Crown Prince Naruhito Current Events Part 2: January 2018 - April 2019

[iceflower]

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Welcome to Part 2 of the thread for the Current Events of Crown Prince Naruhito!

The old thread can be found here:

** Crown Prince Naruhito Current Events Part 1: July 2005 - December 2017 **



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[Prisma]

IHA added photos to some of CP Naruhito's solo events in 2017 Q3 and Q4.

August 7: Audience with the Prime Minister of Cambodia

October 10: Japan's team to the 44th Technical Olympics International Conference

October 31: Longevity members

November 16: 50th National Juvenile Leading Employee Workshop

November 17: Audience with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

November 24: Audience with the UN Secretary-General's special envoy on disaster reduction and water

November 27: Audience with recipients of the 39th Encouragement Award on maternal and child health

 

[Prisma]

On February 15th, CP Naruhito had an audience with primary school principals who are attending the National Association Elementary School General Council.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly #526

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito turns 58 on February 23rd.

Photos: Sankei, Mainichi (includes IHA provided video), Asahi, Mainichi 2 gallery

They are looking at lunar eclipse photos taken by the Crown Prince on January 31st.

Full press conference Asahi (Google translation)

Crown Prince turns 58, vows "self-improvement" ahead of accession - The Mainichi

Crown Prince Naruhito, on the occasion of his 58th birthday on Friday, vowed to "pursue self-improvement" ahead of his accession to the Chrysanthemum throne on May 1, 2019.

Speaking about the emperor's constitutional role as symbol of the state in the upcoming new era, the crown prince said, "I think...what people expect in official duties will change according to social changes and it would be important to respond to new demands."

"I would like to sincerely perform official duties accordingly," he said at a press conference held prior to his birthday, marking the first occasion for him to speak his thoughts in public since the setting last December of his father Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30 next year and his accession on the following day.

[…]

Crown Prince Naruhito said he believes it would be essential to "stand by the people, listen to their voices, and be close to them in their thoughts," the same phrase the emperor used in the video message in describing his thoughts on his first and foremost duty as an emperor.

[…]

The crown prince said it would be important for him to "continue to look for" a desirable role for the emperor as the symbol of the state while "sharing joys and sorrows with the people and wishing their happiness" and "contemplating" what is stipulated in the Constitution.

He also expressed his desire to have opportunities to interact with citizens as often as possible.

[…]

About his wife, the crown prince said, "I think she will continue to make efforts toward a recovery while taking heed of her health condition," adding, "As for public activities, I want her to build up efforts, performing what she can one by one."

Asked about concerns over the possible dual authority after his accession to the throne, the crown prince said, "It would be natural that the emperor and empress continue to be beloved by many citizens," citing their past sincere approach toward their duties.

[…]

On recent developments, the crown prince said he was amazed by Japanese athletes' performances in the Pyeongchang Olympic Games.

Referring to men's figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu and women's 500-meter speed skating winner Nao Kodaira, the crown prince said, "I could see their deep friendship beyond borders as I watched them express their admiration for each other with long-acquainted overseas athletes."

[…]

ETA: adding more Asahi and Mainichi photos

 

[Prisma]

Another gallery at Paris Match Le prince Naruhito fête ses 58 ans en famille

Getty Images of February 21st press conference and CP Naruhito visiting Imperial Palace for the customary birthday greetings to the Emperor and Empress on February 23rd.


CP Naruhito will travel to Brazil March 16-22 to attend the 8th World Water Forum held in Brasilia. On the way, he will visit schools in Miami, USA on the 17th and the Agriculture Research Center on the outskirts of Brasilia on the 18th. The Crown Prince will speak at the forum's opening ceremony on the 19th and give a keynote address at the "water and disaster" session. A luncheon hosted by Brazilian President Temer and meeting with Japanese immigrants are also scheduled.
Sources: Asahi, Mainichi

NHK reports CP Naruhito is expected to visit 6 prefectures and more than 10 districts this year for annual events and ceremonies. An official visit to France is under consideration to celebrate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan around autumn.


Crown Prince reaffirms responsibility as state symbol, wishes to change with times - The Mainichi

[...]

According to the Imperial Household Agency, both Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako are learning about social issues of interest to them from experts and are working to build their understanding of conditions both domestically and internationally.

In January, in order to become more knowledgeable about the volunteer activities of probation officers supporting juvenile offenders, the couple learned about the current conditions and issues facing the offender rehabilitation system from the head of the Ministry of Justice Rehabilitation Bureau. In February, they also reportedly listened to a lecture about issues regarding the realization of a sustainable society and other information given by the director-general for Global Issues of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[...]

Crown Prince Naruhito turns 58, speaks of challenges ahead: The Asahi Shimbun

[...] he emphasized that “it is essential to make opportunities to mingle with a lot of people as much as possible,” and expressed his willingness to continue visiting disaster-struck areas with his wife, Crown Princess Masako.

He added that while continuing long-standing traditions, it is another “responsibility of today’s imperial family” to explore duties that reflects society’s evolution.

He also expressed his interest in possible engagements in water and environmental issues that he has been involved with, as well as in promotions of cultural exchanges and friendly international relations.

[...]

Yuji Otabe, professor of Japanese modern history at Shizuoka University of Welfare, analyzed that Naruhito could be thinking to “let the imperial family and Japanese people nurture the idea of ‘emperor as a symbol of the state’ together, through sincere exchanges with the people as individuals.”

On the other hand, Yohei Mori, professor of media history at Seijo University who studies the relationship between the general population and the imperial system, pointed out that what Naruhito is currently thinking remains unclear and vague to the public.

“To build a relationship with the public, he will be required to improve the way he sends out messages to Japanese people and present what he is thinking clearly,” said Mori.

 

[Prisma]

On February 27th, CP Naruhito had his first audience with emergency relief participants at the Togu Palace. This activity with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) was passed down from the Emperor in May 2016.

Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly #528

 

[Prisma]

On February 7th, CP Naruhito received in audience Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan.

Crown Prince Naruhito praises Kazakhstan's forward-looking economic policy

[...]

During the conversation Prince Naruhito warmly recalled his personal meeting with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev during his first official visit to Japan in April 1994. The future Emperor gave a high appraisal to the results of the visit of the Head of State to Japan in 2016 [...]

The Kazakh Ambassador told Crown Prince Naruhito about the main items of the State-of-the-Nation Address of Nursultan Nazarbayev "New Opportunities of Development Amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution". Speaking about Kazakhstan's course to economic diversification and the decision to cease relying on raw resources, the Japanese Crown Prince said such policy was a forward-looking one.

[...]

The Kazakhstan diplomat also told about the results of the international exhibition EXPO-2017 in Astana and the achievements of Kazakhstan in the fields of education, culture and sport. Crown Prince Naruhito expressed interest in the experience of 20-year development of Astana and the activity of Nazarbayev University.

 

[Prisma]

On March 8th, CP Naruhito visited the special exhibition "Treasures from Ninnaji Temple and Omuro" at Tokyo National Museum.
Photo:

https://twitter.com/x/status/971860691643748352

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM - Exhibitions Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Treasures from Ninnaji Temple and Omuro

Emperor Koko initiated construction of Ninnaji, head temple of the Shingon Sect Omuro School, in 886 (Ninna 2). Upon his death, Emperor Uda carried out his predecessor′s will, completing the project in 888 (Ninna 4). Having maintained its deep ties with the successive generations of emperors since that time, Ninnaji has been endowed with an exceptional collection of temple treasures.

[..] The sculptures are by the most accomplished atelier of the day, and the National Treasure Letter in the hand of Emperor Takakura conveys the temple′s deep connections to the imperial court. [...]

This exhibition presents an unprecedented once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the famed treasures of Ninnaji, including the recently restored National Treasure Sanjujo sasshi (Thirty Volumes of Esoteric Scripture) along with various Omuro School temple treasures presented all together under one roof.

[...]

 

[iceflower]

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Today, March 16, Crown Prince Naruhito was pictured at Narita airport near Tokyo on his way to Brazil to attend the World Water Forum:


** belga gallery **

 

[Prisma]

This could be the last World Water Forum for CP Naruhito. After he becomes emperor, foreign visits will be based on international goodwill. In January, CP Naruhito invited Toshio Koike, International Director of Water Disaster and Risk Management, to Togu Palace to discuss climate change and the mechanism of heavy rain. Stakeholders are also paying close attention to CP Naruhito's keynote address for clues on his reign. [Mainichi]

Japan's crown prince leaves for Brazil to attend water forum - The Mainichi

[…]

The eldest son of Emperor Akihito left from Narita airport and is expected to arrive in Brasilia on Sunday morning after transiting in Miami in the United States.

The 58-year-old prince will visit a local agricultural research facility and meet with Brazilians of Japanese descent in the country on the day he arrives.

He is scheduled to give an address in English at the opening ceremony of the Eighth World Water Forum on Monday and deliver a keynote speech there.

During what the Imperial Household Agency views as a personal trip, the crown prince is also expected to have lunch with Brazilian President Michel Temer. He will leave Brasilia on Tuesday to return to Tokyo on Thursday.

[…]

Send off photos: Sankei, Getty Images

 

[Prisma]

On March 17th, CP Naruhito visited a Japanese supplementary school in Miami, USA. About 100 students from kindergarten to junior high are enrolled and take Saturday classes where they use the same textbooks as Japan. He also visited a botanical garden and research center before continuing to Brazil.
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026552793.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026552787.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026552784.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026552776.jpg
Source: Jiji

On March 13th, CP Naruhito had discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Water Transport to prepare for the conference . He visited the Emperor and Empress on the 14th and the Imperial Palace’s Three Palace Sanctuaries on the 15th to report his overseas trip.
Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly

ETA: more photos at Asahi

Crown prince visits Miami school for Japanese kids - The Japan News

[...] The crown prince visited the school when a thank-you party hosted by children who just graduated was going on.

He asked them, “What do you remember most?”

The crown prince moved to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in the same city to see tropical plants and butterflies. [...]

 

[eya]

Crown Prince Naruhito and the President of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) Mauricio Lopes, make a visit to the EMBRAPA Cerrados research center in Brasilia, on March 18


Belga Image

 

[iceflower]

Here's another gallery of today:


** rex gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Japan Prince Naruhito sees Embrapa coffee, soybean and sugar cane plantations | Agência Brasil

[…] Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito found time in his schedule to visit Embrapa Cerrados, some 35 km from the center of Brasília, to watch the projects under development. The visit was a personal request of the prince himself, who had been in the place in 1982. Today, accompanied by Embrapa President Maurício Lopes, he paid a visit to the company’s coffee, soybean, and sugar cane plantations.

“He was really impressed to see robusta coffee in the cerrado. Brazil is widely known as a producer of arabica, but coffee has become increasingly prominent in the country. It’s important as instant coffee, and has high quality and value in the market,” Lopes said after seeing the Japanese prince.
[…]

Asahi gallery

Naruhito warms up for keynote speech at water forum in Brasilia: The Asahi Shimbun

[…]

Later on in the day, Naruhito met with 53 Japanese descendants at the Japanese ambassador's residence, telling them, “Let us hope that Japanese culture can spread (in Brazil).”

https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026560621.jpg

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 8th World Water Forum on March 19th.

Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/975805859015086081

https://twitter.com/x/status/975819386324946945

Crown Prince attends World Water Forum in Brazil - News - NHK WORLD - English

[…]

The Crown Prince then delivered a keynote speech at a panel discussion on water and disasters.

He expressed concern that climate change will trigger increasingly severe torrential rains and droughts. He said socially vulnerable people, such as women and children, are affected most by those disasters. He said the international community must work together to counter global natural threats.

[…]

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito attended a luncheon hosted by President Michel Temer for the forum. Later, they had a 15 minute audience.
Sources: Asahi, NHK

S. Korean PM has brief encounter with Japan's crown prince

[…]

The three-minute meeting happened as [South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon] approached Naruhito and offered his greetings ahead of the opening of the 8th World Water Forum […]

During the meeting, Lee asked Naruhito for support for efforts to improve relations between the two countries. [...]

Lee also briefed Naruhito on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, […]

Naruhito said he hopes for a peaceful resolution and said he is willing to do what he can for it.

Lee said he hopes the crown prince will be able to visit South Korea and that the right conditions will be created for such a visit. Naruhito said in response that he hopes good circumstances will be created between the two countries.

The crown prince also said he likes Korean foods such as bibimbap and dried pollack, and he even added that dried pollack is a staple product of South Korea's Winter Olympics host city of PyeongChang.

[…]

 

[Prisma]

On March 20th, CP Naruhito visited Japan's pavilion at the World Water Forum and chatted with local students involved in conservation activities. Afterwards, he attended a session on Brazil's water crisis and met with former members of the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, which he was Honorary President from 2007 to 2015. CP Naruhito left Brazil in the evening.

Photos/sources: Getty Images, Asahi, Jiji

 

[iceflower]

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Today, March 22, Crown Prince Naruhito returned from Brazil and was pictured at Narita airport in Tokyo:


** belga gallery **

 

[Prisma]

CP Masako and Princess Aiko welcomed CP Naruhito back at Togu Palace in the evening.

https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20180322005255_comm.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0026587139.jpg

ETA: Naruhito meets students at World Water Forum in Brazil: The Asahi Shimbun

[...]

Naruhito met three Japanese students, including one studying the environment of the Ongagawa river in Fukuoka Prefecture, at the Japan pavilion [...]

The crown prince also met two third-generation Japanese-Brazilian male students at the venue.

[...]

The student said that it was a great honor for him to speak with the crown prince, and that he would continue to strive to promote Japanese culture.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Sankei's English site Japan Forward translated CP Naruhito's birthday press conference.

Part 1: Interview with Emperor-in-Waiting: Public Servant in Step with the Times | JAPAN Forward

Part 2: How Prince Naruhito Prepares to Become the 'Symbol of the Nation' | JAPAN Forward

Part 3: Crown Prince Reflects on Japan's Achievements, Challenges | JAPAN Forward

Anecdotes about CP Naruhito from his friends and colleagues: Crown Prince at 58: Humble Servant, Keen Researcher…and, Yes, Ultraman | JAPAN Forward

[...]

Nobutoshi Noman, 58, was a schoolmate of the Crown Prince in his early days at Gakushuin Primary School. He told us that “since a young age, he has been sincerely concerned with his imperial lineage.”

[...] The Crown Prince [...] celebrated his 20th birthday and coming of age ceremony in the Emperor’s quarters, and received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Emperor Showa (Hirohito).

When Noman congratulated the Prince, saying “it must be a great honor,” the Prince replied humbly, “I’m not sure whether a young person like me is worth of this award.” He insisted that “awards should be given to people who deserve them.”

[...]

Oda Sakae, 76, former director of waterways at Japan’s Ministry of Construction, has worked alongside the Crown Prince in studying problems surrounding “water,” which has been the Prince’s lifework thus far. He revealed to us that the Prince shows a humorous side and has been known to lighten up during lectures and at dinner parties.

[...] he refers to popular culture, like the manga series Thermae Romae and the hit song “Gods of the Toilet.” Oda was surprised that “he stays on top of the interests of youth and keeps a broad viewpoint.”

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On April 3rd, CP Naruhito welcomed United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Togu Palace for an audience.

Getty Images

وكالة أنباء الإمارات - Crown Prince of Japan receives Abdullah bin Zayed

[...]

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and develop joint cooperation. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern and discussed the latest developments in the region.

Prince Naruhito welcomed Sheikh Abdullah's visit, emphasising his country's eagerness to strengthen relations with the UAE in various sectors. He also praised the UAE's achievements in terms of a comprehensive cultural renaissance, thanks to the vision of its leadership.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On April 22nd, CP Naruhito attended the Imperial Household's spring Gagaku concert at the Imperial Palace.
Photos: Sankei, Getty Images

CP Naruhito contributed 2 essays to a memorial publication for Professor Peter Masaias, who was his advisor at Oxford.
Source: Mainichi

 

[iceflower]

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Crown Prince Naruhito received Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the General Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for a meeting today, May 10:


** Pic **

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito visited Aichi Prefecture on May 21st where he inspected the boat lock in Aisai city and flood control measures along the Kiso river. This is a private day trip to study water problems and learn history; the lock was built in the Meiji era. The crown prince also visited the Tokugawa Art Museum and Hosa Library in Nagoya city to see special exhibitions on the Meiji era Imperial court.

Photos: Asahi, Getty Images

ETA: various Twitter photos/video. I especially like the 1st video where he's chatting with people

https://twitter.com/x/status/998476823162834944

https://twitter.com/x/status/998484335538798593

https://twitter.com/x/status/998485570752991232

https://twitter.com/x/status/998501024754155520

https://twitter.com/ura_kenshi/status/998524981179920384
https://twitter.com/naonao21442039/status/998527516397654017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha6HCRkS99w

 

[iceflower]

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Crown Prince Naruhito viewed the exhibition "Echoes of a Masterpiece: The Lineage of Beauty in Japanese Art" at Tokyo's National Museum today, May 23:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 **

 

[Prisma]

Video and Getty Images:

 

[iceflower]

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Crown Prince Naruhito attended the Tokyo International Viola Competition award winners' concert on June 3:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito will visit Okayama Prefecture July 11-12 for the 54th National Blood Donation Movement Promotion Convention.

July 11: visit Old Yakage Honjin, an Edo period residence for traveling samurai and designated Important Cultural Property of Japan in Yakage Town; observe students perform workplace practice at Yakage High School

July 12: visit Science and Humanity Museum for the Future and prefectural student blood donation federation before attending the 54th National Blood Donation Movement Promotion Convention in ZIP Arena Okayama

CP Masako's attendance depends on her physical condition.

Source: sanyonews.jp

 

[Prisma]

On June 27th, CP Naruhito visited Tokushima Prefecture to see tsunami memorials and evacuation measures. He visited four memorials including Higashi Yuki Kōryaku in Miwa, said to be the oldest earthquake and tsunami memorial in Japan. It was erected in 1380 in memory of victims from Shōhei Nankai earthquake in 1361. In Kaiyō, he visited a 14 meter, 480 person capacity tsunami evacuation tower completed in 2015 in preparation for Nankai Trough earthquakes. He also received explanations on current safety efforts. [Jiji, Mainichi]

Photos: Sankei, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1011927503080845312

https://twitter.com/x/status/1011943639042252801

https://twitter.com/x/status/1011925960919138304

ETA: Naruhito views ancient tsunami monument | Nippon TV NEWS24 JAPAN

 

[Prisma]

CP Naruhito will visit Okayama Prefecture July 11-12 for the 54th National Blood Donation Movement Promotion Convention.

[...]

This visit to Okayama Prefecture and the convention are cancelled due to heavy rain damage in western Japan. The Crown Prince, organizations, and prefectural government agree efforts are better focused on disaster relief measures.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei, Jiji