Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -


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On June 21st, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Azabu Nursery School in Minato, Tokyo. Their visit is related to Children's Day (May 5) and was delayed due to succession events.

After watching a puppet show and choir performance by younger children, Their Majesties shopped at a grocery store created by older children.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images

Since 2015, then-Crown Prince couple and Akishino couple shared visits for Children's Day and Respect for the Aged (3rd Monday in September) but Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will perform both duties from now on. [NHK]
 
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This visit was clearly much enjoyed by everyone, based on the photos. I love how animated Masako appeared in some of the photos.
 
Masako looked like she was in her element here - it's really lovely to see her so happy and smiling.
 
On June 24th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 75th Japan Art Academy Awards ceremony at the Japan Art Academy Hall in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo. This year's 8 winners include poet Yohji Arakawa and Noh master and Living National Treasure Tadao Kamei.

Before the ceremony, the Imperial couple received explanations of the winners' work and activities.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1142992530796974081

I think the emperor and empress, accompanied by Imperial family members, usually attend a tea party for the winners at the Imperial Palace in the afternoon.
 
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On June 27th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako welcomed France's President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Imperial Palace.

Their Majesties hosted a luncheon for the Presidential couple and Imperial family members also attended.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Mainichi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1144096934522568704

Emmanuel et Brigitte Macron déjeunent avec Naruhito du Japon et l'impératrice Masako - Paris Match

Macron meets Japanese emperor, empress ahead of G-20 summit - The Mainichi
[...]

The imperial couple greeted the president and his wife Brigitte without interpreters at the entrance of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and had a luncheon, joined by their nieces, Princess Mako and Princess Kako.*

Emperor's luncheons with distinguished foreign guests visiting in an official capacity, other than state guests, had been scrapped since 2016 to reduce the burden on his 85-year-old father, but they were revived upon the ascension of his 59-year-old son.

[...]
Click to expand...
* Princesses Nobuko, Yoko, and Tsuguko also attended luncheon, seen in Getty photos. Princess Hisako's in the ANN video.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-FohzoU8AEugFN.jpg
 
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Prisma said:
* Princesses Nobuko, Yoko, and Tsuguko also attended luncheon, seen in Getty photos. Princess Hisako's in the ANN video.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D-FohzoU8AEugFN.jpg
Click to expand...

Emperor's luncheons with distinguished foreign guests visiting in an official capacity, other than state guests, had been scrapped since 2016 to reduce the burden on his 85-year-old father, but they were revived upon the ascension of his 59-year-old son.
Click to expand...

Were the members of the cadet lines usually present at the diplomatic luncheons during the reign of the Emperor Emeritus?

The Emperor Emeritus is surely pleased that with his abdication, the shrinking of the emperor's schedule of public duties can be reversed.
 
Tatiana Maria said:
Were the members of the cadet lines usually present at the diplomatic luncheons during the reign of the Emperor Emeritus? [...]
Click to expand...
Yes, they did. ? Here are a few from Getty.

1998, Princess Tomohito (covered by watermark) at luncheon for New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...nd-emperor-news-photo/641653336?adppopup=true

2001, Prince Akishino at luncheon for Mexican President Vincente Fox
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...ster-jorge-news-photo/526482264?adppopup=true

2005, then-Princess Sayako at luncheon for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...-president-news-photo/507737830?adppopup=true

2009, a blurry Princess Takamado in the background at luncheon for Italian President Giorgio Napolitano
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/...of-italian-news-photo/485504550?adppopup=true

The Imperial couple bidding farewell to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron after luncheon on June 27, 2019
 
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had events last week at Akasaka Imperial Palace (no photos)

July 3: audience with departing Danish Ambassador and spouse
July 5: audience with departing Swedish Ambassador and spouse, greeting from Princess Mako before traveling abroad
July 8: greetings from Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko before traveling abroad

Sources: Sankei 7/4, Sankei 7/5, Sankei 7/8
 
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's events at the Imperial Palace or Akasaka Palace per IHA schedule:
7/11: lectures from Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo professor
7/12: audience with departing Belgium ambassador and spouse
7/23: received Princess Mako's greetings and report after traveling abroad to Peru and Bolivia (Princess Aiko also attended)
7/24: audience with General Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
7/25: audience with departing Dutch ambassador and spouse

Emperor Naruhito also had office work, appointment ceremony, and meeting with shrine/priests on 7/9, 7/12, 7/16, 7/23, and 7/24.

On July 29th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony and reception for the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2019) in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1155743830957682688

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190729/lif1907290016-p1.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0032165634.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0032165627.jpg
 
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Prisma said:
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's events at the Imperial Palace or Akasaka Palace per IHA schedule:
7/11: lectures from Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo professor
7/12: audience with departing Belgium ambassador and spouse
7/23: received Princess Mako's greetings and report after traveling abroad to Peru and Bolivia (Princess Aiko also attended)
7/24: audience with General Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
7/25: audience with departing Dutch ambassador and spouse
Click to expand...

It's nice that Aiko also attended her cousin's greetings. Has she previously accompanied her father or mother to their official engagements?

Emperor Naruhito also had office work, appointment ceremony, and meeting with shrine/priests on 7/9, 7/12, 7/16, 7/23, and 7/24.
Click to expand...

He seems quite busy. I wonder if the meetings with priests are related to the forthcoming enthronement or if he is simply being introduced to them in his new role as the emperor?
 
Tatiana Maria said:
It's nice that Aiko also attended her cousin's greetings. Has she previously accompanied her father or mother to their official engagements?
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Yes, she has attended engagements at the palace such as meeting student reporters from Okinawa and Hokkaido and audiences with volunteers and IHA staff. Outside the palace, Aiko has accompanied her parents to art exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, and at least 1 conference.

ETA: Sankei Imperial Weekly reported Aiko recently learned about South America in geography class so she's interested.
 
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On August 1st, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko traveled to Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture for their summer retreat at Suzaki Imperial Villa. About 250 people welcomed the family's arrival at Shimoda Station before 9pm. The royals greeted well-wishers for about 30 minutes.

AP Images (fixed), Getty Images

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190802/lif1908020002-p1.jpg
https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/08/02/20190802k0000m040010000p/9.jpg
https://digital.izu-np.co.jp/imagecache/m/2019/08/01/20190801_hglaysqptiagborvqfhc.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0oERNmn4wA/
https://twitter.com/x/status/1156849770230513670
https://twitter.com/x/status/1156846024587014144
https://twitter.com/x/status/1156840230395105280
https://twitter.com/x/status/1156851151846793221
https://twitter.com/x/status/1156839275024961536
https://twitter.com/masa_room/status/1156908611240488962
https://twitter.com/FNN_News/status/1157122597567336448
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdYgj4I1TII
 
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On August 15th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the National Memorial ceremony marking the 74th anniversary of Japan's WWII Surrender at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito expressed "deep remorse" for Japan's actions, repeating his father's expression.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei, AP Images, Mainichi

Japan marks 74th anniv. of WWII end, emperor mentions "deep remorse" - Kyodo News+
[...]The 59-year-old, who ascended the throne in May, repeated the expression used by his father, former Emperor Akihito, in recent years. He was born after the end of World War II and, unlike his father, has never experienced war.

In his address, Emperor Naruhito said, "Looking back on the long period of postwar peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated."

The 85-year-old former emperor, who abdicated in late April, used the words "deep remorse" in his message every year since 2015, the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed not to repeat the tragedy of the war at the event, saying Japan "deeply recalls the lessons of history," but did not mention the country's past aggressions against its Asian neighbors as similar to years past since taking office in 2012.

[...]

A moment of silence was observed at Nippon Budokan at noon for the around 2.3 million military personnel and 800,000 civilians who perished in the war, including those killed in the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in other air raids, and the fighting on Okinawa.

[...]
Click to expand...
Japanese gov't holds ceremony to mark 74th anniversary of end of WWII - The Mainichi
 
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Text of address by Emperor Naruhito on occasion of Memorial Ceremony for War Dead - The Mainichi

EDITORIAL: Leaders should always express ‘deep remorse’ for the war: The Asahi Shimbun
[...]

This year, Naruhito, who was born 15 years after the end of the war, delivered an address that contained most of the key elements of his father’s expressions concerning the theme.

"Bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated,” he said, making clear his strong support for the nation’s renunciation of war.

By voicing his determination not to forget that wartime Japan inflicted huge damage and suffering not only on its own people but also on people in many other countries, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, Naruhito effectively declared that he is as firmly committed as his father to promoting international harmony and cooperation.

[...]
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Emperor Naruhito will visit Niigata Prefecture September 16-17 for the 34th National Cultural Festival and 19th National Arts & Culture Festival for People with Disabilities. Empress Masako will attend if there is no problem with her physical condition.

Source: Nikkei
 
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:previous:

Thanks! It seems that Emperor Naruhito means to follow the example of his father by reciting the same speech at every year's memorial.

However, one difference between his address and his father's address appears in the official translation.


Akihito

On this Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, my thoughts are with the numerous people who lost their precious lives in the last war and their bereaved families, as I attend this Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead with a deep and renewed sense of sorrow.

Seventy-three years have already passed since the end of the war, and our country today enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the ceaseless effort made by the people of Japan, but when I look back on the sufferings and tribulations of the past, I cannot help but be overcome with deep emotion.

Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated. Together with all of our people, I now pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war, both on the battlefields and elsewhere, and pray for world peace and for the continuing development of our country.



Naruhito

On this Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, my thoughts are with the numerous people who lost their precious lives in the last war and their bereaved families, as I attend this Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead with a deep and renewed sense of sorrow.

Seventy-four years have passed since the end of the war. Our country today enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the ceaseless efforts made by the people of Japan. When I look back on the arduous steps taken by the people, I cannot help but be overcome with deep emotion.

Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated. Together with all of our people, I now pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war, both on the battlefields and elsewhere, and pray for world peace and for the continuing development of our country.​


But does this represent a textual change made by the new Emperor, or is it merely a change in the translation?
 
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On August 19th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko travelled to Tochigi Prefecture where they will stay at Nasu Imperial Villa for about 10 days. The family spoke to well-wishers at Nasushiobara Station for about 30 minutes, thanking them for coming in the hot weather. Empress Masako asked elementary students about their summer. Princess Aiko spoke to a fellow 3rd year high school student about club activities and exams after summer vacation. Both encouraged each other "let's do our best." [Sankei]

The trio and their dog Yuri strolled around Nasu Imperial Villa for media. [tv-tokyo.co.jp video]

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, Getty Images

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190819/lif1908190026-p1.jpg

https://twitter.com/x/status/1163322763626467328
https://twitter.com/x/status/1163358401713197058
https://twitter.com/x/status/1163383884739948544
 
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Emperor Naruhito will visit Ibaraki Prefecture September 28-29 to open the 74th National Sports Festival. Empress Masako will accompany if there's no problem with her physical condition. Agenda includes watching table tennis and visits to research facilities.
Sources: Nikkei, Yomiuri

On August 28th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko returned to Tokyo.

Various photos/videos: ameblo.jp/happymiyuppi blog

https://twitter.com/x/status/1166652120621146112
https://twitter.com/x/status/1166617185403510784
https://twitter.com/x/status/1166587753297002496
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1s1UxwjQHw/
 
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On August 30th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 3rd Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize ceremony and dinner at Meiji Kinenkan in Minato, Tokyo. The prize honors individuals and organizations in medical research and medical activities in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda were this year's recipients.

Getty Images, Getty Images 2
 
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On September 7th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako flew to Akita Prefecture for a 2-day visit for the 39th National Sea Enrichment Festival. They also visited an animal welfare center and attended a reception.

AP Images, Asahi gallery
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170238094085214212
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170273402734538752

https://twitter.com/x/status/1170263777704652800
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170168352251109377
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170303472056467457
https://twitter.com/telex_k/status/1170162169108762626

https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2019/09/07/20190907k0000m040082000p/9.jpg
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/media/2019/09/20190907-OYT1I50042-1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190907/lif1909070025-p1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/190907/lif1909070033-p1.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3Dp9TxV0sw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4bAvF5pvI8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdokUkp4PG4
 
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On September 8th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 39th National Sea Enrichment Festival at the Budokan in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. Plans to release fish at Akita Port in the afternoon were cancelled due to Typhoon No. 15 and the Imperial couple returned to Tokyo early.

AP Images, Asahi gallery

https://twitter.com/x/status/1170615254327234561
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170540901036244993
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170570492593311744
https://twitter.com/x/status/1170585827400794112
The motorcade (skip to 2:41)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHsh50tk6yA
 
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Prisma said:
Yes, she has attended engagements at the palace such as meeting student reporters from Okinawa and Hokkaido and audiences with volunteers and IHA staff. Outside the palace, Aiko has accompanied her parents to art exhibitions, sporting events, concerts, and at least 1 conference.

ETA: Sankei Imperial Weekly reported Aiko recently learned about South America in geography class so she's interested.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I appreciate the gradual and age-appropriate introduction of both Aiko and Hisahito to royal life; meeting student reporters seems like an especially useful activity as it encourages them to interact with members of the public without the burden of strict expectations.
 
iceflower said:
.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Niigata today, September 16, for two culture-related festivals:


** gettyimages gallery ** ap gallery **
Click to expand...
Thanks! The festivals are the 34th National Cultural Festival and 19th National Arts & Culture Festival for People with Disabilities.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1173544232088289285
https://twitter.com/x/status/1173515009164378113
https://twitter.com/x/status/1173490600949121024
https://twitter.com/x/status/1173543010690162689

Some 1500 people welcomed Imperial couple with lanterns along the Shinano River on the opposite bank of their hotel. [NHK]
https://twitter.com/x/status/1173556117286223872
https://twitter.com/wasshoimegane/status/1173538927652720646

On September 17th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Niigata Fureai Plaza, a rehabilitation and training facility for people with disabilities, and Aizu Yaichi Memorial Museum before returning to Tokyo. Aizu Yaichi (1881-1956) was a poet, calligrapher, and historian.

AP Images

https://twitter.com/syo_88a/status/1173758632887848960
https://twitter.com/anjilin63768128/status/1173785894156939265
https://twitter.com/honeybearpooh3/status/1173788393739702277
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkD6GkOR9Eo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=497a_--aOXc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai1C0pZbO_o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB-spL2pdeA
ETA: Emperor, Empress attend ceremony in Niigata | The Japan Times
... The Emperor expressed hope Monday that the festivals will help boost exchanges among people, provide an opportunity to re-examine traditional arts and culture, and create an environment in which many people find it easy to gain access to arts and culture.

The imperial couple met with people who performed during the ceremony. The Empress used sign language to express her gratitude to a deaf drummer...
Click to expand...
 
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Reading through these recent engagements, it strikes me that someone in the IHA has noticed that Masako appears to particular advantage when she is interacting with children (and also with dogs, that kiss from the dog on the Empress's nose was especially sweet) and is offering her plenty of opportunities to present herself as relaxed, smiling, and engaged. Has there been any commentary in the Japanese press about the change in Masako's demeanor since the retirement of the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita? I've looked, but haven't seen anything, but since I'm confined to English translations, I haven't had any luck. It is very tempting to speculate about this.
 
Coverage from most Japanese press is favorable. While they note differences to accommodate Masako's condition (2-day regional visits vs. 3-days under Emperor Akihito), they emphasize her public service, diplomatic background, and foreign language skills. It's quietly noted that Masako worships at her residence for the monthly court ritual instead of the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Weekly magazines are focused on clothes or Princess Mako/Kei Komuro saga.

Recently, news-postseven wonders when will Masako meet the press. Her last press conference was for her birthday in December 2002. Will she accompany Emperor Naruhito at his birthday press conference next February?

It seems the magazine has ruled out Masako meeting the press before the enthronement and Daijosai because there are too many activities in the fall. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko had a press conference in August 1989 (I guess the mourning period for Emperor Showa was ending?). A reporter believes Crown Princess Kiko issued her 53rd birthday statement in writing rather than hold a press conference out of deference to Empress Masako. Michiko began birthday press conferences as Crown Princess, a practice Masako continued until her illness. As Empress, Michiko issued written responses for her birthday although she attended press conferences before traveling abroad and for her 50th wedding anniversary. Michiko attended 16 press conferences in the Heisei era.

Reporters are encouraged that Masako seemed at ease talking to them at the press op at Nasu Imperial Villa this year and last year.

ETA: Asahi translated their article about Masako in Akita Prefecture

Empress Masako all smiles during visit to Akita animal shelter: The Asahi Shimbun
 
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