was sick with a cold.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images, Asahi, Mainichi

Screenshots from FNN.

Empress Masako:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdGantU0AAQFA0.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOa3y4bVUAAOntc.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOa3y4KU4AERmK6.jpg

Akishino family:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdDyruU8AAR32R.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdDyrsVAAEY6TD.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdDyryUYAE2l19.png

Mikasa and Takamado princesses:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdHsFJUUAANeAN.jpg

Princess Nobuko and Princess Akiko:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdJAllUUAArz4v.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdJAlyUYAEedzH.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdJAlqU4AE6de7.png

Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdKjPLU8AEpiOl.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOdKjPNUEAEWXvQ.png

IHA provided English translations and background info for poems by the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince and Crown Princess: http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-culture/pdf/utakaiEn-r02.pdf

Poems by Imperial family and others at Sankei and IHA Japanese PDF

Princess Hanako's poem appeared to be about the enthronement ceremony/preparations and Princess Hisako wrote about football and the Olympics.

Emperor hopes for children's bright future in 1st poem reading - Kyodo News
[...]

In his poem, the emperor described his feelings after visiting schools and institutions for children, including Azabu Kindergarten in Tokyo in June last year and Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School, where their daughter Princess Aiko studies, in November.

The official translation of the emperor's poem provided by the Imperial Household Agency is as follows:

When I hear the cheerful voices of children
Resounding through their classrooms
I hope from the bottom of my heart
They have a bright and beautiful future.

In her poem, the 56-year-old empress described her sadness at the damage caused by natural disasters in the country but also how she has been encouraged to find young people trying to help out in recovery efforts.

[...]

The official translation of the empress' poem is as follows:

The power of youth
Brings hope
To those who strive
To rise up from the calamity they suffer.

The imperial couple's poem, as well as works composed by other members of the imperial family and 10 pieces chosen from more than 15,000 entries from the public, were recited in the traditional style at the reading.

[...]
Click to expand...
82+ minute video from FNN (full ceremony?)
Shorter clips from ANN and TV Tokyo
 
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On January 31st, Princess Kako, Princess Nobuko and Princess Hisako visited the 69th Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition at Sunshine City Bunka Kaikan in Toshima, Tokyo. The exhibit featured some 1650 flowers from 11 prefectures. Imperial family members regularly attend this event. Princess Kako visited 5 years ago.

Asahi gallery
 
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The first garden party of the Reiwa era will be held on May 27. The date is later than usual because of scheduling difficulties around Prince Akishino's investiture as Crown Prince on April 19, state visit to UK, and possible state visit from China*.

The spring garden party has been scheduled in April since 2000.

Source: Jiji

* China's Xi may postpone state visit to Japan amid virus outbreak - Kyodo News

ETA: First imperial spring garden party of Reiwa Era slated for May 27 | The Japan Times
 
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Interesting, and certain to be much toastier in the temperature department than the April time frame.

I would not at all be surprised if the state visit from China is postponed considering the coronavirus outbreak.
 
On February 14th, Princess Hisako and her daughter Noriko Senge attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show 2020 at Tokyo Dome.

They were later joined by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Jiji reports Noriko is an honorary advisor to the executive committee.

AP Images, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1228132571751387136
https://twitter.com/x/status/1228122568646770688
https://twitter.com/x/status/1228208994214268928
https://twitter.com/x/status/1228229029540450304
 
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The photos of the Emperor and Empress that were released to mark Naruhito's birthday are lovely. It's such a shame that the COVID-19 virus is impacting public gatherings, but at this point I think it was a wise decision to keep the birthday celebrations more private and cancel the public birthday greetings.
 
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