Crown Prince Naruhito & Crown Princess Masako Current Events 6: Ja.2016 - April 2019


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The couple also visited Yanmar Museum on the 25th. Originally, only CP Naruhito was scheduled but Masako felt well enough after the child development center and joined. [www.kyoto-np.co.jp]

www.fnn.jp video
https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2018/05/26/20180526oog00m010026000p/9.jpg
https://twitter.com/x/status/1000188751954432000

On the 26th, the CP couple attended the 29th National Greenery Conservation ceremony held at Nagahama Dome in Nagahama City. They planted Edo Higan trees on the shore of Lake Biwa. [Sankei]

http://www.sankei.com/images/news/180526/lif1805260022-p1.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027154140.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027154184.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/kiji_photos/0180526at21_p.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027154287.jpg

ETA: en route to Hikone Castle Museum
https://twitter.com/x/status/1000265482333704192

:previous: Hikone Castle Museum visit

https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027154623.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027154624.jpg

Hikone Castle Museum's Information Guide | Hikone Castle Museum
[...] The Ii family – the former daimyo family which governed the Hikone fief for several hundred years – still keeps a great number of art objects and craft works, as well as historical documents, which have been handed down in the family from generation to generation. The family collection comprises more than 45,000 items; ranging from arms and armor (typical of a warrior’s household) to various types of art objects – which include calligraphies and paintings, Noh masks and costumes, Gagaku musical instruments, tea ceremony utensils, and pieces of furniture. In addition to that, Hikone and the Hikone fief related materials have been collected.
Click to expand...
Return to Tokyo:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1000325662538850305
 
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The crown princess really looks wonderful, more relaxed and at ease then I have seen in a long time. I hope to see more of this in the future for she has had a very hard time living with the royal household.
 
:previous:
Thanks for the update!
One can be sure that Crown Princely couple enjoyed the visit. The Hikone Castle's austere serenity is beautiful. Its samurai armour and sword collections are amazing.
 
It sounds like a very interesting and successful series of engagements, so nice to see the CP couple interacting and interested!

My DH and I were fortunate enough to visit Hikone Castle last year during cherry blossom season, and it is fascinating place.
 
The CP couple celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on June 9.

Photos and video were taken on the 5th: Asahi gallery, Mainichi

ETA: Mainichi gallery and another photo at Sankei

Good to see their dog Yuri again. I wonder why Aiko isn't included. Couldn't they wait to take photos/video after school? Anyway, I'm glad they went outside instead of another set of photos with the pegboard background.
ETA: In Photos: Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako mark 25 years of marriage - The Mainichi

Crown prince, princess celebrate silver anniv. ahead of enthronement - The Mainichi
Crown Prince Naruhito, on the occasion of his 25th wedding anniversary Saturday, expressed resolve to "firmly play the role of emperor as the symbol (of the state) as stipulated in the current Constitution" ahead of his enthronement next May 1.

The crown prince, 58, in a statement issued with Crown Princess Masako to mark their silver wedding anniversary, said he believes it is important to inherit the tradition of the imperial family while responding to changes in society.

In relation to his 54-year-old wife the crown princess, who has spent more than half of the past 25 years battling a stress-induced illness, the crown prince said she is "doing her best to recover."

He also said he hopes the public will "take a long-term and warm look" at her efforts. Her condition has improved in recent years and she has appeared more often in public.

The crown princess said in the statement she will "continue praying for people's happiness" after becoming empress. The couple also expressed gratitude to each other for providing support.

[...]

At a Gakushuin reunion in January this year, the crown prince told friends who were chatting about reaching the retirement age of 60 in the near future, "In my case, I will be getting started," according to Yuko Matsuoka, who studied with the crown prince and was also at the gathering.

Matsuoka said she felt the crown prince's "positive feelings about his enthronement" in the remark.

[...]

A former aide to the couple said Crown Princess Masako's recovery was due to the dedication of Crown Prince Naruhito, who would "stay up all night with her when she couldn't sleep even if he had an official duty the next morning," and Princess Aiko having grown up.

A senior agency official said although the crown princess will likely continue recuperating from her illness after becoming empress, "the way the couple help each other in difficulties must win empathy from the public."
Click to expand...
 
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Written responses to the 25th wedding anniversary press conference. It's the first time CP Masako has answered press questions since 2003.
Here's the google translation until the IHA uploads an English version.

Bits from Japanese media: Mainichi, news.tbs.co.jp video

Naoko Sato, former professional tennis player and now a director at Tokyo International University, often plays tennis with the CP couple. She attests to Naruhito's attentiveness towards Masako, keeping her hydrated during matches. He's physically fit for public service from a young age, very healthy.

Hideaki Kobayashi, diplomat and former assistant chief of aides at Togu Palace (2002-2005), says the CP couple are well-informed. Masako greatly regrets becoming ill so he's delighted her condition has improved as shown by a dramatic increase in activities.

Shoko Ishihara, Vice Chairman of the "Women's Inventors Association," reports CP Masako was very curious at an exhibition; her questions and comments encouraged women inventors.

Taisei Koyama, a fellow Gakushuin alumnus, shared some private photos of the CP couple a month before their wedding. It was gathering for Masako to meet Naruhito's friends; the prince's smile and joy is clearly apparent. At the annual Gakushin reunion this January, Mr. Koyama spoke to CP Naruhito about becoming Emperor next year but didn’t reveal much except to say the crown prince and Masako want to hear from the people.

(..)

Naruhito says Masako deserves silver medal for years of support: The Asahi Shimbun
[…]

When the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in 2003, Naruhito gave his wife a “prize for effort” as well as one out of “gratitude.”

Naruhito, in a statement to media outlets to mark the landmark event, said his idea of a silver medal was intended to match the occasion and to complement his earlier "awards."

Masako reciprocated by offering a “letter of gratitude.”

She also said she is not sure a gold medal will be in the offing when the couple celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in 2043, but she is committed to building a loving home.

[…]

Masako said she “will always keep in mind” that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have tried to share the public’s joys and sorrows by making trips to disaster-affected areas to meet with people whose lives have been turned upside down.

She also expressed her hopes to “be engaged in society” by thinking what will be important for people in Japan and elsewhere in the world.
Click to expand...


On June 9th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako received congratulations on their 25th wedding anniversary from members of the government including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso.

Photos: Asahi, Jiji
https://twitter.com/x/status/1005404158076178432
 
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What a very nice series of interviews and video to mark the occasion of the CP couple's 25th anniversary. The tone seems significantly more positive and understanding towards both of them but especially Masako. It's an interesting contrast to some of the press coverage a few years ago.

I especially enjoyed the video, and the warmth between the couple. You catch a little glimpse of how they must interact together in the privacy of their own home or with trusted friends and family.
 
Ista said:
What a very nice series of interviews and video to mark the occasion of the CP couple's 25th anniversary. The tone seems significantly more positive and understanding towards both of them but especially Masako. It's an interesting contrast to some of the press coverage a few years ago.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. This appears to be a coordinated initiative with the press to improve opinions of Crown Princess Masako, and I wonder who is behind it. If it is the Emperor, then the rift between him and his son and daughter-in-law has certainly healed. (In any case, I suspect it is not the government.)
 
Probably the IHA, especially the CP household, and multiple factors: milestone anniversary, Masako's improving health / activity, and abdication. The medical team tried to set reasonable expectations and sought public understanding at her birthday press release and medical update last year. She's already at a disadvantage, there's no sense in more negative press.

On June 12th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako visited the Imperial Palace to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. They will have lunch with Their Majesties and then receive congratulations from IHA staff. In the evening, IHA executives will offer congratulations at Togu Palace.
Source: Sankei

Getty Image, Kyodo photo (no watermark)

ETA: news24.jp video
 
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On June 17th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako hosted a dinner at Togu Palace to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Between 45-50 people attended: Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Akishino family, other relatives, and former royalty (probably Mr. and Mrs. Kuroda). Piano and violin performances followed dinner.

Sources: Asahi, Jiji

Kyodo photo of Their Majesties entering Akasaka Estate around 6:30pm
 
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On June 22nd, the IHA responded to incorrect weekly magazine coverage on why the CP couple did not hold a press conference for their 25th wedding anniversary.

IHA press release

1. A press conference was seriously considered.

2. A written response to press questions was decided due to a busy schedule leading up to June 9th, such as the Vietnam state visit and Shiga Prefecture visit.

3. CP Masako remains in treatment. While her range of activities has expanded, her medical team continues to balance duties and recovery.

4. A written response is not unusual. The CP couple gave written responses on their 10th wedding anniversary (before CP Masako entered treatment) and 20th wedding anniversary. At this present time, Masako gave her full effort to all 3 questions. The IHA stresses it is her first response to the press since treatment began.

5. Some weekly magazines, specifically Josei Seven and Jisin, claimed the CP couple did not hold a press conference because of overlap with Their Majesties’ Fukushima trip. Masako's first press conference in 16 years would overshadow Their Majesties' last visit to the disaster area. That there's an absolute rank system or that Masako decidedly refused, fearing potential criticism/backlash.

These claims are regrettable. A press conference would not interfere with Their Majesties' activities. If a press conference had happened, it would be in the early morning, well before the events in Fukushima. Hierarchy is irrelevant as the Imperial family have various schedules; there will some conflict or overlap.

In other news: CP Masako has lower back pain and was diagnosed with a lumbar sprain. There is no big hindrance to everyday life; she'll be monitored for recovery. [Asahi, Yomiuri]
 
:previous: So kind of CP Masako to dress in a white blouse like the girls'. It would help them to feel more comfortable in her presence. The Prince is dressed casually as well. Nice to see.:flowers:
 
On August 4th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako began their 2-day visit to Hyogo Prefecture. They visited the prefecture's children's hospital in Kobe, speaking to cancer patients and inspected the proton beam treatment facility, the first in Japan for children.

Photos: Sankei, Asahi, kobe-np.co.jp, Yomiuri

ETA: It's Naruhito's 3rd appearance at the tournament and Masako's first.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1025711768373354496
https://twitter.com/x/status/1025747430644441088
https://twitter.com/x/status/1026014586514731008

ETA: news24.jp video and ANN
ETA: On August 5th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako attended the opening ceremony of the 100th National High School Baseball Tournament and they watched the match between teams from Oita and Ishikawa Prefecture.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei, Sankei 2

https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027863403.jpg
https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2018/08/05/20180805k0000e050168000p/9.jpg

https://twitter.com/x/status/1025950604558921729
https://twitter.com/otsu_rescue/status/1026079200803840000
https://twitter.com/asahi_photo/status/1025919349691834368
https://twitter.com/G_Take325/status/1025899379977322496
https://twitter.com/qwa00415/status/1026009190576226304

ETA: Getty Images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWySRCyYAbM
BASEBALL/ Matsui misses the plate on first pitch of high school tourney: The Asahi Shimbun
[...] A record 56 schools are participating in the 100th championship. Normally, 49 schools from the 47 prefectures of Japan compete in the tournament.

[...]

Among those attending was Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako. Naruhito delivered an address for the special occasion. [...]
Click to expand...
 
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On August 16th, the Crown Prince family traveled to Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture to stay at Suzaki Imperial Villa for a few days. 200 people welcomed them at Izukyu Shimoda Station. The family chatted with the folks for about 30 minutes and then visited Mitsui Beach. There was a brief exchange between the reporters and Princess Aiko; she said "I'm looking forward to swimming in the sea." [Jiji]

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Sankei, Getty Images galleries
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0027956572.jpg
https://twitter.com/x/status/1029993489885347840
https://twitter.com/x/status/1029963169517588480
https://twitter.com/x/status/1030083094139699200
https://twitter.com/x/status/1029979487155314688

ETA: The family will stay for 5 days. It's the first time in 16 years the family has held a photo op at the beach. Aiko was a baby the last time with the Emperor, Empress, and Akishino family. [NHK, fnn.jp]
 
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:previous: Aiko has grown up so much! It's nice to hear that she's looking forward to her time near the ocean.
I wonder why the family have waited so long to have a photoshoot; though the Imperial family do seem a lot more private than other RFs.
 
Probably Masako's condition. Maybe the IHA think a photoshoot without her would be awkward and the press got the usual arrival photos/videos at the station anyway.
This beach photoshoot gives me hope she may greet guests at Togu Palace in the future.

On August 21st, the CP family returned to Tokyo in the evening.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1031829146660290560
https://twitter.com/x/status/1031828250169757696
https://twitter.com/x/status/1031838473689288705
https://twitter.com/x/status/1031830117910073344
https://twitter.com/x/status/1031801400211062784
https://twitter.com/Place_to_go/status/1031839439461408768
https://twitter.com/bouhuri/status/1031831577238548480
https://twitter.com/yusanako5091/status/1031827301632102400
https://twitter.com/tomsan_2001/status/1031791233180418049

The big crowd waiting at Tokyo Station:
https://twitter.com/rikyunezu/status/1031835583847395328
https://twitter.com/murakut/status/1031831748236128257
https://twitter.com/overdrizzle/status/1031828195157241857
https://twitter.com/tojoliner_10000/status/1031831847859183616

The motorcade:
https://twitter.com/DF200224/status/1031832131402485760

ETA: A few more photos on the 16th and 21st:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink....PEgBvTs_iaJ6_suKaZO_7N7BRnGm68FKrzk&__tn__=-R
https://www.facebook.com/permalink....51W5ylVptYWjQkMToY5C20CZV04PPWhEAvp&__tn__=-R
 
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Another video. I believe this particular entrance at Tokyo station is reserved for the Imperial family, ambassadors, and other VIPs.
 
On August 25th, the CP family traveled to Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture where they will stay at Nasu Imperial Villa. CP Naruhito will stay until September 1st, CP Masako and Princess Aiko will stay a few days longer. They spent 20 minutes greeting people at JR Nasushiobara station. Aiko was asked about studying abroad and her slight sunburn.

Afterwards, there was a photo op with their dog Yuri inside the premises of the villa for the first time. In response to press questions, Princess Aiko said she looks forward to experiencing Nasu’s nature and she’s making progress on homework.

Sources/video: Asahi, news24.jp

https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0028028781.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0028029641.jpg

https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20180825001824_comm.jpg
https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20180825001822_comm.jpg
https://www.asahicom.jp/articles/images/AS20180825001816_comm.jpg

https://twitter.com/x/status/1033302610416037888
https://twitter.com/x/status/1033258909987794944
https://twitter.com/x/status/1033250648848916480
https://twitter.com/x/status/1033235834126749702
https://twitter.com/x/status/1033241726092099584

ETA: Sankei gallery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCcq9aN3k_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWm5teo0IAI
 
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Lovely photos of the family. Does anyone know what breed their dog is? He/she resembles a corgi somewhat though I'm wondering if it's more likely a breed local to Japan.
 
:previous: Thanks Princess Larissa. It's nice that the family have a Japenese breed.
 
Getty Images gallery of Nasu arrival and photo op at the villa.

I hope the family includes Yuri and their cats in birthday media for Aiko and Masako this year.
 
News from July 26: Crown Prince and Crown Princess Grant Audience to Returned JOCVs | News | News & Features | JICA
Eight representatives of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) who finished their two-year assignments in developing countries and have returned to Japan were granted an audience with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako at the Crown Prince's Palace on July 26.

[...]

Eight JOCVs who were sent to Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Africa met the Crown Prince and Crown Princess this time.

[...]

During the meeting, each JOCV reported to Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako on the status of their volunteer post and related issues, their cooperation with other people involved in the work, the process and outcomes. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess listened attentively as the JOCVs also reported on differences they noticed during their work between their host countries and Japan, and how their work relates to their employment and studies since returning to Japan.
Click to expand...
 
CP Naruhito returned to Tokyo on September 1st. CP Masako and Princess Aiko returned on the 3rd.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1035823071792230400
https://twitter.com/x/status/1036532698745954304
https://twitter.com/x/status/1036532913687293953

cg8makt's video of Masako and Aiko at Tokyo station:
fyi, cg8makt disabled embedded/external video setting so you have to watch on YouTube. That's why I used the youtube link format that doesn't expand into a player.

From this tweet thread, the CP family visited Nasu Animal Kingdom on August 29th.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1034946680875966464
 
CP Naruhito will visit Fukuoka Prefecture September 25-26 for the 4th World Social Science Forum and to inspect the reconstruction from last summer's heavy rains. For now, CP Masako is scheduled to attend as well.

Sep 25: disabled children's center in Shingu town, opening ceremony of the 4th World Social Science Forum in Fukuoka City
Sep 26: briefing on recovery, meeting victims in temporary housing in Asakura city

Source: JP Reuters
 
On September 16th, CP Naruhito and CP Masako attended the opening ceremony of the 11th International Water Association (IWA) World Congress & Exhibition in Koto, Tokyo.

CP Naruhito's English speech expressed sympathies to earthquake victims in Hokkaido and mentioned the importance of dealing with water related disasters such as heavy rain and drought. About 6000 experts and participants from over 100 countries are expected at the September 16-21 conference. [Jiji]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1041221731220770817
https://twitter.com/x/status/1041226235848753152
https://twitter.com/x/status/1041226157876756483

Some early photos and news24.jp, news.tbs.co.jp videos until better media surfaces.

https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0028304339.jpg
https://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0028304321.jpg
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/photo/20180916/20180916-OYT1I50021-L.jpg
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180916/K10011632661_1809161751_1809161752_01_02.jpg
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20180916/K10011632661_1809161751_1809161752_01_03.jpg

ETA: Sankei gallery, AP Images, Getty Images

Of course better photos appear almost immediately after my post. lol...
 
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