The Imperial Household

[Prisma]

On February 9th, a male Imperial Guard escort officer (45) from Division 1 was arrested for theft. He admitted to stealing 3 items, including down jackets, totaling 72,000 Yen from 2 pachinko parlors on January 1 and sold them to a thrift shop for 13,000 Yen. He was identified from security videos.

The guard took a break from work in December and left his family's home, living in capsule hotels in Tokyo. From the Metropolitan Police Department's investigation, he appears to be in debt due to horse racing and the theft paid for living expenses.

The Imperial Guard Headquarters said "We regret [our] staff was arrested. We will take strict measures in line with the facts revealed by the investigation."

Sources: Mainichi, Sankei, Jiji

 

[Prisma]

On February 21st, the Imperial Guard Headquarters reported the Division 1 chief (male, 50s) has Covid-19. He felt discomfort behind his ears on February 18 and took an antigen test the next day which confirmed infection. He last had contact with Emperor Naruhito and other escort officers in mid-January. So far, other staff have not reported poor physical condition.

Sources: Sankei, TV Tokyo

 

[Prisma]

From Racetrack to Carriage Escort: Shōyū, the Imperial Guard Horse | Nippon.com

“The horses that live here are all former racehorses,” states Satō Mitsuru, the official in charge of the escort horses for the imperial guard. “You could call it something of a career change for them after racing hard for a living.”

He is referring to the 14 thoroughbreds that specialize in patrols and other duties for the imperial household and are stabled in the Imperial Palace grounds.

Their main job consists of escorting the carriages carrying newly appointed ambassadors. In a long-held tradition, the diplomats travel from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace to meet the emperor.

Shōyū is one such horse. Now 16 years old, he joined the imperial guard after retiring from racing at the age of four.

[...]

The horses of the imperial guard leave behind their old names when they join and are given new ones made up of two kanji, chosen by a draw among employees.

The first step with a new horse is to help them adjust to the different surrounding, and the animals go through various training for this. No riding takes place until it is deemed safe.

[...]

Taking part in the ceremonies consists of walking in the street as they escort the carriages. In stark contrast to the quiet environment within the Imperial Palace, the horses find themselves surrounded by buildings, and a great number of people who take notice of them. There may be unexpected noises, and the wind may cause something to fly past, potentially spooking an animal.

[...]

The horses are led out of their stables every day for their morning training by their riders, and head to the nearby riding arena, where they work up a sweat walking, cantering, and jumping. When they return to the stables, they are showered, and their shoes are attended to.

“The horses don’t retire from the imperial guard until after they are 20, so Shōyū will be working hard for a while yet,” Satō says.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura says it's his fault Princess Aiko's coming-of-age press conference coincided with Prince Hisahito's junior high school graduation on March 17.

Ochanomizu University graduations were scheduled already and Nishimura simply didn't think of it when coordinating the press conference. He thinks another day would have been nice. Regarding Princess Aiko, he said "I have the impression that you have expressed your thoughts very well."

Source: TBS NEWS

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura says it's his fault Princess Aiko's coming-of-age press conference coincided with Prince Hisahito's junior high school graduation on March 17.

Ochanomizu University graduations were scheduled already and Nishimura simply didn't think of it when coordinating the press conference. He thinks another day would have been nice. Regarding Princess Aiko, he said "I have the impression that you have expressed your thoughts very well."

Source: TBS NEWS

Is he apologizing because of outrage from either Aiko fans or Hisahito fans on social media?

 

[Prisma]

Is he apologizing because of outrage from either Aiko fans or Hisahito fans on social media?

There was twitter chatter the Akishino family purposely moved the graduation or that Hisahito didn't actually graduate on March 17. Someone responded to my tweet (expand replies) about the grand steward's response, saying Ochanomizu University Jr High graduation was actually March 18. As evidence, they point out Hisahito isn't holding a diploma and the photo op was taken in the courtyard/garden instead of in front of the graduation banner outside the school. In addition, the local government website of the ward or education district (where Ochanomizu University is located) states March 18 as graduation date for jr high schools. The Akishino household should have deferred to / checked with the Emperor's household, Princess Aiko has precedence, Akishino family are disrespecting, etc.

Reports state Hisahito's photo op was before the ceremony so it makes sense to me why he's not holding any diploma. His primary school graduation and jr high entrance photo ops also didn't have banners so the location isn't unusual. I have no idea about the local government/ward website. Could be outdated? Pandemic might have changed the schedule?

I don't know if I believe the Akishino family is so powerful/petty to inconvenience the school, his classmates, and their families simply to conflict or try overshadowing Princess Aiko's adulthood press conference. It's getting too weird for me. Graduations take time to organize.

What's next? conspiracy that Hisahito never went to Ochanomizu because there's no photo of him next to a entrance/graduation banner?

Imperial family with entrance/graduation banners...
Princess Ayako and friends enter Gakushuin Elementary School
Princess Mako of Akishino Enters Gakushuin Girls' Junior High School
Princess Mako And Kako Attend Graduation Ceremonies
Princess Kako of Akishino Graduates High School
Princess Ayako of Takamado Enters Josai International University

Of course, there are plenty of photos of Princess Aiko and her parents with entrance/graduation banner.

ETA: The IHA didn't announce Aiko's press date until a week before. Reports initially mentioned beginning of 2022 as a possibility before definitely targeting spring break.

 

[Prisma]

On February 9th, a male Imperial Guard escort officer (45) from Division 1 was arrested for theft. He admitted to stealing 3 items, including down jackets, totaling 72,000 Yen from 2 pachinko parlors on January 1 and sold them to a thrift shop for 13,000 Yen. He was identified from security videos.

The guard took a break from work in December and left his family's home, living in capsule hotels in Tokyo. From the Metropolitan Police Department's investigation, he appears to be in debt due to horse racing and the theft paid for living expenses.

The Imperial Guard Headquarters said "We regret [our] staff was arrested. We will take strict measures in line with the facts revealed by the investigation."

Sources: Mainichi, Sankei, Jiji

Follow up on this incident: on April 22nd, the Imperial Guard Headquarters disciplined the male escort (45) for 6 months. He resigned the same day as he belonged to Division 1 which protects the Emperor's family. HQ also questioned his superiors' responsibility, cautioning the Chief and Assistant Commissioner.

Source: Sankei

On May 11th, the Imperial Household Agency reported a female employee (70s) from the Emeritus household has Covid-19. There is no risk to the Emeritus couple. The woman has a special job, entrusted with the care of Their Majesties' personal belongings.

There was no long-term contact on May 2, her last work day. She had dinner with family who did not live together on May 5 and infection within the family was found on May 7. She had a fever on May 9 and tested positive on May 11.

Source: Jiji

Cafe planned for Imperial Palace - The Japan News

[...]

A cafe and other facilities will be constructed in the palace’s East Gardens, where the main compound of Edo Castle was located.

The agency plans to start construction in fiscal 2024 and open the facilities by March 2026, aiming to create a space where visitors can relax while enjoying the natural beauty of the palace.

The facilities are expected to be about 3,000 square meters and will include a cafe, shop and roof terrace for visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding area. There will also be a section with information about the history of the Imperial Palace and the activities of Imperial family members.

The agency has allocated about ¥240 million in the current fiscal year’s budget for design and other expenses.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On June 3rd, the Imperial Household Agency disciplined a male employee (20s) for 9 months following his obscenity conviction. He belongs to the Kyoto office and intends to retire.

The man was arrested in February for touching the lower body of a 16-year old female sitting next to him on a train in Shiga Prefecture. He was charged and convicted by the Otsu District Court in June, sentenced to 1 year in prison and suspended sentence of 3 years.

The Imperial Household Agency said, "It is extremely regrettable that he is a deplorable act as a minister (public servant?) of the entire nation. We deeply apologize to the victims, their families, and everyone involved."

Source: Sankei

I wonder what "disciplined for 9 months" means... return of salary?

Imperial Guard training exercise on May 16

 

[Prisma]

On June 25th, the IHA received a letter criticizing several Imperial family members along with a kitchen knife. The letter includes a name and address. The Imperial Guard HQ is investigating on suspicion of disrupting business operations and plans to arrest the sender.

Source: Asahi

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On June 25th, the IHA received a letter criticizing several Imperial family members along with a kitchen knife. The letter includes a name and address. The Imperial Guard HQ is investigating on suspicion of disrupting business operations and plans to arrest the sender.

Source: Asahi

It doesn't seem like the peak of cleverness to include one's name and address when sending a hatemail kitchen knife to several royals ... or it could be that was someone else's name and address.

 

[Prisma]

It doesn't seem like the peak of cleverness to include one's name and address when sending a hatemail kitchen knife to several royals ... or it could be that was someone else's name and address.

Yes and not surprisingly, the Imperial Guard arrested a man (20s) from Aichi Prefecture on June 29.

The knife was 17cm along the blade and the letter was described as incoherent. Although the man admitted to the mail, the Imperial Guard HQ is still investigating his criminal liability.

Sources: Jiji, Sankei

Man arrested for allegedly sending knife to Japan's Imperial Household Agency - The Mainichi

[...]

The man is specifically accused of obstructing Imperial Household Agency employees' duties by sending a knife with an about 17-centimeter-long blade and a letter on June 25. No agency workers were injured.

The Imperial Guard Headquarters intends to investigate whether the suspect is mentally competent to be held criminally responsible, as the content of the handwritten letter was apparently utterly incoherent.

 

[Prisma]

Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech, Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura does not expect significant changes to security or Imperial activities except to leverage lessons learned from the incident. He made the comments at a regular meeting on July 14. "The Imperial family will interact with people at the places they visit. How to ensure persona safety while not interfering with the public’s affinity is an eternal issue for the security team."
Source: Asahi

On July 16th, the Imperial Guard Headquarters reported its Chief, Hiroyuki Matsumoto (58), has COVID-19. He had symptoms such as sore throat and cough on the 14th and developed a fever on the 15th. He took an antigen test on the morning of the 16th and is currently receiving medical treatment at home. The infection route is unknown. There has been no contact with Their Majesties or the other Imperial family members since May.
Sources: Sankei, TBS

 

[Prisma]

On July 20th, the Imperial Guard re-arrested the man (20s) from Aichi Prefecture for sending 20 kitchen knives in 21 letter packets to the Imperial Household Agency. The letters are incoherent and the Imperial Guard will check for criminal liability.

The man was arrested in June for sending 1 knife with an incoherent letter criticizing several Imperial family members to the agency.

Source: Sankei

 

[Ista]

The arrested man is clearly a very troubled individual, but I'm afraid I'm hung up on how he managed to send 20 knives in 21 letter packets. Was one of the knives in two pieces?

 

[Prisma]

Google translation: "According to the Imperial Guard, 20 of the 21 letter packs that arrived contained kitchen knives and letters, and the remaining one contained only letters."

Hope the man gets help. The article didn't mention what happened after the first arrest. Imperial Guard didn't pursue charges, just warned him? or they were still determining criminal liability and more knives showed up?

 

[Ista]

Thank you for clarifying, Prisma! I hope he gets help, too, it sounds as though he definitely has something going on.

 

[Prisma]

Vice Grand Steward Kenji Ikeda tested positive for Covid-19 on August 16. He had symptoms such as fever and throat discomfort on the 15th and took an antigen test at a medical institution the next day.

Ikeda had no contact with Imperial family members. He is still symptomatic with 37 degree C fever and is expected to recuperate at home until the 25th.

Source: FNN

 

[Prisma]

On August 23rd, the government announced the management and operation of The Museum of the Imperial Collections (Sannomaru Shozokan) will be transferred from the Imperial Household Agency to the National Institute for Cultural Heritage on October 1, 2023.

The National Institute for Cultural Heritage is an independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In the future, the Imperial Household Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs will set up a panel of experts to discuss introducing fees for exhibition space (previously free) and to manage and operate facilities.

The Sannomaru Shozokan, located in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, contains nearly 9,800 pieces and is currently under renovation, expanding exhibition and storage space. The new facilities will also have a cafe, shop, and roof terrace for visitors.

Sources: NHK, Sankei, Sankei2

 

[Prisma]

On August 30th, the Imperial Household Agency reported its FY2023 budget request, including 1 new senior position and 2 additional staff members to improve public relations and consider using SNS to disseminate accurate information about the Imperial family.

The IHA also plans to update its website, which was created in 1999. It is assumed the new team will be established in April and this will be the first attempt by the agency to use social media.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei, Mainichi

Japan's Imperial Household Agency to start using social media | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...]

The agency said on Tuesday that it will create a new position of a senior official to upgrade its public relations system, and add two officials dedicated to the work. The agency has included the plan in its budget request for the next fiscal year.

The agency says it will update its existing website and consider using social media for the first time.

The move comes after former Princess Mako reportedly suffered health issues over articles in weekly magazines and online posts about her marriage last October to college classmate Komuro Kei. [...]

Japan Imperial Household Agency Mulling Starting Social Media | Nippon.com

[...]

The agency currently uses its website to send out information on the Imperial Family but has never used social media for that purpose. Suggestions from outside that the agency should directly pass on correct information to the public led to the plan to utilize social media.

The agency will work on the details of the initiative, deciding whether it will use Twitter, Instagram or other social media platforms, for example, by looking at how the British and Spanish royal families have been utilizing social media. The agency is also considering fully revamping its website.

Imperial Household Agency turns to social media - The Japan News

The Imperial Household Agency plans to use social media to provide accurate information about the Imperial family in the wake of erroneous reports regarding the former Princess Mako’s marriage, according to the agency.

[...]

The agency requested an increase of one counselor and two staff members in its Grand Steward’s Secretariat. Currently, the secretariat’s Press and Public Relations Office, which is part of the General Affairs Division at the agency, provides information on its website.

[...]

Under the new system, the agency intends to use social media to proactively send out correct information on the Imperial family. It has yet to decide which social media sites it plans to use.

“We have received comments from members of the Imperial family that we need to proactively provide correct information and convey a more accurate picture to the public,” a senior official of the agency said.

 

[Prisma]

Experts differ over social media use by Japan's imperial family | The Japan Times

[...]

Naotaka Kimizuka, professor of British political and diplomatic history at Kanto Gakuin University in Yokohama, who is a longtime advocate of social media use by the Imperial Family, said that it is the world’s only major royal family that has yet to use social media.

The Imperial Household Agency has focused only on its webpage and neglected to disclose information actively, Kimizuka said. “It’s too late, but it’s good to start.”

The British royal family started stepping up public relations activity as its public support dwindled after Princess Diana died following a car crash in 1997, according to Kimizuka.

[...]

“The biggest advantage of using social media is to provide people with a sense of affinity,” he said, claiming that Japanese people’s interest in the Imperial Family is low.

[..]

“All activities of the Imperial Family are covered by taxpayer money, and people need be more interested,” he added.

[...]

“The Imperial Household Agency appears to be struggling with how to meet the needs of people at a time when their values are diversifying,” Yohei Mori, professor of media history at Seijo University in Tokyo, said of the agency’s move to consider using social media.

“The interactivity (of social media) may tarnish the image of the Imperial Family,” Mori warned, saying that the agency may face high hurdles to introduce it.

He said that using social media requires different ways of thinking from using webpages. “It’s important to think of what information to send out.”

Japan Times translated this original Jiji article

I also wonder about social media's impact on the IHA press club which currently enjoys exclusive access to press conferences, photos, etc.

 

[Prisma]

Following speculation about the possibility of social media, the Imperial Household Agency corrected its trajectory over SNS utilization on September 8. Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura is worried about such forward-looking reports, cautious about the dangers despite SNS being a convenient tool.

Nishimura was responding to questions after the IHA FY2023 budget request asked for an increase in staff to use SNS. The budget request described using SNS to combat reporting "mixed with truth and falsehoods," recalling media coverage of Mako Komuro.
Source: https://txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp/txn/news_txn/post_258810


Imperial Household Agency's FY2023 budget request

~6.5 billion yen for Imperial family expenses and property management
~11.6 billion yen for Imperial Household Agency expenses

Total: approximately 18.2 billion yen

Source: NTV

 

[doro]

The German Federal President will visit Japan between October 31st and November 3rd. It's true?

 

[Prisma]

The German Federal President will visit Japan between October 31st and November 3rd. It's true?

Yes, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany and his wife will make an official visit to Japan November 1-3.

They will meet Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will also meet and have dinner with the President.
Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/erp/c_see/de/page4_005680.html


The Imperial Household Agency is preparing to hold New Year general public greetings (January 2) next year. Princess Aiko is expected to attend for the first time. Infection control measures under consideration are face masks, limiting number of people, application system, and lottery if there are too many applicants.

In addition, the agency plans to open Inui Street for fall foliage viewing this year. Since 2014, Inui Street opens twice a year for spring's cherry blossom and fall foliage. However, public greetings and Inui Street will be canceled if Covid-19 infections increase.

Sources: Yomiuri, Sankei, FNN, TBS

ETA: Imperial family’s 2023 New Year greeting might be open to public - The Japan News

The Imperial family’s New Year greeting event will likely be open to the general public for the first time since the pandemic started.

[...]

The agency is also considering allowing the general public to visit Inui Street in the Imperial Palace grounds this autumn. This usually about a weeklong event held in spring and autumn had also been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The schedule will be formally decided and announced soon. The agency plans to resume such Imperial events to get people acclimated to living with the virus.

[...]

To avoid crowds in the yard in front of that balcony, the agency is planning to limit the number of visitors through an entry system. A drawing will be held if there are too many applications. The agency will ask participants to wear masks and take other infection prevention measures.

[...]

The agency’s plans may change, of course, depending on the novel coronavirus infection situation.

 

[doro]

Yes, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany and his wife will make an official visit to Japan November 1-3.

They will meet Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will also meet and have dinner with the President.
Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/erp/c_see/de/page4_005680.html


The Imperial Household Agency is preparing to hold New Year general public greetings (January 2) next year. Princess Aiko is expected to attend for the first time. Infection control measures under consideration are face masks, limiting number of people, application system, and lottery if there are too many applicants.

In addition, the agency plans to open Inui Street for fall foliage viewing this year. Since 2014, Inui Street opens twice a year for spring's cherry blossom and fall foliage. However, public greetings and Inui Street will be canceled if Covid-19 infections increase.

Sources: Yomiuri, Sankei, FNN, TBS

But it's will a Official Visit, not a State Visit, so I expect that's not will have Tiaras at Dinner, but gift exchange (orders, souvenirs), I believe that will happen
And it's time to the Imperial Family to have a website.

 

[Prisma]

But it's will a Official Visit, not a State Visit, so I expect that's not will have Tiaras at Dinner, but gift exchange (orders, souvenirs), I believe that will happen
And it's time to the Imperial Family to have a website.

I'm not sure about dinner. It will probably be a 30 minute meeting.

The Imperial Household Agency has not hosted any luncheon, tea, or dinner for foreign or domestic guests (i.e. - Japan Academy winners or Order recipients) since the pandemic began.

IHA has websites but no social media (yet)
Japanese: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/
English: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html

 

[doro]

I'm not sure about dinner. It will probably be a 30 minute meeting.

The Imperial Household Agency has not hosted any luncheon, tea, or dinner for foreign or domestic guests (i.e. - Japan Academy winners or Order recipients) since the pandemic began.

IHA has websites but no social media (yet)
Japanese: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/
English: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html

Now it's time to the IHA upgrade their websites

 

[Prisma]

2023 New Year general public greeting on January 2 will be held.

- 6 sessions, limited to 1,500 people each
- 10:10, 11, 11:50, 1:30, 2:20, 3:10
- reservations required, apply online via IHA website or mail by November 18 (postmark)
- lottery if too many apply, notify results by mid-December
- a guestbook station will be setup in front of the IHA building
- among the infection control measures, the IHA requests attendees to "refrain from cheering"

Sources: Sankei, Jiji, FNN, Asahi

Japan's imperial New Year greetings to be held for first time in 3 years | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...]

Applications will be accepted from Wednesday through November 18. Applicants must be 18 years or older, and up to two people will be invited per application.

The officials say the imperial family members will appear on the balcony three times in the morning and another three times in the afternoon. The number of visitors will be limited to about 1,500 at a time. They also say a lottery will be held if applications exceed the cap.

[...]

Sources say Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, is expected to make her first New Year's appearance. She turned 20 last December and took her place as an adult member of the Imperial family.

Imperial New Year Greeting Event to Be Held for 1st Time in 3 Years | Nippon.com

[...]

Visitors will be asked to wear face masks and disinfect their hands and fingers with sanitizers.

The agency will accept applications through its website and postcards, with the deadline set on Nov. 18.

 

[Prisma]

The Imperial Household Agency reported more than a dozen employees involved in the important "Niiname-sai" festival (November 23-24) were infected with Covid-19. 5 IHA staff members and 5-10 people privately employed by the Imperial family were found infected by November 29. Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Akishino worshipped at "Niiname-sai" but did not have contact with those infected.

Emperor Naruhito was scheduled to attend the monthly festival on December 1. However, the chamberlain will attend on behalf of His Majesty in consideration of the situation.

The agency does not disclose the exact number of staff members employed by the Imperial family at private court expenses.

Sources: TBS, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On December 13th, the Imperial Household Agency reported 102,377 people applied to attend 2023 New Year Public Greetings on January 2 which will have 6 sessions, each limited to 1,500 people due to infection control measures.

9,606 people were selected by lottery. They will be notified this week and sent instructions next week. Participants can enter the Imperial Palace through specific gates (Nijubashi, Sakashita) between 9:10am and 3:30pm. They must leave through Nijubashi, Kikyo, Otemon, or Inui Gates by 4pm.

There will be hand sanitizer, temperature checks, baggage inspection, and identity verification before entry. Attendees will be asked to maintain at least 1 meter distance and refrain from cheering.

The agency cautions New Year Public Greetings may be canceled depending on the infection situation.

Sources: Sankei, Asahi, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On December 23rd, the Cabinet approved the Imperial Household Agency's budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 which includes establishing a "public relations office." 4 new roles (1 manager, 3 staff) will start on April 1. The new PR office will be setup in the general affairs division along with the "news office," currently responsible for responding to news reports and disseminating information. In total, the press room will have about 10 people. A head of department will be considered in the future.

About 4 million Yen ($30,175 USD) was included as an analysis consulting fee for website renovation. The IHA explained, "We will consider what form of communication is appropriate in the public relations office, including the renewal of our website."

Source: Sankei

ETA: The existing press office will be reduced from 15 to 9 people.

Source: TBS