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07-10-2017, 07:54 AM
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07-11-2017, 10:30 PM
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07-15-2017, 02:24 AM
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Photos of Princess Ayako at Nikka Yuko's 50th anniversary celebrations on July 14th.
https://twitter.com/JWSchnarrHerald/...57565251756033
https://twitter.com/smithco/status/885917140447969280
https://twitter.com/lethnewsnow/stat...61781771763712
https://twitter.com/CTVTerryVogt/sta...06848460623873
https://twitter.com/smithco/status/885881792342839297
https://twitter.com/mattbattochio/st...94712766353408
Video: Royal Day at Nikka Yuko | CTV Calgary News
Princess touts family's ties to Canada during visit | lethbridgenewsNOW
Quote:
[...]
"My mother fondly remembers the visit that she and my father made in 1992, and asked me to convey her best wishes," the princess told the crowd, as she also congratulated Canada on its 150th birthday. She recalled her father, Norihito, Prince Takamodo, who died in 2002, had been a student in Canada and considered it his second home.
"He always said that it was in Canada that he learned the true meaning of living together in harmony and the importance of respecting different cultural traditions and values," she added.
Nikka Yuko (which means "Japan Canada Friendship") was a centennial project meant to recognize the contributions of people in the Lethbridge area of Japanese-Canadian ancestry.
[...]
Harding found the 26-year-old Princess Ayako to be warm and engaging, which wasn't surprising given her and her family's connections to Canada. The princess herself attended the University of British Columbia and also studied in Victoria.
"(She's) part of this lineage now of this third-generation of visitors to the garden, visitors to Lethbridge, and she's carried that mission off with aplomb. We've been just very impressed with her personally," Harding said.
Princess Ayako closed her remarks with the hope that the Nikka Yuko garden will remain a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.
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Princess Ayako of Takamado visits Lethbridge’s Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden to celebrate milestone - Lethbridge | Globalnews.ca
Quote:
[...]
The event featured a number of performances, including a dance not seen in the area for 25 years.
“We had the maple leaf in our right hand and the cherry blossoms in our left to symbolize Canada and Japan and the friendship between the two countries,” dance instructor Hisae Pirce said.
[...]
The legacy of Nikka Yuko grew even more Friday when it was announced that the Japanese gardens is now a municipal and provincial historical site.
[...]
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ETA: Royalty helps mark garden anniversary - The Lethbridge Herald - News and Sports from around Lethbridge
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[...]
On a private tour of the facility, Her Imperial Highness was engaged and interested in the different parts of the garden, taking time to read on the history of the garden, hear stories about the different features and even taking part in ringing the Friendship Bell. She also took part in a plaque unveiling to commemorate her visit.
[...]
[Ayako] attended school in B.C. for English studies and as part of her work towards a master’s degree in social welfare.
“(I) fell in love with Canada,” she said. “Words simply cannot express how happy I am to be on Canadian soil on this special 150th birthday year.”
She referred to Nikka Yuko as a living monument to the friendship between Japan and Canada.
“It is wonderful to see that the garden has been looked after with such loving care and attention,” she said.
Mayor Chris Spearman previously met with [Ayako] during a trip to Japan, and on Thursday night a reception was held where he spent more time with her.
“She’s very approachable and very friendly,” he said. “She loves mixing with people. It’s fantastic to see that.”
“She’s wonderfully warm and engaging, which is delightful for us as hosts for this event,” said Harding.
“She has strong connections to Canada, and is familiar with some of our less formal ways. I think some of that comes through in her open, engaging and friendly manner.”
Lois Mitchell, Alberta’s Lieutenant-Governor, said the presence of the Imperial Princess was an honour.
“I know she is already very familiar with what we think of as the typical western Canadian personality,” Mitchell said. “Which is to say, friendly, welcoming, energetic, and innovative. These traits are what we are celebrating today.”
[...]
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07-16-2017, 11:01 PM
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Heir Apparent
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A small gallery of Nikka Yuko visit:
Nikka Yuko Royal Visit & 50th Anniversary Celebration - The Lethbridge Herald - News and Sports from around Lethbridge
Another plaque unveiling:
https://twitter.com/LethFoundation/s...00762265468928
Correction: She attended the Amanda Marshall concert on Friday evening:
https://twitter.com/rdigout/status/886056187531153410
Princess Ayako visited the University of Lethbridge on July 15th:
https://twitter.com/uLethbridge/stat...72643493535745
More photos of Princess Ayako's Calgary Stampede visit on July 13th:
https://www.facebook.com/chrisbolinp...type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CSIndianPri...type=3&theater
Quote:
Today I had the great honour of meeting Princess Ayako of Takamado!
She was so sweet and beautiful, a true princess who carries herself with shining grace. I was so happy to gift her with a little piece of treaty 7 history, when I gave her a beautiful ammolite pendant.
I was so happy and nervous all at the same time. I truly am so blessed to have met a real princess.
- Calgary Stampede Indian Princess
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ETA: The Calgary Stampede welcomes Japanese Royalty – Blog
Quote:
[...]
Princess Ayako began her visit to the Stampede in Indian Village where she met with Elders and Tipi Owners, Leo and Maureena Pretty Young Man and then sampled some delicious bannock (traditional Indigenous fry bread).
“The Treaty 7 nations were so proud to share their traditions and culture, it was a pleasure to see her enjoying herself,” added Provost.
The next stop was Sweetgrass Lodge, where Princess Ayako was honoured in a White Hat Ceremony, presented by Cindy Provost and Roc Spence from the Calgary Stampede board of directors.
[...]
The next stop was to the Agriculture Zone, where the Imperial delegation was joined by Dina Sutherland, agriculture event presentations manager, Calgary Stampede to tour through Draft Horse Town, Ag-tivity in the City and the UFA Cattle Trail. Afterwards, Princess Ayako and other dignitaries enjoyed the afternoon at the Rodeo, watching the saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling and tie-down roping.
“It was a great day and we are so honoured that Princess Ayako took time during her official visit to Canada to join in on our community celebration, just as the Prince and Princess of Takamodo did 25 years ago,” said Alison Buie, manager, government relations, Calgary Stampede.
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07-19-2017, 01:05 AM
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Heir Apparent
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More of Princess Ayako at University of Lethbridge and articles on Camosun College:
Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado's visit to the University of Lethbridge | Flickr
Camosun presents special award to alumna H.I.H. Princess Ayako of Takamado
Quote:
Camosun College presented the inaugural President’s Award for International Partnership to Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado in a special ceremony on Monday, July 17, 2017.
[…]
She was introduced to Camosun on two study abroad visits while she was a student at Josai International University, Camosun’s first international post-secondary partner. In September 2013, Princess Ayako returned to Victoria to study full time and perfect her English in Camosun’s English Language Development program, which she completed in 2015.
[…]
Her visit to Victoria was a private one to visit old friends after an official visit to Alberta rededicating a Japanese garden in Lethbridge and attending the Calgary Stampede.
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How a Japanese princess became a Camosun student
Quote:
Questions about Victoria's bus routes?
Ask Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado, of Japan.
[...]
Her host, Geoff Wilmshurst, took her to the wrong bus stop on one of her first days, not being a regular transit user himself. They waited and waited, until a passing driver set them right.
“The good news about the story is Ayako became an extremely good bus user. And today, if you ever need directions on how to use the bus system in Victoria, Princess Ayako is the person to talk to,” said Wilmshurst, who is also Camosun’s vice-president of partnerships.
[…]
Ayako claims she isn’t “popular” enough to get recognized in Tokyo, although her English-as-a-second-language teachers said fellow Japanese students knew who she was and began adjusting their grammar to acknowledge her stature.
There were subtle security measures while she studied in Victoria, but otherwise, she was like any other student, volunteering as a stagehand for the talent show and sometimes skipping homework.
At the college Monday morning, about 20 Camosun staff and members of Ayako’s entourage arrived to watch her receive the Camosun President’s Award for International Partnership.
She moved down the line of familiar faces, shaking hands with some, bowing to others and giving still others warm hugs. Looking across the room, she chirped with glee to see her former ESL teacher Diana Kohl and began tearing up.
“I love her, because she always gave me confidence, like, ‘you are great,’ ” Ayako said.
Ayako is a woman of few words and still shy using English. But she’s happy to express fondness for Victoria — a place she says is “No. 1” in her books.
[…]
On Monday, she exchanged big hugs with Geoff’s wife, Branka Wilmshurst, who she said was like a sister, when she lived with the couple.
“We learned a lot from each other,” Branka said.
“Ayako is a very modest lady. … It was not what people would expect when you host a royal member,” she said.
Geoff and Branka said they’re waiting for Ayako to get married, so they can attend her wedding in Japan and then see her again, when she inevitably honeymoons in Victoria.
Ayako seems keen on the idea.
“I want to live here forever,” she said.
It’s an option, she said, “if I can have a husband who can come or who can buy a house here.”
Camosun was one of her last stops before flying out this week.
Her final stop, she said, would be Tim Hortons for a hot chocolate.
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07-19-2017, 07:53 PM
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Heir Apparent
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Prisma: I am grateful for your incredible work in this thread and others.
Princess Hisako must have been elated to go birding when she visited Ireland. 
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Ayako claims she isn’t “popular” enough to get recognized in Tokyo, although her English-as-a-second-language teachers said fellow Japanese students knew who she was and began adjusting their grammar to acknowledge her stature.
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This is fascinating. At university overseas and in private space, her fellow Japanese students still acknowledged the most junior member of the imperial family as their superior. I wonder whether the members of the imperial family have ever been addressed familiarly by anybody.
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There were subtle security measures while she studied in Victoria, but otherwise, she was like any other student, volunteering as a stagehand for the talent show and sometimes skipping homework.
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Were the security measures really needed? The probability of an inconsequential imperial family member being threatened in Canada seems low.
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Ayako is a woman of few words and still shy using English. But she’s happy to express fondness for Victoria — a place she says is “No. 1” in her books. “I want to live here forever,” she said. It’s an option, she said, “if I can have a husband who can come or who can buy a house here.”
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She seems to imply that moving overseas is no option without becoming a commoner. Were her remarks meant to be serious? I don't think any of the former princesses who married and left the imperial family since 1947 have emigrated, but the endurance and the extent of the Takamado family's connections to Canada is unique.
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Mayor Chris Spearman [said] “She has strong connections to Canada, and is familiar with some of our less formal ways. I think some of that comes through in her open, engaging and friendly manner.”
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The Takamado branch has always seemed more open and informal than the rest of the imperial family.
Quote:
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She moved down the line of familiar faces, shaking hands with some, bowing to others and giving still others warm hugs. Looking across the room, she chirped with glee to see her former ESL teacher Diana Kohl and began tearing up. “I love her, because she always gave me confidence, like, ‘you are great,’ ” Ayako said.
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Open and friendly indeed! 
Quote:
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She recalled her father, Norihito, Prince Takamodo, who died in 2002, had been a student in Canada and considered it his second home. "He always said that it was in Canada that he learned the true meaning of living together in harmony and the importance of respecting different cultural traditions and values," she added.
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I recall that Crown Prince Naruhito also spoke on the importance of living harmoniously with different cultural traditions.
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08-11-2017, 12:25 AM
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Thanks! I'm quite happy there was coverage from the Canadian press, social media, and universities. Barely anything from the Japanese media. Hisako's Ireland and Ayako's Canadian visits were mentioned in the Asahi schedule and Sankei's Imperial Weekly but no photos. Simply they went to commemorate diplomatic relations/anniversary event...and they returned to Japan on date whatever...  I understand the extended family get less coverage but wow, not 1 photo?
On July 24th, Princess Hisako attended the 31st innovative advanced technology prize award ceremony and reception at Meiji Memorial Hall.
Photos 24 - 27 of Sankei Imperial Weekly #497
On July 27th, Princess Hisako attended the 34th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo.
Photos 21 - 23 of Sankei Imperial Weekly #497
On August 1st, Princess Hisako attended the award ceremony of the 34th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition. Mr. Goko Kazuoka received the highest award, the Takamado Prize.
Photo: Sankei
https://twitter.com/SankeiBiz_jp/sta...90874281746432
Princess Hisako will visit Miyagi Prefecture August 11-12th for the 50th National High School Archery Championship. On the 12th, she will visit Shiogama Fisheries and the closing ceremony. This is her 6th official visit to the prefecture after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Source: Sankei
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08-11-2017, 07:24 PM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: City, Kazakhstan
Posts: 8,013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
... [snipped]
On August 1st, Princess Hisako attended the award ceremony of the 34th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition. Mr. Goko Kazuoka received the highest award, the Takamado Prize.
Photo: Sankei
... [snipped] |
Thanks for the updates!
Princess Hisako's kimono is a masterpiece.
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08-21-2017, 01:39 AM
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09-12-2017, 12:29 PM
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On September 12th, Princess Hisako opened the exhibit “Inuit Carving from the Prince and Princess Takamado Collection” at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. The exhibit runs September 13 - November 21 and is part of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.
Photo: https://twitter.com/TCS_RKo/status/907583752477409280
Inuit Carvings from the Prince and Princess Takamado Collection - Government of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Embassy of Canada to Japan - Tokyo
Quote:
[…]
The late Prince Takamado first went to Canada in 1978 to study at Queen’s University in Ontario. He returned a number of times after completing his studies and had a deep fondness for Canada and its people, including its Inuit culture and art. After their marriage, Prince and Princess Takamado visited Canada’s North on two occasions, meeting Inuit sculptors and artists and developing a deeper appreciation for this culture. Several artworks from Prince and Princess Takamado’s collection have been donated to the Embassy of Canada so that a wider audience may enjoy and appreciate the beautiful sculptures and art created by Inuit peoples.
Modern Inuit carvings are often made of stone and generally created by hand, even though power tools are available, as this provides the artist with more control in releasing the spirit and image from the stone and brining the sculpture to life. Through this exhibition, viewers will experience these characteristics first hand, glimpsing Canada’s North through the eyes of its Inuit peoples.
[…]
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09-14-2017, 08:17 PM
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 Better photo at Canadian Embassy shows art given by Princess Takamado - The Japan News
Quote:
[...]
In the new exhibition titled “Inuit Carvings from the Prince and Princess Takamado Collection,” a total of 22 carvings — all donated to the Canadian government by the princess — are on display at the Embassy’s Prince Takamado Gallery. Mainly made of stone, their motifs range from animals such as beluga whales and walruses to mythological figures including the sea goddess Sedna, and are depicted with a bold but sensitive touch.
“One of the things that my husband felt very close to the Inuit people was the fact that there was a spirituality,” Princess Takamado recalled in her address during the opening event at the Embassy on Tuesday night, which was attended by Canadian Ambassador Ian Burney, senior Japanese diplomats and experts on Canadian affairs.
The princess spoke about her husband’s deep respect for Canada’s appreciation of cultural diversity and inclusion. “[Canada] was where he learned that the ideal society, the ideal world, is the one in which we have this diversity of cultures,” she stressed. Referring to the carvings she donated, the princess said, “My husband would be delighted that they are here, especially on this very special occasion of the 150th anniversary.”
Prior to the princess’ remarks, Burney expressed his deep appreciation for her donation and her commitment to bilateral ties. The ambassador said that “the relationship has been strengthened immeasurably” by the support of the prince and the princess.
[...]
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09-28-2017, 08:52 PM
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On September 26th, Princess Hisako attended the "Tadao Ando Exhibition" opening ceremony at the National Art Center in Ropponji, Tokyo. Other guests included former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Photos: Asahi
On September 28th, Princess Hisako attended a business reception for Irish companies and senior executives from Japanese corporates.
Twitter photos:
https://twitter.com/FitzgeraldFrncs/...51453670027265
https://twitter.com/EnterInnov/statu...25771175268352
https://twitter.com/Entirl/status/913430612383617025
https://twitter.com/asiamatters_biz/...58257406418944
An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation meets Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamado in Japan during Enterprise Ireland / IDA Ireland trade and investment mission. - DBEI
Quote:
An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald T.D, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation met with Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamado in Tokyo today (28th September) at a business reception for Irish companies and senior executives from Japanese corporates.
The event rounded off the first day of the Tanaiste’s visit to Japan which is part of a five-day joint Enterprise Ireland / IDA Ireland trade mission to Singapore and Japan (25-29th September 2017).
HIH Princess Takamado is well known to the Irish community in Japan. She met An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. when she visited Ireland last July as part of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.
[…]
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Earlier, I complained about lack of coverage of Princess Ayako's visit to Canada but there is a good summary at the Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary's site.
Visit by Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado to Calgary & Lethbridge : Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary
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