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

[Prisma]

More photos and video of Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday on February 23rd.

Asahi, Mainichi galleries.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito is recovering from a cold. 4pm greetings at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace was cancelled and the retired Imperial couple did not attend the 7pm family dinner at Akasaka Imperial Palace. [Jiji]

Longer video of tea with ambassadors. I think this video managed to get close ups of every Imperial member chatting with guests except Princess Hisako.

 

[Prisma]

New coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Imperial family / IHA

The Museum of the Imperial Collections (Sannomaru Shozokan) will be temporarily closed February 29 - March 15 to deter infection. The museum currently has an exhibition on the enthronement. [Sankei]

Kyoto Imperial Palace's exhibit of the Imperial thrones and enthronement items, originally scheduled to be opened on March 1st, will be postponed until further notice. Imperial Household Agency

Princess Nobuko had 2 events cancelled.
- She was scheduled to visit Ishikawa Prefecture February 21-22 for JCI Kanazawa Conference 2020. The organizers reduced the conference programs and withdrew its request for her attendance. [kanazawa-jc.or.jp]
- The 28th Women's Health and Work Style forum on March 4 is cancelled. [meno-sg.net]

On February 27th, Japan's government requested all elementary, middle and high schools to close until late March or early April, leaving parents and teachers scrambling to comply.

Japan to close schools nationwide to control spread of virus : The Asahi Shimbun
Abe's request for school closures baffles, angers teachers, parents : The Asahi Shimbun

Princess Aiko: Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School is closed March 2-April 6 with a brief opening March 21-22 for closing ceremony, graduation rehearsal (3rd years only) and graduation ceremony (students and guardians should wear face masks). All year-end examinations, school events and club activities will be cancelled. Thank you party is cancelled. Grades will be based on a comprehensive assessment of grades for the first and second semesters and the status of normal learning in the third semester. [gakushuin.ac.jp/girl]

Gakushuin University's 2020 entrance ceremony is currently scheduled for April 3.

Prince Hisahito: all Ochanomizu University's affiliated schools are closed from February 28 until early April. [Kyodo]

I'm surprised the Chinese state visit hasn't been postponed yet.

Xi visit in early April appears increasingly doubtful : The Asahi Shimbun

Women's magazine Jisin wonders if the UK state visit will be postponed.

ETA: Japan's government is concerned about the events related to the Crown Prince Proclamation "Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi" scheduled for April 19, in particular the 2 banquets on April 21. About 750 guests were expected for the banquets, including prefectural governors and ambassadors to Japan. The government will decide mid-March on possibly reducing the number of guests and events. [Sankei]

ETA: Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko are scheduled to attend the annual government sponsored Great East Japan Earthquake memorial ceremony on March 11. The government is considering the number of attendees and measures to prevent infection. [Jiji]

 

[Prisma]

Xi's state visit to be postponed to autumn or later due to virus scare : The Asahi Shimbun

Japan and China agreed in principle to call off a planned state visit to Japan in early April by President Xi Jinping so the two countries can focus on fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

[...]

An official announcement of the postponement will be made this week, according to a government source in Tokyo. [...]

Imperial activity will be sparse this week (and possibly several weeks/months?) due to the new coronavirus COVID-19. Many scheduled events have been postponed or cancelled. Some examples:

Emperor Naruhito: March 2 audience with excellent police officers - cancelled

Princess Kako: 53rd Japan Women Inventors Association Exhibition - cancelled

Imperial Palace tours will be suspended March 3-14. It is possible to visit for those who applied in advance but no new applications will be accepted until March 14.

IHA officials are concerned about opening Inui Street for cherry blossom viewing in April and the spring garden party on May 27.

The IHA promotes staggered work or telework but telework does not work for many departments such as staff working directly with Imperial family members. Staff are working to prevent infection by frequent hand washing, gargles, and wearing face masks.

Sources: Jiji, Sankei

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The IHA seems to be reacting rapidly and implementing rather extensive measures to decrease traffic at the palace. I wonder if that is a consequence of the government perhaps becoming involved in its planning behind the scenes.

Interesting that the government is pondering reducing the guestlist for the crown prince's investiture, instead of postponing it. Wouldn't a postponement be simpler?

 

[Prisma]

Hmm... I'm thinking when the Crown Prince investiture could be if postponed...

If not April, then the ceremony has to be scheduled around UK state visit and spring garden party (if those events aren't cancelled or postponed). June is a possibility but government may wish to focus on the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics (if those events aren't cancelled or postponed). However, should the Olympics and Paralympics be cancelled/postponed due to coronavirus, I can't see the government holding the investiture instead.

It's not just the investiture and banquets. The Akishino couple's visits to Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture and several emperors' mausoleums in Kyoto and Tokyo need to be rescheduled as well.

If not June-August, then probably autumn would be the next opening.

 

[Lady Daly]

With so many events now cancelled and museums and other buildings being closed I'm surprised as well that they are not postponing Prince Akishino's investiture but currently only looking to reduce the size. But that could change.

It does appear that until the COVID-19 has been contained or at least better understood the IHA is doing their best to keep The Imperial Family and the people of Japan safe.

 

[Prisma]

The government sponsored memorial ceremony for 2011 disaster on March 11 has been cancelled. Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko were scheduled to attend.

Government calls off memorial service for 2011 disaster victims: The Asahi Shimbun

On March 6th, the IHA announced Inui Street will be closed this spring. [Sankei]

New applications for Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Shugakuin Imperial Villa guided tours will be suspended March 4-15. [kunaicho.go.jp]

Sankei Imperial Weekly #631 reported other cancellations or postponements.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako
- February 28: report from Japanese Red Cross Society President and Vice President (postponed)
- March 2: audience with recipients of Police Commissioner's award (cancelled)
- March 3-19: audiences with volunteer service corps (cancelled)

Akishino family
- March 2: Princess Kako, 53rd Japan Women Inventors Association Exhibition (cancelled)
- This week: 4 audiences with groups, including Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). The groups would have met the Crown Prince couple, Princess Mako or Princess Kako. (cancelled)

The Crown Prince couple and Princess Mako did meet Kazuhiro Fujimura, Japan's Ambassador to Cuba, on February 28.

Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha cancelled a sake workshop for adults scheduled on March 22 at Kasuga Taisha in Nara Prefecture. [shinyusha.or.jp]

 

[Prisma]

On March 20th, the Imperial family attended the Spring Equinox Festival at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Empress Masako arrived around 8am, an hour before Emperor Naruhito, to change clothes. It's her first court ritual at the Palace Sanctuaries since December and her first Spring Equinox Festival in 18 years, since 2002.

Princess Hisako also attended. She was discharged 3 days ago from the University of Tokyo Hospital for acute appendicitis.

news24.jp video shows the arrivals of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Kako, Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko.

There's no footage of Princesses Akiko and Yoko but they were scheduled to attend. [Asahi]

 

[Prisma]

On April 11th, the Imperial Palace Police announced a male officer in this 50s, an executive officer at Akasaka Estate’s escort station, was infected with the new coronavirus. He has not been in contact with the Emperor or any Imperial family member for a long time. The officer's colleagues and other IHA police have no symptoms.

The escort officer was transferred from Kyoto escort station on March 31. He developed a fever at his home in Tokyo on March 29 while preparing for the transfer. He was treated at home and although stable, his symptoms persisted so a PCR test was performed on April 9 and results confirmed on April 11.

Sources: Sankei, Mainichi

 

[Prisma]

No surprise... May 27 spring garden party is cancelled.

Imperial spring garden party canceled over coronavirus concerns - Mainichi

... The risk of infection can be higher as "guests from throughout the country would chat in close proximity as they eat and drink" at what could have been the first such party to be hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Kenji Ikeda, the vice grand steward, said at a press conference.

Around 2,000 guests usually attend the imperial garden party held in the spring and fall...

Japan to Cancel Imperial Garden Party due to Virus Scare | Nippon.com

... It will be the 10th time for a spring or autumn party to be canceled since the start of country's Heisei era in 1989, according to the agency. Reasons for the past cancellations included natural disasters, such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the death of an Imperial Family member...

 

[Prisma]

On June 16th, the Imperial family held memorial services for the 20th anniversary of Empress Kojun's death. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino couple, Mikasa and Takamado princesses attended the ritual at the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Princesses Mako and Kako were dispatched to Empress Kojun's tomb at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.

news24.jp reports the Imperial couple wore traditional clothes. The Empress entered the Imperial Palace around 8am, an hour before the Emperor.

Photos: Asahi, Getty Images, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

Longer video of the ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Empress Kojun's death at Musashi Imperial Graveyard on June 16.

Princesses Mako and Kako's arrival at 1:45, make a series of bows at 13:32, and departure at 15:45

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On June 16th, the Imperial family held memorial services for the 20th anniversary of Empress Kojun's death. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino couple, Mikasa and Takamado princesses attended the ritual at the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Princesses Mako and Kako were dispatched to Empress Kojun's tomb at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.

news24.jp reports the Imperial couple wore traditional clothes. The Empress entered the Imperial Palace around 8am, an hour before the Emperor.

Thanks!

What is the reason for selecting the Akishino princesses as the imperial family's representatives at the tomb? Did Empress Kojun's 20th death anniversary inspire any remembrances or discussions in the media or on social media? I have the impression that she is viewed as a less intriguing figure than her husband.


Here is a passage from an obituary written at the time of her death.

As royal marriages go, the union appeared to have been a success. After marriage, the westernised Hirohito dismissed his retinue of ladies in waiting. By making Nagako the only object of his affections, he was breaking with a lengthy tradition of royal promiscuity.

[...] Her first trip outside Japan was a royal visit to Europe in 1971. Though the couple met with angry protests against Hirohito's role in the war, Nagako later said it was "the most enjoyable experience of her life".

This is hardly surprising, for her life in Japan was extremely tightly regulated. [...]

But the household agency's information controls have its limits. Among the reports which have emanated from royal circles are that Nagako, known for her homely cherubic smile, was a despotic mother-in-law. In 1963, Empress Michiko, the daughter of a rich industrialist and the first commoner to marry into the imperial dynasty, reportedly had a nervous breakdown. The collapse, it is believed, was prompted by bullying by Nagako. Among the things with which Nagako apparently found fault were Michiko's failure to wear the right sort of clothes and the fact that she graduated from a Catholic college.

 

[Prisma]

I think Princesses Mako and Kako were sent because their parents used to attend Empress Kojun's memorial ceremony at Musashi Imperial Graveyard. Probably another example of transferring duties now that the Akishino couple are the Crown Prince couple.

There were tweets about Empress Kojun and major news stations covered the Imperial family's memorial ceremonies but I didn't notice additional or special coverage of the anniversary.

 

[Prisma]

On June 30th, Emperor Naruhito performed the semiannual purification ritual ceremony "Yoori" at the Take-no-Ma (audience room). He entered the Imperial Palace around 1:20pm.

Crown Prince Akishino attended the corresponding "Ooharai" ceremony to purify the people of Japan in front of the Shinkaden.

The "Yoori" and "Ooharai" rituals are held on June 30 and December 31. Although "Ooharai" participation was restricted to male Imperial family members, the custom was changed in June 2014 to allow female members due to the decreasing Imperial family. Princess Mako attended "Ooharai" in December 2014 as the first female participant since Princess Takamatsu attended in a special case in 1948. Princess Kako attended "Ooharai" in June 2019.

Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly 648

Emperor Naruhito entering the Imperial Palace.
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200703/prm2007030006-p1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200703/prm2007030006-p2.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200703/prm2007030006-p3.jpg

 

[Prisma]

On July 30th, the Imperial family attended memorial ceremonies at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries for the anniversary of Emperor Meiji's death. All participants wore face masks except the Emperor.

Empress Masako worshipped privately at Akasaka Imperial residence. Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended a small ceremony at Emperor Meiji's mausoleum at Fushimi Momoyamaryo, south of Kyoto.

Sources: Sankei Imperial Weekly 562, news24.jp (glimpse of Takamado princesses?)

Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince couple, and Princess Kako enter the Imperial Palace:
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200731/lif2007310001-p3.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200731/lif2007310001-p4.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200731/lif2007310001-p5.jpg

 

[Prisma]

Imperial garden party in fall canceled amid coronavirus upsurge - Kyodo News

The imperial garden party planned for the fall has been canceled to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus amid growing concern over a resurgence of infections, the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday. [...]

Emperor Naruhito's family, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko observed moments of silence on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6 at their respective residences.

Source: Sankei

 

[Prisma]

Imperial family cancels summer retreat | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...] Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko spend several days every summer at the Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shizuoka Prefecture, or the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture.

The Imperial Household Agency says the family decided to abstain from their summer retreat to avoid having people crowd along their travel route.

[...]

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also canceled their summer trip to Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, and elsewhere.

Besides crowds, Sankei mentions the large number of staff and security accompanying the Imperial family as a factor. Governors including Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike have asked residents to avoid traveling to other prefectures [Kyodo].

 

[Prisma]

On September 22nd, the Imperial family attended the Autumn Equinox Festival at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Getty Images, AP Images

List of main ritual ceremonies of the Imperial Palace - The Imperial Household Agency

Autumn Equinox Day
Shuuki-koreisai: Ceremony of ancestors that occurs on the Autumn equinox day at the Koreiden.
Shuuki-shindensai: Ceremony of thanks to the gods that occurs on the Autumn equinox day at the Shinden.

ETA: Mikasa and Takamado families were also scheduled to attend but no photos...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1307833083765256192

 

[Prisma]

Surprisingly, Sankei Imperial Weekly 660 provided photos of Takamado and Mikasa princesses arriving for the Autumn Equinox Festival. Yay!

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200925/lif2009250002-p6.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200925/lif2009250002-p7.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200925/lif2009250002-p8.jpg

 

[Prisma]

On October 17th, the Imperial family attended Kanname-sai at the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Empress Masako entered the Imperial Palace around 8am to change into traditional clothes and hair while Emperor Naruhito and the others arrived after 9am.

Kanname-sai: "In this ceremony held at Kashikodokoro, new crops are offered to the gods as thanks. In the morning, His Majesty the Emperor offers prayers of worship to Ise Shrine at the Shinkaden."

https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-about/kyuchu/saishi/saishi01.html

news24.jp video includes the Mikasa and Takamado princesses

AP Images

NNN screenshots












FNN only has Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Akishino family

In the afternoon of October 17th, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Kako, Prince Hitachi, Princess Nobuko, Princess Hisako, and Princess Tsuguko attended the funeral of former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa International Convention Center Pamir in Minato, Tokyo. Nakasone died November 29, 2019 at age 101. His taxpayer funded funeral was scheduled for March but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko did not attend. They sent messengers as per custom.

Imperial family pay their respects from 47:45

 

[Prisma]

8 Imperial family members attended former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone funeral on October 17 and a FNN article explains Nakasone's connection to the Hitachi, Mikasa, and Takamado branches.

- Prince Hitachi is president of Japan Art Association which hosts the Prince Takamatsu Memorial World Culture Award. Nakasone was an advisor for the award.
- Nakasone chaired the Japan Rose Society, whose honorary president is Princess Nobuko.
- As Prime Minister from 1982-1987, he was a member of the Imperial Household Council to approve the Takamado marriage in 1984.
- Nakasone's son Hirofumi, a member of the House of Councillors, is on the selection committee of the "Japan Through Diplomats' Eyes" annual photo competition where Princess Hisako is honorary president.
- In April 2013, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the "Cherry Blossom Charity Ball" commemorating the 60th anniversary of International Ladies Benevolent Society (ILBS). Nakasone's daughter-in-law Mariko (wife of Hirofumi) is chair of ILBS.
- Grandson Yasutaka Nakasone, a member of the House of Representatives, and Princess Tsuguko are close friends.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

8 Imperial family members attended former PM Yasuhiro Nakasone funeral on October 17 and a FNN article explains Nakasone's connection to the Hitachi, Mikasa, and Takamado branches.

- Prince Hitachi is president of Japan Art Association which hosts the Prince Takamatsu Memorial World Culture Award. Nakasone was an advisor for the award.
- Nakasone chaired the Japan Rose Society, whose honorary president is Princess Nobuko.
- As Prime Minister from 1982-1987, he was a member of the Imperial Household Council to approve the Takamado marriage in 1984.
- Nakasone's son Hirofumi, a member of the House of Councillors, is on the selection committee of the "Japan Through Diplomats' Eyes" annual photo competition where Princess Hisako is honorary president.
- In April 2013, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the "Cherry Blossom Charity Ball" commemorating the 60th anniversary of International Ladies Benevolent Society (ILBS). Nakasone's daughter-in-law Mariko (wife of Hirofumi) is chair of ILBS.
- Grandson Yasutaka Nakasone, a member of the House of Representatives, and Princess Tsuguko are close friends.

Fascinating! I've wondered whether decades of being politically sidelined in conjunction with the strictures placed on their daily lives might be impediments to having the type of close relationships with elite social networks which most other royal families around the world enjoy. So there apparently is opportunity to mingle, at the very least, via activities for their charitable engagements.

- As Prime Minister from 1982-1987, he was a member of the Imperial Household Council to approve the Takamado marriage in 1984.

I wonder if the legal requirement for the Imperial Household Council to consent to marriages of the princes has ever effectively blocked a marriage, or if family disapproval would be discouraging enough with or without it.

- Grandson Yasutaka Nakasone, a member of the House of Representatives, and Princess Tsuguko are close friends.

What are the public's thoughts concerning this friendship? In Norway there has been public critique of the Crown Prince's friendships with politicians, and the Japanese imperial family is expected to be even more apolitical than the Norwegian one.

 

[Prisma]

... What are the public's thoughts concerning this friendship? In Norway there has been public critique of the Crown Prince's friendships with politicians, and the Japanese imperial family is expected to be even more apolitical than the Norwegian one.

I haven't seen any comment about the Tsuguko's friendship with Yasutaka Nakasone. I suppose it's reasonable given the Nakasone family's various connections with the Imperial family, and especially Princess Hisako's wide network.

Yomiuri reports Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Mako of Akishino will attend a commemorative ceremony for the 130th anniversary of the establishment of Japan's National Diet on November 29 at the House of Councillors.

Interesting that Mako's going. A rare small group event.

 

[Prisma]

Not surprising... January 2, 2021 New Year general public greeting is cancelled.

Japan cancels emperor's New Year event due to virus spike - Kyodo News

... It is the first time the event has been called off since 1990, when the country was mourning the death the previous year of Emperor Hirohito, the grandfather of the current emperor...

NHK reported on November 16 that New Year receptions on January 1 may still go ahead with reduced number of attendees.

 

[Prisma]

On November 29th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Mako attended a ceremony marking the 130th anniversary of the National Diet at the House of Councillors in Tokyo.

AP Images, Asahi

Japan marks 130 years since opening of parliament | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...] The Emperor said Japan and other countries around the world are facing a difficult situation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He added that the Diet, as the highest organ of state power, has become increasingly important as it works to carry out its duty to achieve national prosperity and world peace.

The Emperor expressed hope that the body will live up to the people's trust and expectations while remembering efforts by predecessors.

[...]

The Japanese Communist Party did not attend, saying the event was centered around the emperor in a way that does not reflect the country's current political system.

Full ceremony:

 

[Prisma]

January 1, 2021 New Year receptions will be scaled down to 1/10th of attendees (~262) and 5 ceremonies instead of 6.

2020 New Year had 2,598 attendees.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei

 

[Countessmeout]

That still seems like a lot, both in number of people and events.

Its great they are keeping the traditions up, and not cancelling but even if its 1/10th thats still large numbers right now.

 

[Prisma]

I think the ~262 people will be split across the 5 ceremonies so between 50-60 people per event. Also, not everyone will show up. Crown Prince Akishino's "Reikkoshi-no-Rei" was reduced to 50 attendees but 46 actually attended.

The plan could be further reduced or cancelled depending on Japan's coronavirus situation.

 

[Prisma]

Coronavirus measures for New Year's Lectures (January 12) and New Year's Poetry Reading (January 15)

New Year's Lectures: reduced invited guests from 54 to 18, face masks, and social distancing

New Year's Poetry Reading: reduced invited guests from 101 to 5, face masks, social distancing, poetry readers will wear face shields, and acrylic plates will be installed

Source: Sankei