The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

Princess Nobuko's speech was delivered on her behalf by the Chairman of the National Agriculture Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the 25th National Agricultural Leaders Summit in Tokyo on February 28, 2024. She did not attend due to radiation treatment January 23-February 27 following breast cancer surgery.

Speech, photos: nca.or.jp (PDF)

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Princess Nobuko visited Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris on February 11, 2020 during her February 6-14 visit to France to attend the Judo Grand Slam Paris. She toured the tea room, library and exhibitions including "Transsphere #7 Yuya Tsukahara + Contact Gonzo: watching you surf on beautiful accidents" and "Colors of the Tale of Genji: The seasonal attire of Japanese princesses."

Photos: jpf.go.jp (PDF)

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Princess Akiko visited Tochigi Prefecture September 6th-7th:

On September 6th, Princess Akiko attended the opening ceremony of the 78th Tochigi National
Recreational Tournament at the Light Cube Utsunomiya, in Utsunomiya.

This tournament is sponsored by the Japan Recreation Association. This is the second time in 71 years that the tournament has been held in the Prefecture, the first time in 1953, and will be attended by about 10,000 people from inside and outside the prefecture.

Sources/photos: Shimotsuke, Facebook

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On September 3rd, Princess Akiko attended the 4th Classics Day Culture Fund Award ceremony at the Kyoto Concert Hall, in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.

Princess Akiko delivered a speech at the ceremony: "When we come into contact with the classics, we are also exposed to the thoughts of our predecessors and the history we have experienced". The Princess is Honorary President of the Classics Day Prize Committee.

Source/video: NHK

 

[Prisma]

Princess Yohko, along with drivers, signed the back of artwork "Untitled [Red Bull Racing]" for City Circuit Tokyo Bay Auction July 26-28.

Photo: Facebook BINGOInternational

[...]

Red Bull Japan reported this artwork was sold for 3.6 million yen and, excluding operating costs, will be donated to Wings for Life World Run, which supports research into a cure for spinal cord injury. The auction was titled "Back Wall Project presents Wings for Life World Run Charity Auction."

"Back Wall Project" is a new initiative that started with the theme of "creating a more beautiful world." Princess Yohko was the initiator of the project, and the artwork was created in collaboration with contemporary artist Shinsuke Ikeuchi and Red Bull. F1 parts are used in the artwork. The artwork was created and finished in the Red Bull VIP lounge set up at Suzuka Circuit during this year's Japanese Grand Prix.

Going forward, donations from the "Back Wall Project presents Wings for Life World Run" will be converted into vouchers, which will be used to encourage more people to participate in the Wings for Life World Run and raise awareness of the event. The next Wings for Life World Run is scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, and entries are currently being accepted.

Photos, source: formula-web.jp, Mainichi

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On September 9th, Princess Yuriko returned to the general ward from the intensive care unit of St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo. She was diagnosed with mild pneumonia on August 16 and admitted to the ICU as a precaution. Her condition improved by August 24. The 101-year-old princess remains on IV drip for nutrients and hydration but is able to sit in bed and communicate by nodding, etc. The IHA describes her condition is "generally stable."

Jiji reports "There is no prospect of her being discharged from hospital."

Sources: NTV, FNN

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On September 3rd, Princess Nobuko attended the 2024 (Reiwa 6) National Police Judo Championships and the National Police Kendo Championships at the Nippon Budokan, in Tokyo.

She is visible for a while from about minute 4:40 of the video.

 

[iceflower]

Princess Akiko attended the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Final between Fiji and Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Osaka today, September 21:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Thanks! More photos of Princess Akiko at the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Final on September 21st at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1837448418911752452

https://twitter.com/x/status/1837387428535193663

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Princess Yōko and Back Wall Project were in Osaka Prefecture (today?) to see where they could hold a new "Back Wall Project event".

I'm happy that Princess Yōko is carrying on Back Wall Project, because it's a way for her to do what she loves.

Screenshots from the Instagram stories of the official profile:




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On September 14th, Princess Yōko attended the "Inclusive Design Ideathon 2024 presentation" at Shibaura Institute of Technology Toyosu Campus in Koto, Tokyo. The Princess is Honorary Advisor of the Inclusive Design Network.

I was hoping for photos, but still nothing.

Source: Asahi Imperial Schedule September 9th-15th (copied at blog.goo.ne.jp)

 

[Prisma]

Some photos of Princess Akiko's appearance on "Tetsuko's Room," which broadcast on September 16: news.mynavi.jp

Prince Tomohito appeared on "Tetsuko's Room" twice. He also introduced Princess Akiko's compositions from her childhood. When Princess Akiko heard his thoughts about herself on the video from that time, tears welled up in her eyes. She said that she currently lives in Kyoto for work, but that the tranquil flow of time there suits her very well.

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On September 18th, Princess Akiko attended the 59th Cherry Blossom Festival Central Convention, commemorating of its 60th establishment anniversary, at Hotel New Otani in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Distant photos: Facebook Rie Kamoshida, Facebook wakamatsukaneshige

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Princess Akiko will give a special course/lecture entitled "Passing on Japanese beauty, spirit and tradition to the future" at NHK Culture's Kyoto Classroom on November 3. The course is already fully booked.

Source: NHK

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More tweets of Princess Akiko at the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 Final Series on September 21. Besides the Final match between Japan and Fiji, she also attended the 3rd Place match between Samoa and USA.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1837517297050857883

https://twitter.com/x/status/1837432461464133798

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More photos of Princess Yohko's visit to California, USA in August.

Wendywangla bought an art piece. Facebook Reel

Wendy Wang on Instagram: "I acquired a piece of art that I truly love at this art exhibition. The event was held at Li Xinghua Jade City, and it became even more extraordinary with the arrival of Princess Yohko from the Japanese royal family. Her pre

13 likes, 0 comments - wendywangla on September 13, 2024: "I acquired a piece of art that I truly love at this art exhibition. The event was held at Li Xinghua Jade City, and it became even more extraordinary with the arrival of Princess Yohko from the Japanese royal family. Her presence...

www.instagram.com

I acquired a piece of art that I truly love at this art exhibition. The event was held at Li Xinghua Jade City, and it became even more extraordinary with the arrival of Princess Yohko from the Japanese royal family. Her presence instantly turned the entire event into a highlight of artistic and cultural convergence.

Li Xinghua Jade City has long been known for its exquisite jade and precious art collections. At this exhibition, collectors from around the world gathered to bid on these masterfully crafted art treasures. The arrival of Princess Yohko brought a strong royal atmosphere to the event. She is not only a representative of the Japanese royal family but also an art enthusiast and connoisseur.

[...] After the auction, Princess Yohko graciously signed the piece I had purchased as a keepsake. Her elegance and warmth left a deep impression, and her autograph added immeasurable value to this piece. Having such a special memento makes my experience at this art event incredibly precious.

This auction was not merely a transaction of artworks; it was also a platform for cultural and emotional exchange. The presence of Princess Yohko gave the event even greater significance. Her signature added more stories and context to my art collection and provided endless inspiration for my future journey in collecting.

 

[Prisma]

From September 30 to October 1st, Princess Akiko visited Emperor Jimmu's Mausoleum in Kyoto and Emperor Itoku's Mausoleum in Nara for its 2500th enshrinement anniversary.