Imperial Family of Japan Current Events Part 3: May 2017 -


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Princess Hisako and Princess Akiko visited the Prince Takamado Collection of Netsuke 20th Anniversary Exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum today, November 14:


** gtresnews gallery **
 
Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year’s Poetry Reading) will be held on January 18. The theme is "Friends."

On December 26th, the Imperial Household Agency announced 10 winners from the general public, whose poems will be sung at the ceremony with poems from the Imperial family and others. The oldest winner is Masako Fujii (73) a housewife from Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture and the youngest is Aoi Komiyama (14), a 2nd year student at Municipal Koryo Junior High School in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Poet Yukari Kojima (66) was chosen to compose a poem at the invitation of His Majesty the Emperor.

15,005 poems, including 75 poems from 12 countries and regions including the United States, Brazil, and Canada, including 17 in Braille, were submitted.

On December 19th, the agency hired Kazuhiro Nagata (75) as an adviser to the Imperial family on waka poetry. He will succeed Hiroshi Shino, a poet who died on the 12th at age 89.

Source: Sankei

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On December 25th, Imperial family members attended the annual memorial ceremony for Emperor Taisho's death at the Palace Sanctuaries. Princesses Hisako and Tsuguko were scheduled to worship at Emperor Taisho's mausoleum per Asahi schedule December 19-25.

Video/photos of Crown Prince family and Princess Akiko entering and leaving the Imperial Palace:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1607150497160630272
https://twitter.com/x/status/1607469585460256768

Crown Prince Akishino family:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1607158968803282944
https://twitter.com/x/status/1606904167372828673
https://twitter.com/x/status/1607123226316124161

Emperor Naruhito attended the ceremony at the sanctuaries. Empress Masako worshipped privately at the Imperial residence per Sankei.
 
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Prisma said:
(...)The oldest winner is Masako Fujii (73) a housewife from Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture and the youngest is Aoi Komiyama (14), a 2nd year student at Municipal Koryo Junior High School in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Poet Yukari Kojima (66) was chosen to compose a poem at the invitation of His Majesty the Emperor.

(...)
Click to expand...

My first thought: "does this kid play uta-garuta?"
Wow, fourteen years old and not only able to compose waka/tanka (properly :lol:), but also being selected. Along with the news this spring of Nakamura Sumire qualifying to challenge Meijin title holder at the age of 13, there's hope in Japanese youth in persevering classical heritage.
 
January 2 New Year general public greetings will be held for the first time in 3 years, limited to ~9,600 applicants selected by lottery.

On December 27th, the Imperial Household Agency announced Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Akishino couple, and Princess Kako will attend all 6 sessions of New Year general public greetings. The Emeritus couple will attend the 3 morning sessions.

Princess Aiko will attend New Year receptions on January 1.

Sources: NTV, Sankei

Although the articles don't mention other Imperial family members, I expect Princesses Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend 2 morning sessions on January 2. The Hitachi couple, Princess Yuriko, and Princess Nobuko may attend the first session depending on their health

ETA: TBS reports the Hitachi couple and Princess Yuriko will only appear at the 1st session. Princesses Nobuko, Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko will appear at the 1st session at least.
 
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Imperial family 2023 New Year content, taken separately due to pandemic

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi

Emperor Naruhito's family - December 23, Imperial residence. 2023 is the year of the rabbit so they have a rabbit figurine and browse a book of Japanese paintings from the Imperial collections.

Crown Prince family - December 24, Akishino residence. They browse a "Flora Japonica" exhibition catalog from Kew Gardens.

Emeritus couple - December 6, Sento Imperial residence

Emperor Naruhito's New Year 2023 Impressions: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gokanso/show/6

- reflections on 2022 hardships: natural disasters, inflation, Covid, war
- 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, international dialogue
- resuming regional visits
- moving forward with hope in New Year

Full translation at Emperor gives message of hope for 2023 - The Japan News

Scaled-down New Year celebrations, schedule: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/news/gyouziitiran-r050101.html

FNN reports Their Majesties decided no tiaras for celebrations as Covid infections remain high.

ETA: "Foreign visits for the purpose of international goodwill are being considered this year."

While keeping the pandemic in mind, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are expected to visit more regional areas in 2023 such as Iwate, Hokkaido, Kagoshima, and Ishikawa Prefectures for annual events.
Their Majesties will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in June.

Sources: Mainichi, NHK

TV Tokyo's commentary on Imperial 2023 New Year video

- no tiaras for New Year events due to pandemic and people's difficulties
- Chichibu-no-miya family bequeathed rabbit figurine to Imperial collections in 1996. Based on Kado Sugita prototype
- Emperor's family are browsing a book of Kawabata Gyokusho and Murase Gyokuden paintings (volume 1 of 3) such as "Rabbit", "Peony", and "Hundred Crimson Days."
- Folding screen with cranes behind Emeritus couple: cranes are auspicious motifs suitable for the New Year
- Crown Prince Akishino wrote preface of the catalog for "Flora Japonica" exhibition at Kew Gardens
- Chicken photo have Akishino family has nothing to do with [this year's] zodiac. Crown Prince Akishino seems to have strong interest in chickens
- All residence renovations are complete. Akishino family will continue to use their temporary home as a branch room.
- Akasaka East residence is a shared Imperial family facility but Akishino family will use it for large events and it still stores items for Crown Prince couple
Japan emperor wishes 2023 to be year of hope amid pandemic, war - Kyodo News
[...]

"I wish for the new year to be one in which people in Japan and the rest of the world can walk with hope," he said in a statement.

The emperor said he feels "deep sadness for the many lives lost" in the wars and conflicts around the world, adding, "I strongly feel the importance of repeatedly holding dialogue to overcome differences in stances and working together with others in the international community."

He once again "took to heart the importance of peace" during his visit to Okinawa with Empress Masako on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan from U.S. rule after World War II, and prayed for those who perished in the Battle of Okinawa.

[...]

With the normalization of social and economic activities in Japan, the official duties of the emperor and the empress are expected to pick up.

This year, the two are scheduled in June to visit Iwate Prefecture, which was hit hard by a major earthquake and tsunami in 2011, followed by visits to Hokkaido in September, and Kagoshima and Ishikawa prefectures in October.

Among other key events involving the imperial family, the couple will celebrate their 30th anniversary of marriage in June, while Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of the country's imperial family and widow of the late Prince Mikasa, is set to turn 100 the same month.

In December, Empress Masako will become 60, and former Emperor Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, will mark his 90th birthday.

[...]
Click to expand...
 
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On January 1st, Imperial family attended New Year Receptions at the Imperial Palace. Although more attendees were allowed this year, the events remain scaled-down.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, AP Images

Japan Emperor, Empress Receive New Year's Greetings | Nippon.com

Prince Hisahito arriving with Princess Kako: FNN gallery

Emperor Naruhito's family visiting the Emeritus couple: FNN gallery

The rest of the family visited as well but no photos...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1609408979997962241
https://twitter.com/x/status/1609429599263547392
 
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Sadly, no tiaras at today's reception
 
More photos: Sankei, Mainichi

Asahi and FNN galleries include past New Year general public greetings

Yomiuri reports 7,312 people attended the scaled down greetings. About 9,600 people were eligible after applying and lottery.

Japanese Imperial family offers first New Year greetings at palace in 3 years - The Japan News
[...]

“I am sure you have suffered numerous hardships over these nearly three years due to the spread of the novel coronavirus and other issues,” the Emperor said in his address to the people. “After three years, I am truly happy to be able to celebrate the New Year here with you today.”
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The Page (Yahoo Japan) live streamed the 3 morning sessions.
1st:
2nd:
3rd:

FNN has better coverage of Hitachi, Mikasa and Takamado family
Aerial view

Longer video of New Year celebrations on January 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDvb83cFuQI
TV-Asahi reports Emperor Naruhito decided the Imperial family would wear face masks after consulting with experts including the IHA's chief medical officer. The veranda is enclosed, making ventilation difficult, and elderly Imperial family members attended.

Compilation of New Year general public greetings (sessions 1-4) on January 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqYEE3vZAuw
 
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On January 13th, Imperial family members attended Ceremony of the Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) at the Imperial Palace.

- Japanese historian Professor Emeritus Katsumi Fukasawa (73) of the University of Tokyo, "Mediterranean Trade and the Merchants of the Diaspora" (Traders who created the World: The Mediterranean Economy and Trading Diasporas)
- Sociology Professor Emeritus Takatoshi Imada (74) of Tokyo Institute of Technology, "The Age of Self-Organization - For a Sustainable Society"
- Neuroscientist and cell biologist Professor Emeritus Nobutaka Hirokawa (76) of the University of Tokyo, "The cornerstone of life, molecular motors, microscopic carriers in cells"

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images

Crown Prince couple and Princess Kako arriving at the Imperial Palace:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1613732096228622338
https://twitter.com/x/status/1613754012326821889
https://twitter.com/x/status/1613789692721520640
https://twitter.com/x/status/1613743105228017665
https://twitter.com/x/status/1613812624478842886
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D17mlIm2Nks
Full ceremony from TV Tokyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3RKNzrDwXM
 
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Correct. Finals are coming up. The IHA stressed Princess Aiko is prioritizing university studies for the time being.

This year's theme is 友 "tomo," meaning "friend."

English translations and backgrounds for poems by Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino couple and Princess Aiko: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-culture/pdf/utakai-r05.pdf

NTV provided poems and backgrounds on all poems by Imperial family members.

Other Imperial poem backgrounds:
- Kako: high school graduation ceremony photo with friends. Her friend sent Kako a printed copy with a message written on the back.
- Hanako: no official background was given but her poem describes looking with a magnifying glass at stamps of foreign climates on a letter from a friend
- Nobuko: mourning the death of her beloved dog last year, her sorrow is eased by the joy of a new puppy (named "Momo" aka peach) gifted from a friend.
- Akiko: looking at the profile of a friend who's been carry much burden/pain and she hopes to lighten his/her load
- Hisako: memories with the late C.W. Nicol, a friend of over 30 years who protected the forest for the future and revived the biodiversity-rich Afan Forest in Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture
- Tsuguko: Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she and her mother guided friends and family visiting from abroad to Meiji Jingu where they watched a Miko's (shrine maiden) dance

Sankei shared all poems of Imperial family, 10 general public winners, poem selectors, professional poets, etc.

Next year 2024's theme is 和 "wa" (peace or harmony). 和 is also in the current era name Reiwa 令和 "beautiful harmony."

Japan's emperor hopes COVID-disrupted lives return to normal in poem - Kyodo News

Mainichi gallery - Princess Akiko of Mikasa's poem represented the extended Imperial family's poem this year

https://twitter.com/x/status/1615603906876440577

Screenshots of Akishino, Mikasa and Takamado princesses.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1615528543576031234
https://twitter.com/x/status/1615528816876847105
https://twitter.com/x/status/1615529103280713729

New Year Poetry Reading Held at Imperial Palace - The Japan News
[...]

In the past, about 100 people were invited to the poetry reading each year, yet only five people were invited beginning in 2021 due to infection control measures. This time, the agency increased the number of invitees to 12 by improving the arrangement of participants in the venue.
Click to expand...
I wish the agency would just give total number of attendees instead of excluding Imperial family, IHA staff, etc.

Full ceremony from NTV

00:00 Imperial family enters
05:20 selected & general public poems
43:50 Princess Akiko's poem
47:18 Crown Princess Kiko's poem
50:50 Crown Prince Akishino's poem
55:37 Empress Masako's poem
1:02:33 Emperor Naruhito's poem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SusmBMbhhCM
 
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Prisma said:
(...)

Other Imperial poem backgrounds:
- Kako: high school graduation ceremony photo with friends. Her friend sent Kako a printed copy with a message written on the back.
- Hanako: no official background was given but her poem describes looking with a magnifying glass at stamps of foreign climates on a letter from a friend
- Nobuko: mourning the death of her beloved dog last year, her sorrow is eased by the joy of a new puppy (named "Momo" aka peach) gifted from a friend.
- Akiko: looking the profile of a friend who's been carry much burden/pain and she hopes to lighten his/her load
- Hisako: memories with the late C.W. Nicol, a friend of over 30 years who protected the forest for the future and revived the biodiversity-rich Afan Forest in Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture
- Tsuguko: Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she and her mother guided friends and family visiting from abroad to Meiji Jingu where they watched a Miko's (shrine maiden) dance

(...)
2024's theme is 和 "wa" (peace or harmony). 和 is also in the current era name Reiwa 令和 "beautiful harmony."

(...)
Click to expand...

Reading those poems, you would think that theme is "Friends". Well, I guess friendship can be considered as harmonious relationship, though I can say the same about my relationship with my childhood best friend :D

Edit: sorry, commenting before reading the articles. Indeed, this year theme is "Friend" while "Harmony" is for next year.
 
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Prisma said:
(...)
Full ceremony from NTV

00:00 Imperial family enters
05:20 selected & general public poems
43:50 Princess Akiko's poem
47:18 Crown Princess Kiko's poem
50:50 Crown Prince Akishino's poem
55:37 Empress Masako's poem
1:02:33 Emperor Naruhito's poem
Click to expand...

Thank you for posting the full ceremony, Prisma.

Utakai 歌会 means "poetry gathering" or "poetry party". The kanji 歌 (uta) also means "song" and I always think that you can only feel the beauty of the poems when you listen it being "read" (or "sing"?), more than when you read it in text (if you understand Japanese, off course).

As for the poems, personally I prefer last year submissions (theme: "window") than this year. It feels more reflective and poetic (but maybe it's the mood post-lockdown).
 
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:previous: More info for Emperor Naruhito's 63rd birthday

Birthday photos and video were taken on February 16 with Empress Masako at the Imperial residence. They appreciate bonsai and browse a photo book about bonsai.

Mainichi, Asahi galleries

Press conference was held on February 21: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/kaiken/show/60

Besides the Emperor and Akishino families at 3 balcony appearances for the general public, Prince Hitachi and Princesses Hanako, Akiko, Yohko, Hisako and Tsuguko visited the Imperial Palace for family greetings. 99 year-old Princess Yuriko was scheduled to attend but canceled due to cold weather. [NTV, NTV2]

Members of government and ambassadors also attended greetings although luncheon and tea ceremony remain canceled due to pandemic precautions. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence after 3pm for birthday greetings.

From 61,031 applicants, 4826 won the lottery to attend public greetings for Emperor Naruhito's birthday on February 23. [FNN]

Celebration photos: Mainichi, Sankei, Asahi, FNN, FNN2
3 balcony appearances at 10:10am, 11:00am and 11:50am:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Z3lDialeGUo

Japan emperor expresses sorrow at world suffering, prays for peace - Kyodo News
Emperor Naruhito, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday Thursday, expressed deep sorrow at the suffering of people in conflicts around the globe and offered prayers for peace in Japan and the rest of the world.

While the agency in charge of the imperial family's affairs has been considering a new approach to public relations, potentially including the use of social media, the emperor acknowledged the need to send out information "in a manner that is easy to understand."

"I strongly feel the importance of thinking beyond one's own country to engage in dialogue to overcome differences and cooperate in solving problems," the emperor told a press conference held at the Imperial Palace ahead of his birthday and as Friday marks one year since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Each of us is being asked once again what we can do to realize a peaceful world," he added.

Regarding his 30th wedding anniversary this June, the emperor said he and Empress Masako "have come this far by sharing our joys and sorrows."

The empress "is an important presence who supports me in daily life and someone with whom I can talk regarding both public and private matters," he said.

[...]
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Japan’s Emperor, Turning 63, Keen to Offer More Info - The Japan News
[...]

The Imperial Household Agency will launch a public relations office in April, aiming to send more information about the Imperial Family. The agency is considering using social media.

Before stepping up public relations efforts, “it is necessary to go back and think about the basic questions of what the Imperial Family is and what it does,” Emperor Naruhito said.

While noting that it is fundamental for members of the Imperial Family always to wish for the happiness of the people and share joys and sorrows with them, the Emperor said a relationship of trust with the public will be built if all Imperial Family members sincerely face their roles and deepen heart-to-heart exchanges with the people.

Emperor Naruhito expressed his gratitude for Empress Masako as they mark their 30th wedding anniversary in June.

“I’m truly grateful for her spending over half of her life as a member of the Imperial Family with me,” the Emperor said.

The Empress, sharing good times and bad, is “a good adviser on both public and private matters,” Emperor Naruhito said. “She has been bringing comfort and warmth to my life,” he said.

The Emperor said that his wife is still in the recovery process from an adjustment disorder.

[...]

He also mourned the victims of recent massive earthquakes that occurred in southern Turkey and wished for the recovery of affected areas.
Click to expand...
Naruhito: Prayers for peace now vital for the world | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch
 
Emperor Naruhito to Host 1st Garden Party on May 11 | Nippon.com
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will host a garden party at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Tokyo on May 11, his first since ascending the throne in 2019, the Imperial Household Agency said Wednesday.

[...]

The agency is considering how many guests will be invited and how food and beverages will be provided.
Click to expand...
Sankei and FNN reports the number of attendees is expected to be halved from the usual 2,000-2,500 guests and face masks will be considered.

It will be the first Imperial garden party since autumn 2018 due to accession events and pandemic cancelations.
 
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Princess Nobuko, Princess Akiko and Princess Hisako attended the 94th International Miyasama Ski Games in Hokkaido Prefecture. About 900 athletes participated in the games at 6 locations in Sapporo. Events included cross-country skiing, jumping, alpine skiing, combined skiing, freestyle skiing, and biathlon. The competition was officially recognized by the International Ski Federation.

Princess Akiko attended the men's 15km cross country ski event (Prince Takamatsu Cup) on March 4th. All 3 princesses attended the awards ceremony on the 5th.

This is Princess Nobuko's first public activity since finishing breast cancer treatments on February 27.

Video/article: FNN, FNN2
 
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On April 3rd, Imperial family members attended the annual memorial ceremony for Emperor Jinmu at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Photos of Crown Prince Akishino couple, Princesses Kako, Akiko, and Yohko entering the palace.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642807061644984322

Princess Hisako appears in video:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642771925557714944

Emperor Naruhito attended the ceremony while Empress Masako worshipped privately from the Imperial residence. Princesses Aiko and Tsuguko were scheduled to attend.

Sources: Asahi Imperial schedule April 3-9, Sankei

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Food and alcoholic beverages will not be served at the May 11 garden party as an infection prevention measure. Only soft drinks will be offered. The Imperial Household Agency usually serves a wider variety of drinks with light meals such as yakitori and jingisukan (grilled mutton) from sheep raised at the Imperial Stock Farm.

Number of invitees will be halved to about 1000 people. Guest list includes gold medalists from the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, as well as recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit.

Sources: NHK, NTV, tv-asahi

ETA: While masks are will not be required, the agency will ask guests to wear masks when in close proximity such as gathering to speak to Imperial family members. Invitations were sent on April 7. [Asahi, Sankei]

Imperial garden party to be held without food or alcohol, sources say | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
 
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Prisma said:
On April 3rd, Imperial family members attended the annual memorial ceremony for Emperor Jinmu at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Photos of Crown Prince Akishino couple, Princesses Kako, Akiko, and Yohko entering the palace.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642807061644984322

Princess Hisako appears in video:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642771925557714944

Emperor Naruhito attended the ceremony while Empress Masako worshipped privately from the Imperial residence. Princesses Aiko and Tsuguko were scheduled to attend.

Sources: Asahi Imperial schedule April 3-9, Sankei

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Food and alcoholic beverages will not be served at the May 11 garden party as an infection prevention measure. Only soft drinks will be offered. The Imperial Household Agency usually serves a wider variety of drinks with light meals such as yakitori and jingisukan (grilled mutton) from sheep raised at the Imperial Stock Farm.

Number of invitees will be halved to about 1000 people. Guest list includes gold medalists from the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, as well as recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit.

Sources: NHK, NTV, tv-asahi
Click to expand...

Princess Tsuguko didn't attend? (Could she have come in another car?)
 
Prisma said:
On April 3rd, Imperial family members attended the annual memorial ceremony for Emperor Jinmu at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Photos of Crown Prince Akishino couple, Princesses Kako, Akiko, and Yohko entering the palace.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642807061644984322

Princess Hisako appears in video:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1642771925557714944

Emperor Naruhito attended the ceremony while Empress Masako worshipped privately from the Imperial residence. Princesses Aiko and Tsuguko were scheduled to attend.

Sources: Asahi Imperial schedule April 3-9, Sankei

-----

Food and alcoholic beverages will not be served at the May 11 garden party as an infection prevention measure. Only soft drinks will be offered. The Imperial Household Agency usually serves a wider variety of drinks with light meals such as yakitori and jingisukan (grilled mutton) from sheep raised at the Imperial Stock Farm.

Number of invitees will be halved to about 1000 people. Guest list includes gold medalists from the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, as well as recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit.

Sources: NHK, NTV, tv-asahi

ETA: While masks are will not be required, the agency will ask guests to wear masks when in close proximity such as gathering to speak to Imperial family members. Invitations were sent on April 7. [Asahi, Sankei]

Imperial garden party to be held without food or alcohol, sources say | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Click to expand...

Did Princess Kako wear the exact same clothes for the spring ceremony on March 21st?

Kako on March 21:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FsF_D1MagAIz5qK?format=jpg&name=small
Sources/Photos: Twitter
Video: Twitter

Kako on April 3:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FsxrJ4yacAA6rbV?format=jpg&name=small

Sources/Photos: Twitter
Video: Twitter
 
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Yes, looks like the same clothes. Worshipping at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries usually has dress code of pale/pastel long dress + ivory hat for ladies, sometimes cream coats are added for the colder months. It's fine to reuse the clothes.

MarieAmelie_95 said:
Princess Tsuguko didn't attend? (Could she have come in another car?)
Click to expand...
It's possible Princess Tsuguko went in a different car. She usually rides with her mother so not sure why Tsuguko would go separately and I'd expect her car to arrive close to the others if she did.

Princess Kako arrives separately because her parents need to change clothes. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako also arrived separately when they still lived at Akasaka estate and commuted to the Imperial Palace.

Princess Aiko attendance at rituals is listed in the Emperor's family schedule:
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gonittei/show/2?quarter=202301
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gonittei/show/2?quarter=202302

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ETA: Imperial family will wear masks at the May 11 garden party. Attendees who converse with Their Majesties will also be asked to wear masks. The IHA also confirmed only non-alcoholic drinks will be served, no food.

Source: Jiji
 
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According to Asahi, many members of the Imperial Family will meet King Abdullah II of Jordan, his consort Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein:
• on 11 April, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet the royal couple of Jordan and the heir to the throne at the Imperial Palace.

• on 10 April, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will also meet with the Crown Prince of Jordan.

• finally, also on 11 April, Princess Takamado (Hisako) and Princess Tsuguko of Takamado will meet (if my translation of the article is not wrong, since the sentence referring to Princess Takamado and Princess Tsuguko was translated in various ways by various translators I have consulted) the Royal Couple and the heir.

Source: Asahi

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On 10 April, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met with Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at the Imperial Residence of Akasaka, Tokyo. They spoke with the Crown Prince of Jordan for about 30 minutes.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the couple congratulated the Crown Prince on announcing their engagement last year.

Crown Prince Hussein meets Japan crown prince - Jordan News
HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Monday met with Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko Akishino of Japan, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein meets with Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko Akishino of Japan, and discusses bilateral relations and means to bolster cooperation and coordination.
Click to expand...

Crown Prince Al Hussein meets Japan Crown Prince - Jordan News Agency
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Monday met with Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.

The meeting covered the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and means of enhancing cooperation and coordination, in addition to issues of mutual concern.
Click to expand...

Sources/Photos: Sankei, Nippon.com, Kyodo News, Jordan News, News.NTV, Jordan News Agency
 
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MarieAmelie_95 said:
According to Asahi, many members of the Imperial Family will meet King Abdullah II of Jordan, his consort Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein:
• on 11 April, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet the royal couple of Jordan and the heir to the throne at the Imperial Palace.

• on 10 April, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will also meet with the Crown Prince of Jordan.

• finally, also on 11 April, Princess Takamado (Hisako) and Princess Tsuguko of Takamado will meet (if my translation of the article is not wrong, since the sentence referring to Princess Takamado and Princess Tsuguko was translated in various ways by various translators I have consulted) the Royal Couple and the heir.

Source: Asahi

------

On 10 April, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met with Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at the Imperial Residence of Akasaka, Tokyo. They spoke with the Crown Prince of Jordan for about 30 minutes.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the couple congratulated the Crown Prince on announcing their engagement last year.

Crown Prince Hussein meets Japan crown prince - Jordan News


Crown Prince Al Hussein meets Japan Crown Prince - Jordan News Agency


Sources/Photos: Sankei, Nippon.com, Kyodo News, Jordan News, News.NTV, Jordan News Agency
Click to expand...

On 11 April in the afternoon, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met with King Abdullah II, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at the Imperial Palace for about 25 minutes. According to the Imperial Household Agency, the Emperor and Empress spoke in English without interpreters. Referring to Jordan's reception of many refugees from neighboring countries, Emperor Naruhito said: "I wish to express my respect for Jordan's great humanitarian efforts."
Another topic of discussion was the engagement of the Crown Prince of Jordan, which took place last year.

King meets Japan emperor - Jordan News Agency
His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at Tokyo Imperial Palace.

At the meeting, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, King Abdullah lauded the deep-rooted friendship between Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Family and Japan’s Imperial Family, and the strong ties between the governments and peoples of the two countries.
Click to expand...

Sources/Photos: Sankei, TBS News Dig, News.NTV, Mainichi, Nikkei, News.NHK, Jordan News Agency

Video by News.NTV
 
Last edited:
:previous: Thanks! More photos: AFPBB

https://twitter.com/x/status/1645722738743468034
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq4_R5Is8n6/
https://www.facebook.com/RHCJO/posts/pfbid02cnLn9pTpF4LkQvR1vHu6htEyUU472tnLBJDEAwgAxYT4CmRw1E4EoWpP3V9UANKRl
Visit to Japan - April 2023 | Royal Hashemite Court
King meets Japan emperor | Royal Hashemite Court

In retrospect, it would have been a good idea to create a separate thread for this official visit from Jordan... but it's been so long since the last royal official/state visit to Japan that I forgot.

I wish the meeting with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had 1 mask-less photo at least.
 
Last edited:
Prisma said:
:previous: Thanks! More photos: AFPBB

https://twitter.com/x/status/1645722738743468034
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq4_R5Is8n6/
https://www.facebook.com/RHCJO/posts/pfbid02cnLn9pTpF4LkQvR1vHu6htEyUU472tnLBJDEAwgAxYT4CmRw1E4EoWpP3V9UANKRl
Visit to Japan - April 2023 | Royal Hashemite Court
King meets Japan emperor | Royal Hashemite Court

In retrospect, it would have been a good idea to create a separate thread for this official visit from Jordan... but it's been so long since the last royal official/state visit to Japan that I forgot.

I wish the meeting with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had 1 mask-less photo at least.
Click to expand...

Yes indeed! ?
As for the visit, I'm searching heaven and earth to find photos of the Takamado Princesses
 
Same, same :flowers:

I hoping Queen Rania's instagram or Jordan's court will share photos eventually or the Takamado meeting might randomly surface much later... Besides being extended/lesser royals, maybe there were security concerns since the princesses visited the Jordanian royals' accommodation. Allowing media at the hotel where a King, Queen and heir are staying isn't great whereas the Imperial and Akishino couple meetings happened at Imperial residences.

Looking at the coverage so far, I'm surprised TV Tokyo, FNN, ANN don't have videos... yet?
 
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