Crown Prince & Crown Princess Akishino Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -


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Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko finished their visit to Poland with a series of events in Warsaw on July 1st: tree planting at the Polish Academy of Sciences Powsin Botanical Garden, Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Hala Mirowska, farm of Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Multimedia Library for Children and Youth, and reception at the Japanese ambassador's residence.

Getty Images

 
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CP Kiko is adjusting really well on her new role. Lovely to see the Crown Princely couple outside of Japan.
 
Crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko arrived to Finland, to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. They will today visit the National Museum of Finland, Ateneum Art Museum as well as Helsinki Cathedral.
Japanin kruununprinssi Akishino, 53, ja kruununprinsessa Kiko, 52, saapuivat Helsinki-Vantaan lentoasemalle - Viihde - Ilta-Sanomat

They will visit the National Museum at 14.50. The visit to the National Museum will be shown live at this website.
Suora lähetys kello 14.50_ Japanin kruununprinssipari tutustuu Kansallismuseoon! - Kuninkaalliset - Ilta-Sanomat
 
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Video of the visit to the National Museum
Crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko were presented Akseli Gallén-Kallela's fresco "The Defence of the Sampo" from Kalevala at the Museum's ceiling, and told about the Kalevala mythology. Kalevala is a 19th-century work of epic poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Karelian and Finnish oral folklore and mythology. It is regarded as the national epic of Karelia and Finland and is one of the most significant works of Finnish literature.
The fresco:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe..._of_the_Sampo"_(musée_national,_Helsinki).jpg
The couple was also introduced to the maternity package and its history. The package presented to the couple dates back to 1993 and includes clothing and medical supplies.
The Maternity package is a kit granted by the Finnish social security institution Kela, to all expectant or adoptive parents who live in Finland or are covered by the Finnish social security system. The package contains children's clothes and other necessary items, such as nappies, bedding, cloth, gauze towels and child-care products. It was first issued in 1938 to parents with a low income. Since 1949 it has been given to all mothers-to-be.
The contents of the maternity package were of particular interest to Princess Kiko, who asked curiously about the various items found in the package and their intended use.
Of particular interest in the world has been the fact that many Finnish babies are sleeping their first months in the maternity box. Princess Kiko was also interested about this. She was surprised.
- Really? The princess was amazed.
Suomalainen erikoisuus häkellytti Japanin kruununprinssiparin – prinsessa Kiko henkäisi hämmästyksestä_ ”Todellako_” - Viihde - Ilta-Sanomat

Suomessa vieraileva Japanin kruununprinssi kohauttaa kotimaansa konservatiivisia piirejä – pani jo 90-luvulla kalafestarit Clintonin edelle _ Yle Uutiset _ yle.fi

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan Arrive in Finland – Will Explore the Country Till Friday _ Finland Today

The couple doesn't give interviews during their visit in Finland.
A short clip of their visit was shown at our main News some minutes ago. A few people were waiting for them in front of the National Museum. The media has told that since the schedule of the couple's visit isn't public, there won't be much people at the places to see them.

After the visit to the National Museum Akishino and Kiko visited Ateneum Art Museum, photo at Ateneum's Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AteneumArt...1562093763./10157406925582899/?type=3&theater

A group of japanese saw the crown princess of their country for the first time - from all places in Finland.
A group arriving from Japan, Chiba University to Helsinki toured the city on Tuesday until they had to rub their eyes at the Cathedral.
- A car went by and our crown princess waved from there, Taishi Masumitsu is astonished.
Masumitsu is traveling to the University of Riga for a conference with her study mates Taiga Mikam, Yuanyuan Hen and Professor Yoko Mizokam.
A couple of days of stopping in Helsinki offered the opportunity to see the crown prince couple for the first time.
- They're always speaking at the New Year in Tokyo, but we've only seen it on television. Besides, there is always a huge number of people here, so they can only be seen from very far away, Mizokami says.
- I read the news that they are here, but I still didn't think I could see them.
Seeing the royals was fun and it became a good Instagram video for friends, but it didn't cause any bigger feelings at the university group.
- The imperial family doesn't interest me, or other young people, Mikami says.
However, according to the group, the interest in the imperial family has recently risen in Japan, as the power was transferred historically last spring to the new ruler, Emperor Naruhito.
- We now have a new emperor, and people are interested in the change of regime, Mizokami says.
Japanilaiset matkailijat kiertelivät nähtävyyksiä Helsingissä, kun yhtäkkiä ohi lipui tärkeän näköinen auto_ ”Sieltä vilkutti meidän kruununprinsessa” - Ilta-Sanomat

A royal surprise by the Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, awaited some people.
Although the Crown Prince of Japan is not as familiar to the Finns as the western royals, it did not reduce the princess enthusiasm - on the contrary.
For the same reason, Mikko and Milla Manninen were on a hurry when they heard from the radio that the Crown Prince couple was on the National Museum. Juulia, 6, should see a real princess.
- Princesses are a big thing for us, the parents tell.
A big suprise waited Juulia and brother Eelis, 10, at the museum.
At the end of their visit, the crown prince couple walked around the museum shop, where the princess approached the siblings, shook hands and exchanged a few words with the children. Crown Princess Kiko opened the conversation with a classic finnish start of conversation
- The princess asked do I come here often, Eelis says.
The encounter was memorable, Eelis is enthusiastic.
- It was pretty exciting.
The only disappointment was the princess's clothes. Juulia was very keen on the crown and the princess dress, but she was wearing a suit.
- The princess was now working, so she had to have a working suit, Milla Manninen tells to her daughter.
Not one, but two waves from princess. It's enough to tell friends for a long time, 12-year-old Iida Holm thinks.
Iida looked with her mother Kirsi Holm downstairs from the National Museum to the second floor, when the princess looked straight to her from the balcony and waved at the girl. The same happened in the museum's shop.
The coincidence crowned the holiday of the family visiting Helsinki.
- Now this became a very memorable holiday, says Kirsi Holm.
Matilda, 11, Alisa, 9, and Katriina Liljelund, who followed the departure of the Crown Prince Couple from the National Museum, saw the royals waving too.
- They looked pretty ordinary. But beautiful.
- At least they felt royal when the press and the security guards were around them all the time, Matilda laughs.
At the Helsinki Cathedral, Laura Nieminen and her daughters Enna and Eini also saw a glimpse of the dignitaries.
The crown prince couple was not familiar yet, but Enna immediately recognized the Japanese flag flown in the car.
- It was nice because we haven't seen a princess before, the girls felt.
Juulia, 6, ja Eelis, 10, kokivat melkoisen yllätyksen museossa –Kuninkaalliset - Ilta-Sanomat
 
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Article from yesterday, a video of the crown prince couple at Helsinki Cathedral
Japanin kruununprinssipari tutustui Helsinkiin erikoisessa seurueessa

This morning the crown prince laid wreaths at the Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki, to a monument of an unknown Finnish soldier and to the grave of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, finnish military leader and statesman, the sixth president of Finland.
After the wreath laying, crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko travel to Naantali, to the president's summer residence Kultaranta. They will meet president Sauli Niinistö and mrs Jenni Haukio, have talks with them. The presidential couple hosts a lunch to the crown prince couple and then they will have a tour at the garden of Kultaranta. From Naantali the couple goes to Turku, they will tour Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral.

Videos and photos
The crown prince couple met president Sauli Niinistö and mrs Jenni Haukio in Kultaranta. Mrs Haukio wore a yellow lace dress, the crown princess wore white.
Rouva Jenni Haukio ja kruununprinsessa Kiko ihastuttivat raikkailla kesätyyleillään – lämmin kohtaaminen Kultarannassa - Kuninkaalliset - Ilta-Sanomat
Presidenttipari otti vastaan Japanin kruununprinssiparin Kultarannassa – Jenni Haukio hehkui keltaisessa mekossa

Twitter of the Office of the President

Video
The presidential couple and crown prince couple arrived to the garden by a gold car, president Niinistö was driving. They started their tour at the garden.
Japanin kruununprinssipari hurautti Kultarannan puutarhaan golfkärryllä – presidentti Niinistö ratissa - Kuninkaalliset - Ilta-Sanomat

About Kultaranta
Kultaranta - Presidentti

The Office of the President about the visit at its website with good photos
"We have a lot in common with Japan", President Niinistö said to the Crown Prince couple. The President stated that, compared to Japanese culture, the Finnish is younger, but similar thinking combines: “I take one example: trust and reliability. We were experiencing in the 90s when we had great financial difficulties that we were trusted in Japan. We are still grateful and proud of it. ”
“We both hold great value for literature. Your poetry and literature are well known in Finland. I think I'm also reading one Murakami book right now.”
“And then we are also joined by sports. We look forward to the Tokyo Olympics and the older of us, like me, still remember the 1964 Olympic Games”, the President said. "I hope you enjoy your stay in Finland."
Crown Prince Akishino thanked in his greetings for the invitation to visit, which is related to the centenary of the diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan this year.
"In recent years, the distance between our two countries has been further reduced by increased flight routes, in addition to which there is a culture in addition to active cooperation, such as technology, the environment and the field of design, for which I am greatly pleased", the crown prince said.
"I sincerely hope that our countries' people's contacts will develop and our friendship will deepen for the next 100 years."
Japanin kruununprinssipari vieraili Kultarannassa - Presidentti

When arrived from Naantali to Turku, the crown prince couple visited Turku Cathedral, here arriving:
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The City of Turku about the visit
Japanin kruununprinssipari saapui Turkuun vierailulle _ Turku.fi

Arriving to Turku Castle
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In the evening the ambassador of Japan to Finland hosted a reception, in honor of the 100 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. The finnish government was represented by Pekka Haavisto, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Japanin prinsessa Kiko hurmasi valkoisessa kimonossa – ulkoministeri Pekka Haavisto otti kruununprinssiparin juhlallisesti vastaan suurlähetystössä - Viihde - Ilta-Sanomat
 
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Japan crown prince says Poland visit made him hopeful about future - Kyodo News+
Crown Prince Fumihito said Monday evening in Warsaw his visit to Poland made him aware of its strong bond with Japan, and that he has high hopes for the future of the two countries which are celebrating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The crown prince and Crown Princess Kiko, on their first official visit to the country, took part in a commemorative reception at the Japanese ambassador's residence in the Polish capital along with people who have devoted themselves to the development of bilateral relations.

[...]
Some videos from Japanese media for July 2-3 activities in Finland
 
About the reception at the ambassador's residence
The Japanese national anthem Kimi ga yo was presented first. When the song was played, the crown prince couple was clearly moved.
After that, crown prince Akishino held a brief but beautifully respectful speech to the audience.
In his speech, Akishino thanked Finland and Japan for their cooperation that had lasted for a hundred years.
- Today, we have people with us who have helped to deepen our relations with the earth. There are experts from various fields, such as economics, politics and environmental experts. I would like to pay tribute to you, Akishino first said.
In particular, the Crown Prince thanked the President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio about the way they were received earlier in the day at the President's summer residence in Naantali.
- Today, President Niinistö and his spouse received us at Kultaranta, which was full of summer fragrance, crown prince Akishino said through the interpreter.
The Crown Prince said that during his visit to Kultaranta, he paid attention to the way the nature and others living around you are respected in Finland.
- I felt strongly that Finland respects nature and always puts others first. It's the same in Japan, he said.
- Finally, I would like to wish the Minister for Foreign Affairs Haavisto and all the others all the best. I would like the relationship of our countries to be bright and brilliant, such as the Finnish summer sun.
Japanin kruununprinssi vaikuttui syvästi presidentti Niinistön luona – pisti merkille samankaltaisuuden Suomen ja Japanin kulttuureissa - Ilta-Sanomat

On Thursday morning Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the National Archives of Finland to view documents of early diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. They were presented the original documents on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. The event was hosted by Jussi Nuorteva, Director General of the National Archives and Päivi Happonen, Research Director. Japan recognized Finland's independence on May 23, 1919.
In addition to the exhibition on relations between Finland and Japan, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess visited the exhibition of princess Takamado's bird photos and an exhibition on the history of the Finnish Orders of State. Special attention was given to the Grand Cross of the Order of the Chrysanthemum President Mauno Koivisto received on a state visit to Japan in 1986 from Emperor Hirohito and the signed photographs given to him by the members of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Japanin kruununprinssipari tutustui Japanin ja Suomen diplomaattisuhteiden solmimisesta kertoviin alkuperäisiin asiakirjoihin Kansallisarkistossa - Kansallisarkisto
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-nIEOUXsAEovds.jpg

Crown Prince Akishino clearly enjoyed his visit to the Fallkulla Domestic Animal farm.
Crown Prince Akishino got today to visit a favorite destination for him, the Fallkulla farm.
The Japanese Imperial family is known to be particularly interested in biology and animals, and it is also a great passion for Crown Prince Akishino.
Crown Prince Akishino's visit to Fallkulla attracted a lot of curiosity in the families with children present.
The Prince was enthusiastic to get to know the inhabitants of the farm. He listened attentively when he was told about the different sheep and cows, and Akishino was not content with merely the role of the listener. He asked a lot of questions about animals and surprised by digging his pocket and taking out a pen, notebook and a camera.
One of the prince's particular interests were the Finnish Landrace Chickens, and Akishino really wasn't afraid to step into the fencing of the chickens.
The Prince immediately dug up his notebook and wrote down the information he got. Akishino also made sure to get the best possible pictures of the chickens and took out his Nikon system camera. The prince zoomed in with his camera and took photos of the chickens.
Japanin kruununprinssi Akishino villiintyi kotieläintilalla – tempaisi kanatarhauksessa taskustaan todellisen yllätyksen - Ilta-Sanomat
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Japanin kruununprinssi innostui odottamattomalla tavalla Falkullan eläintilalla
Katso video_ Japanin kruununprinssi tutkaili lehmiä helsinkiläisellä kotieläintilalla – kävi myös sisällä _lempieläintensä_ häkissä - MTVuutiset.fi
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfOHELA0xf/

Crown princess Kiko visited the new Oodi Central Library in Helsinki. She talked with the children for a long time, among others about children's hobbies and reading. Photos from Oodi's Facebook.
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In the afternoon crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko visited the Iso Omena Maternity Clinic to learn about Finland’s maternity and child healthcare services.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzf4OM5pUqZ/
Photos from Iso Omena Facebook
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Japan's Crown Prince Akishino visits Espoo

Later the couple visited Fiskars Village.
https://doeho6k8shw5z.cloudfront.ne...function=hardcrop&width=1600&height=1067&q=80
Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and his wife visit a furniture workshop during their Finland tour* _ Daily Mail Online

Video from arrival to Turku Cathedral. People who own japanese dogs, came to greet Akishino and Kiko.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzftAsRnscV/
 
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With Pia Pakarinen, the Deputy Mayor of Helsinki
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Deputy Mayor Pia Pakarinen tells at her Instagram, that she had the honor to introduce Helsinki Old Market Hall and Market Square to the crown prince and crown princess.

Crown prince Akishino visited the Market Square in Helsinki
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The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs tells that about 20 journalists and photographers travelled with crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko, and about 40 representatives of the finnish media followed the visit. They publish a gallery which shows also how it looks at the coulisses.
Japanin kruununprinssiparin vierailu 2.7.-5.7.2019 _ Facebook

Crown prince Akishino and crown princess Kiko visited on their last day Ainola in Järvenpää. This is the third time that Jean and Aino Sibelius's home museum is visited by members of the imperial family of Japan.
“The Crown Prince couple's visit went very well and the couple was really happy with their visit”, says Museum Director Julia Donner.
In Ainola, Akishino and Kiko got to the concert of Japanese pianist Izumi Tateno. The 45 minutes long concert included compositions of Sibelius.
After the concert, guests moved upstairs to listen to the kantele.
“They had given a wish that they would like to hear the voice of kantele. We had two young kantele players who performed the song "Tuoll on mun kultani" with concert kanteles. The Crown Princess couple was very impressed and moved by the performance”, Donner says.
The couple enjoyed the performance so much that they asked kantele players to play the song twice.
"For them, the live music, both the playing of the kantele and the concert, was very important."
Donner also introduced to the Crown Prince couple the Kalevala in japanese donated to Sibelius in 1937 and the Kalevala Society's kantele playing guide.
The information about crown prince couple's visit to Ainola arrived in early May. It is not new to the museum to endure the imperial family of Japan, because Akishino's father was able to visit Ainola twice in two different roles.
Akihito has visited Ainola twice. The first time he and his spouse Michiko visited Ainola in 1985, when Akihito was still a crown prince. Akihito became Emperor four years later, and he visited Ainola as an emperor with his spouse in 2000.
What in Ainola draws the imperial family of Japan?
Julia Donner thinks that the reason is a general interest in Finnish culture. During his visit to Finland, the Crown Prince couple has already become acquainted with Finnish nature, health care and library facilities. The couple also have a very close relationship with music, says Donner.
"I also think it has an effect that the family has apparently good memories of past visits."
Japanin keisarillinen perhe hurahti Sibeliuksen kotiin_ Kruununprinssi vieraili Ainolassa ensimmäistä kertaa, keisari-isä kävi kahdesti - Järvenpää _ HS.fi

About kantele
Kantele - Wikipedia
 
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Japan's Crown Prince, Crown Princess Enjoy Concert in Finland | Nippon.com
[...] Earlier on Friday, the couple went to Seurasaari, an island in Helsinki, and viewed a traditional local house there.

After visiting Jarvenpaa, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended a luncheon hosted by Finnish Minister of Science and Culture Annika Saarikko in Tuusula, also near Helsinki. In a speech, the Crown Prince said he hopes that the friendship between Japan and Finland will grow stronger and last forever.
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko returned to Japan on the morning of July 6th and they were greeted by Polish and Finnish Ambassadors at Akasaka East residence.

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https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0031956283.jpg

ETA: In Photos: Japanese Crown Prince and Princess in Finland - The Mainichi

Videos of July 4-6 activities
 
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Crown Princess Kiko will visit Ishikawa Prefecture July 10-11 for the 55th Blood Donation Promotion National Convention held in the prefectural music hall in Kanazawa.

July 10: arrive at Komatsu Airport, receive briefing from governor at Hotel Binario Komatsu Centre, visit Kutani ceramics training center in Nomi, visit the prefectural cultural asset preservation and restoration studio in Kanazawa, stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa
July 11: visit Red Cross blood center, attend Blood Donation Promotion National Convention, return to Tokyo via Shinkansen

The blood donation promotion national convention was one of Emperor Naruhito's annual duties as crown prince (accompanied by Masako when able) and has been transferred to Crown Princess Kiko.

Source: hokkoku.co.jp
A few photos of Princess Kiko in Ishikawa Prefecture on July 10:
https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/images/E20190710001_1main.jpg
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On July 11th, Crown Princess Kiko attended 55th Blood Donation Promotion National Convention held in the prefectural music hall in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Before the ceremony, she visited local students' blood donation promotion activities.

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Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito attended the International Cartographic Conference in Tokyo today, July 15:



** belga gallery **
 
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Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Miho no Matsubara Culture & Creativity Centre in Shizuoka today, July 17:



** ap gallery **
 
Videos of the Crown Prince couple at the 29th International Cartographic Conference on July 15th. Prince Hisahito joined them at the exhibition later.
 
Japan's 2 imperial heirs to fly on separate planes to Bhutan - Kyodo News+
Japan's two imperial heirs will fly on separate planes to their vacation spot in Bhutan in August after Emperor Naruhito's enthronement in May put the crown prince and his son first and second in line to the throne, respectively, Imperial Household Agency sources said Wednesday.

[...]

With the crown prince's son Prince Hisahito now second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the agency will have them fly on separate commercial planes as a precautionary measure to protect the imperial lineage should anything happen to one of the aircraft, the sources said.

[...]

Crown Prince Fumihito will fly solo and Prince Hisahito will travel with his mother Princess Kiko, according to the sources. Their flights out of Japan will be staggered by a few hours but the family will be together at connections and their destinations in Bhutan, they said.

[...]
ETA: the CP couple in Shizuoka Prefecture on July 17
 
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Given that the IHA is instituting precautions against the extremely low odds of a plane accident out of concern for the "imperial lineage", I can imagine Prince Hisahito will be protected and restricted even by the standards of the imperial family. Certain sports may be forbidden to him, for example.

About the reception at the ambassador's residence (..)

Thank you for the translations. The Crown Prince seems to have made a wonderful impression in Finland.
 
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On July 22nd, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the "100 years of Japanese Tableware – Okuratouen" exhibition at Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya, Tokyo. The Imperial family uses china produced by Okuratouen (aka Okura Art China).

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190722/lif1907220006-p1.jpg

Mainichi
[...] Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on Monday visited the Shoto Museum of Art in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward to view a special exhibit celebrating 100 years of Japanese tableware by Okura Art China Inc.

World-class chinaware produced by the Yokohama-based Japanese manufacturer is used by former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko -- the parents of the emperor and the crown prince.

The current exhibition through Saturday includes a tableware set with the same design as the one used by Emperor Naruhito during his "hashizome" ceremony performed when a baby starts to eat solid food.

"It's simple yet nice," the crown prince said of a plate featuring a flower of the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture that was made to celebrate the birthdays of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun [...]
 
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Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko were in Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture today, July 29, and attended the national inter-high school fencing championships:


** belga gallery ** belga gallery 2 **
 
Videos and info about Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko's July 26-29 visit to Kagoshima and Saga Prefectures.

Getty Images

July 26: arrive in Kagoshima, watched dance performance, and met students participating in Inter-High School General Sports Championships
July 27: attend opening ceremony of the Inter-High School General Sports Championships* in the morning, then travel to Saga Prefecture for the 43rd National High School Culture Festival opening ceremony and parade
July 28: attend performance by special needs students, visit vocational school, attend a tea ceremony, and view a natural science display in Saga before returning to Kagoshima for an Inter-High School basketball game.
July 29: attend an Inter-High School fencing competition before returning to Tokyo.

* Inter-High School General Sports Championships is transferred Emperor Naruhito.
 
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Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prince Hisahito met elementary and junior high school student reporters from Okinawa and Hokkaido on July 31st at Akasaka East Residence. They spoke to some 60 students divided into 5 groups for about 40 minutes.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko began meeting student reporters from Okinawa and Hokkaido in 1962. Later, the duty was transferred to then-Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako sometimes accompanied by Princess Aiko. Now, the new Crown Prince couple have inherited this activity.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei
 
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On August 16th, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prince Hisahito departed for their private 10-day trip to Bhutan. Father and son traveled on separate flights due to succession concerns.

Photos: Mainichi, AP Images, Getty Images

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Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito's family leaves for Bhutan - Kyodo News+
[...] The family will arrive in Bhutan on Saturday via Thailand and meet Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck over lunch on Monday in the capital Thimphu.

It will be the first overseas trip for the 12-year-old Prince Hisahito, who is currently on summer holiday from his junior high school.

The family will watch a demonstration of archery, Bhutan's national sport, on Tuesday. Visits to temples and museums are also scheduled during their stay before they return on Aug. 25.

[...]
 
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On August 17th, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prince Hisahito arrived in Bhutan and were welcomed by members of Bhutan's royal family at Paro International Airport.

ETA: After arrival, the family met 15 people from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and visited the National Museum of Bhutan.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images, Getty Images

Japan's 12-year-old prince starts 1st overseas trip in Bhutan - Kyodo News+
Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their 12-year-old son Prince Hisahito arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a private family trip.

[...]

The three arrived in the South Asian country via Thailand, receiving a welcome from members of the Bhutanese royal family at Paro airport.

The family will meet Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck over lunch on Monday in the capital Thimphu, according to the Japanese Imperial Household Agency.

They will watch a demonstration of archery, Bhutan's national sport, on Tuesday. Visits to temples and museums are also scheduled during their stay before they return on Aug. 25.

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Prince Hisahito arrives in Bhutan on his first overseas trip: The Asahi Shimbun
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Hisahito is the only male member of the imperial family of his generation. His parents have taken him on various domestic trips and a family aide said, "They feel that his views toward Japan will change once he has experienced various foreign nations."

Imperial family members traditionally have made visits overseas before they reached adulthood.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito first went abroad when he was 19, but his son, Emperor Naruhito, visited Australia when he was in his third year of Gakushuin Boys' Junior High School in Tokyo. Fumihito also visited New Zealand in his third year at the same junior high school.

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Imperial Household Agency officials said Hisahito's first foreign trip came about as a result of an informal invitation from the Bhutanese royal family.

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