The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

On January 9th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held a "Kakizome" workshop with calligrapher Ukyou Kamigori who writes the characters for Shinyusha's logo and LINE stamp for mascot Yukihime.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3592054700909349

More info on Kakizome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakizome

 

[Prisma]

On January 11th, Princess Akiko attended the 57th National University Rugby Football Championship Final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo. She has been honorary president of Japan Rugby Football Union since May 2019.

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/210115/lif2101150003-p3.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/210115/lif2101150003-p4.jpg

https://twitter.com/x/status/1348563770780524547

 

[Prisma]

Turkish Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan and his wife paid a courtesy visit to Princess Akiko ahead of their departure. Ambassador Mercan has been appointed Ambassador to the United States.

Masks were only removed for the photo.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1351809383148056576

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Turkish Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan and his wife paid a courtesy visit to Princess Akiko ahead of their departure. Ambassador Mercan has been appointed Ambassador to the United States.

Masks were only removed for the photo.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1351809383148056576

What an honor. Her patronage and work to promote awareness of Turkey in Japan must be appreciated by the Turkish foreign service.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha hosted 8 online tea ceremonies in 2020.

Tea, and sometimes food, were delivered to participants beforehand. The 2.5-3 hour tea ceremonies featured picture and calligraphy projections. Topics included art, history, literature and contemporary society.

Source:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3623990087715810

 

[Prisma]

On January 30th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online cooking class on Nukazuke (fermenting vegetables in rice bran) with lecturer Yasushi Osumi, President of Kyoto Tsukemono Daiyasu (Japanese pickles made in Kyoto).

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3647610202020465

 

[Prisma]

On February 14th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online cooking class on Onigiri (rice ball).

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3685625678218917

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko will be a lecturer on May 25 for "Kyoto Studies-Japanese Tradition and Culture Nurtured in Kyoto" course organized by Kyoto University of the Arts, Kyoto City, and Kyoto Shimbun. The 13 courses are held every Tuesday from April 20 to July 20, costing 3000 yen each or 15,000 yen total. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, there will be limited openings for in-person classes and online options.

Imperial relative Genshitsu (Soshitsu XV) Sen of Urasenke tea ceremony will be lecturer on May 11. He is father-in-law of former Princess Masako of Mikasa.

Source: PR Times

 

[Prisma]

On February 27th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online class about Noh. Panelists included Yūichi Ōtsuki from Otsuki Noh Theater and Professor Diego Pellecchia from Kyoto Sangyō University.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3725266434254841

 

[Prisma]

On March 1st, Princess Yuriko was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital and diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after an abnormal, faster pulse was measured earlier that morning. She has no subjective symptoms and will be hospitalized and treated with medication as a precaution.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji

Japan emperor's great-aunt Princess Yuriko hospitalized for heart trouble - Kyodo News

Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of Japan's imperial family and great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, has been hospitalized after being diagnosed with having an abnormal heart rhythm, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The 97-year-old princess, the widow of Prince Mikasa, is not in serious condition. Earlier in the day, she was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, where she is expected to stay for about a week, according to the agency. [...]

Wishing Princess Yuriko a smooth recovery!

 

[lucien]

A smooth recovery indeed.An admirable age,and so frail,what is left to wish for.

 

[Prisma]

Emperor's great-aunt Princess Yuriko released from hospital - Kyodo News

Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of Japan's imperial family and great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, was released from hospital Thursday after receiving treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm, the Imperial Household Agency said.

The 97-year-old princess, the widow of Prince Mikasa, was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo on Monday. Upon her release, she was displaying a healthy complexion and a good appetite, the agency said.

The princess was initially expected to stay at the hospital for about a week, but was released sooner as her symptoms subsided shortly after her hospitalization and there were no signs of recurrence, the agency said.

[...]

 

[Countessmeout]

Relieved to hear she has been released from the hospital

Hopefully she continues to recover well at home.

 

[Prisma]

July 14, 2020: Princess Akiko gave a lecture entitled "The rise of sencha seen from overseas ceramic collections" at Urasenke Japanese Tea Ceremony school in Kyoto.

During the Meiji Restoration, overseas collectors acquired Japanese ceramics through Noritané Ninagawa, a bureaucrat and antique researcher, and many Japanese collections have been stored in Europe and the US for a long time.

Photo: urasenke.ac.jp

October 29, 2020: Princess Akiko gave a special lecture entitled "Choice of the Meiji Court" about Western dress in the Imperial family at Kokushikan University. About 80 students and faculty members from the Graduate School of Humanities and the Faculty of Letters attended the 1-hour lecture which was held online and at two venues on the Setagaya campus for in-person classes.

Photos: kokushikan.ac.jp

 

[Prisma]

On March 13th, Princess Akiko visited Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium in Tokyo. Originally planning to watch the match between Toshiba Brave Lupus and Suntory Sungoliath, the event was canceled due to lightning. Masks were only removed for photos.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1371380767364771842

 

[Prisma]

On March 14th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online "kimono" session. Panelists included Yuriko Kato of Institute for Chiso Arts and Culture and Atsuhiro Imai, a producer who develops products for Chiso.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3765337870247697

 

[Prisma]

On February 18th, Princess Akiko attended the "View of Nature in Japanese Culture" symposium, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Institute of Japanese Culture of Kyoto Sangyo University held at Knowledge Commons (Library Hall) in Kita Ward, Kyoto. She participated in a discussion with Yuki Ikenobo, the next Iemoto (headmaster) of Ikenobo, the oldest and largest school of ikebana (Japanese art of floral design).

Photos: https://www.ikenobo.jp/information/15672/

Yuki Ikenobo took the Buddhist name Senko and was officially declared as successor at her father's 70th anniversary of becoming Iemoto in 2015. She will become the first female Iemoto of Ikenobo (46th headmaster). Her mother Yasuko Ikenobo was a member of the House of Representatives with conservative party Komeito and is 3rd daughter of Viscount Michitora Umetani. Yasuko is maternal second cousin to Emperor Akihito. Other maternal relatives include owners of Yomiuri Giants and directors at Sapporo TV and Nippon Television.

English profile: https://www.ikenobo.jp/english/about/senko.html

 

[Prisma]

On March 29th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session about "Edo culture" with Edomoji calligrapher Unokichi Tachibana, Kabuki actor Yajūrō Bandō, and moderator and Waka writer Ayako Takahashi. This is Shinyusha's first weekday online session and they asked for feedback.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3812769845504499

 

[Prisma]

On April 4th, Princess Nobuko attended the All Japan Judo Weight-Specific Championship in Fukuoka City.

Princess Akiko visited Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture April 5-6 for the Professional SIA (Ski Instructors Association) demonstrator selection meeting.

Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly 687

 

[Prisma]

On April 17th, Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha held its annual general meeting. Last year's business report and this year's business plan were presented along with video greetings from consultants and chief advisers. There were 23 online sessions last year and membership increased considerably. Grateful to all the staff at Shinyusha.

After a break, the online meeting welcomed Professor Kazuhiko Kobayashi of Kyoto Sangyo University and Professor Keisuke Fukaya of Chubu University with Mitsutaka Inui, a director of Kamigamo Shrine, as moderator. Shinyusha plans to publish a book about annual events to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Although there are various annual events, sometimes the meaning is not well known and only recognized as a day to eat certain food such as Sakuramochi (spring season or Girl's Day, March 3) or Kashiwa Mochi (Children's Day, May 5). The panelists and Princess Akiko discussed events/festivals such as New Year's, Children's Day, Obon, festival offerings, and opportunities to learn about annual events in school such as social studies, life sciences, and music classes.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3866493200132163

 

[Prisma]

On April 19th, Princess Akiko attended the 53rd Ichimura Prize ceremony at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. She was appointed president Ichimura Foundation of New Technology last June, succeeding her father Prince Tomohito.

Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly 689

On April 24th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha hosted a Kashiwa mochi cooking class. The confection, mochi surrounding red bean paste wrapped in a Kashiwa leaf, is made for Tango no sekku (Children's Day, May 5). Toraya confectionery delivered ingredients to participants but all items can be found at the supermarket.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3883914938389989

https://global.toraya-group.co.jp/pages/toraya-tokyo

Next online sessions

May 2: horses in Japanese culture
June 26: Tanabata festival cooking class with Hiroyuki Kato from Gion Kawakami restaurant

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On April 17th, Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha held its annual general meeting. Last year's business report and this year's business plan were presented along with video greetings from consultants and chief advisers. There were 23 online sessions last year and membership increased considerably. Grateful to all the staff at Shinyusha.

Wonderful news. I wonder if the pandemic played a role in the increase in membership? Perhaps online sessions improved accessibility or some people needed something to take their mind off their troubles?

After a break, the online meeting welcomed Professor Kazuhiko Kobayashi of Kyoto Sangyo University and Professor Keisuke Fukaya of Chubu University with Mitsutaka Inui, a director of Kamigamo Shrine, as moderator. Shinyusha plans to publish a book about annual events to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Although there are various annual events, sometimes the meaning is not well known and only recognized as a day to eat certain food such as Sakuramochi (spring season or Girl's Day, March 3) or Kashiwa Mochi (Children's Day, May 5). The panelists and Princess Akiko discussed events/festivals such as New Year's, Children's Day, Obon, festival offerings, and opportunities to learn about annual events in school such as social studies, life sciences, and music classes.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3866493200132163

That is also an excellent idea, to use cultural events that are superficially of interest to the average person to pique an interest in the lesser-known historical and cultural roots of those events.

Thank you as always for the detailed reporting.

 

[Prisma]

On May 2nd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session about horses. Panelists included Tsuruma Kazuyuki, Professor Emeritus of Ancient Chinese History at Gakushuin University, and Hujiki Yasumasa of Kamigamo Shrine. Professor Tsuruma discussed ancient Chinese horses (Terracotta Warriors, carriages) and Imperial Roman carriages depicted the movie "Ben-Hur." Next, the panel discussed horse racing during Tango no Sekku (Children's Day) in the Heian period and at Kamigamo Shrine.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3902886753159474

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha uploaded a Kashiwa mochi cooking video (April 24) and the full session about horses (May 2)

 

[Prisma]

On May 15th, Princess Akiko attended the Aoi Festival at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. The procession was canceled and only the Shinto ritual was held at Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines due to the pandemic. The Emperor's messenger delivered offerings. Aoi Matsuri is one of three major festivals in Kyoto and is the most important for both shrines.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3958578760923606

, Sankei

On May 20th, Princess Akiko remotely attended the newly established "Nara Rotary Club Cultural Service Award" ceremony held at the Nara Hotel in Takabatake-cho, Nara City.

Photo: nara-np.co.jp

 

[Prisma]

On May 22nd, Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session titled "Japanese Tea Recommendation: Shincha." Panelists included Suguru Tokubuchi of Yorozu Tea and Shiou Tsukuda of Issa-an with Hirotoshi Maruwaka of En Tea as moderator.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3965186223596193

On May 23rd, Princess Akiko attended the 58th Japan Rugby Football Championship Final match between Suntory Sungoliath and Panasonic Wild Knights at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1396419242103246852

https://twitter.com/x/status/1396350274151747584

Photos 7, 8
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPPYiUrBnqD/

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko was profiled for "40 YEARS | MERTON WOMEN 1980-2020"

Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa (2004) | Merton College, Oxford

 

[Prisma]

Princess Nobuko will be admitted to Keio University Hospital June 22-23 for follow-up on the lumbar vertebra fracture from September 2019. There's no pain; she lives a normal life with caution. Follow-up was delayed due to the pandemic.

Source: Sankei


Ayako Takahashi, who has moderated many Shinyusha online sessions, described challenges of the past year: initial virtual meetings with Princess Akiko and team, moving to online format, figuring out what a moderater does, audio and video issues, etc. Also, benefits of connecting people from all over Japan. The next online session is August 8 about Kagura.

The photo accompanying Ayako Takahashi's FB post is pretty cute.

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/4038229889625159

 

[Prisma]

[...]

On May 23rd, Princess Akiko attended the 58th Japan Rugby Football Championship Final match between Suntory Sungoliath and Panasonic Wild Knights at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1396419242103246852

https://twitter.com/x/status/1396350274151747584

Photos 7, 8
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPPYiUrBnqD/

Found video of the trophy presentation

 

[Prisma]

On June 26th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online cooking class for Tanabata (Star Festival, July 7) with lecturer Hiroyuki Kato from Kaiseki restaurant Gion Kawakami. Eggplant substituted for Sōmen noodles.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/4064973920284089

"Tanabata" (Star Festival) | Nippon.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanabata