Emperor Naruhito Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko will attend a charity screening of "In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World" on December 18th. The film is the extended version of the hit 2016 animated film "In This Corner of the World."

Source: Asahi

Will this be their first father-daughter event? I remember Masako took Aiko to an art exhibition when she was a baby but don't remember any official events of just Naruhito and Aiko.

 

[Ista]

I don't remember any other father-daughter engagements either, so I'm really looking forward to this one!

 

[Prisma]

On December 17th, Emperor Naruhito attended presentation of credential ceremonies for new foreign ambassadors to Japan.

AP Images

Also on December 17th, Emperor Naruhito attended the certification ceremony of Yasuhiko Nishimura (64) as new Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency. In addition to supporting the activities of the Imperial couple, Nishimura's first big assignment will be Crown Prince Akishino's investiture ceremony "Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi" in April 2020.

Grand Steward Shinichiro Yamamoto (69) retired the same day.

ETA: Ex-police bureaucrat Yasuhiko Nishimura promoted to imperial household chief | The Japan Times

[...] Nishimura, 64, has replaced Shinichiro Yamamoto, 69, as grand steward following a series of ceremonies and rites relating to Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the chrysanthemum throne that finished in early December.

[...]

Nishimura joined the National Police Agency after graduating from the University of Tokyo. He was also chief of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. He became vice-grand steward of the imperial household in September 2016.

Kenji Ikeda, 58, a former senior bureaucrat at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, will take over Nishimura’s previous role.

 

[Prisma]

On December 24th, Emperor Naruhito received Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand for tea at Akasaka Imperial Palace.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1210030417492889600

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gAFuFByaV/

 

[Prisma]

On January 20th, Emperor Naruhito opened the 201st ordinary Diet session at the upper house of parliament in Tokyo.

AP Images

 

[iceflower]

Here are some more photos:


** gettyimages gallery ** rex gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Schedule for Emperor Naruhito's birthday general public greetings on February 23

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino couple, Princess Mako, and Princess Kako will appear on the balcony at 10:20am, 11am and 11:40am

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will not attend. Visitors can sign a congratulatory book from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in front of the IHA bulding.

Source: Sankei

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Schedule for Emperor Naruhito's birthday general public greetings on February 23

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino couple, Princess Mako, and Princess Kako will appear on the balcony at 10:20am, 11am and 11:40am

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will not attend. Visitors can sign a congratulatory book from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in front of the IHA bulding.

Source: Sankei

Thanks! I wondered if the Akishino family would be included for Naruhito's birthday greetings, but I suppose the balcony would have looked too "lonely" with only the imperial couple.

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito's birthday greeting cancelled | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japan's Imperial Household Agency has canceled Emperor Naruhito's greetings to the public on his birthday on February 23 due to the new coronavirus outbreak.

[...]

He was scheduled to appear three times on the balcony of the Imperial Palace with Empress Masako along with other members of the Imperial family.

[...]

Emperor's birthday event canceled due to coronavirus outbreak - Kyodo News

[....]

"We made the decision to cancel the public event at the palace, which is attended every year by many people in close proximity, after considering the risk of the virus spreading," Kenji Ikeda, vice grand steward of the agency, said at a press conference.

It marks the first time the public event, including the signing of the visitors' register in the afternoon, has been canceled due to public health concerns.

The emperor's birthday address was last canceled in 1996 according to the wishes of then Emperor Akihito due to the hostage crisis at the Japanese Embassy in Peru.

[...]

Private celebrations hosted by the imperial family and executive government officials, including a banquet at the palace with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in attendance, and a tea party inviting dignitaries from foreign diplomatic missions in Japan, will go ahead as planned.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday press conference was held on February 21st.

Press conference and birthday schedule for February 23rd. (Google translation)

Emperor Emeritus Akihito is recovering from a cold. 4pm greetings at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace was cancelled and the retired Imperial couple did not attend the 7pm family dinner at Akasaka Imperial Palace. [Jiji]

Japan's emperor thanks public for support, pledges to serve symbolic role - Kyodo News

Emperor Naruhito, on the occasion of his 60th birthday on Sunday, thanked the people for supporting him since he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne last year and reiterated his determination to fulfill his symbolic role, while expressing sympathy for those affected by the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

[...]

"One of the most memorable moments in the last 10 months was being given heartfelt congratulations by many people," he said in thanking them at a press conference held in Tokyo on Friday ahead of his birthday.

"My path as the symbol of the state and the unity of its people has just begun," he said, adding, "I want to work harder toward fulfilling my responsibility as the symbol by training, always thinking about the people and standing by them."

He also said he keeps in mind the path his parents have walked.

[...]

Regarding his family, the emperor said both he and Empress Masako, 56, were happy she was able to complete all the ceremonies and rituals accompanying his enthronement last year.

But he also said he hopes the empress, who is still recovering from a stress-induced illness, will not overwork herself, saying, "She tends to remain tired for a while after a large ceremony or successive duties."

He also talked about his daughter Princess Aiko graduating from Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School this spring to proceed to study at the Department of Japanese Language and Literature of Gakushuin University's Faculty of Letters.

"I hope she will find what she wants to do and find a balance between (her goals) and duties as an adult member of the imperial household," he said.

[...]

With the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, the emperor said he wishes they will serve as an occasion for "young people to deepen their understanding of people around the world and feel the preciousness of peace" and for people overseas to learn about Japan.

[...]

Japan Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday overshadowed by virus fears - The Mainichi

[...] "As we face concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, I offer my sympathy to the patients and their families," Naruhito told reporters at a new conference held ahead of his birthday. "I hope that the escalation of the infections will be contained as soon as possible." [...]

60th birthday video and photos were taken on February 12th. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are discussing a book about water issues.

Photos: Imperial Household Agency, Asahi, Asahi 2

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200223/lif2002230008-p1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200223/lif2002230006-p1.jpg

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday press conference was held on February 21st.

Press conference and birthday schedule for February 23rd. (Google translation)

Emperor Emeritus Akihito is recovering from a cold. 4pm greetings at Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace was cancelled and the retired Imperial couple did not attend the 7pm family dinner at Akasaka Imperial Palace. [Jiji]

Japan's emperor thanks public for support, pledges to serve symbolic role - Kyodo News

Emperor Naruhito, on the occasion of his 60th birthday on Sunday, thanked the people for supporting him since he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne last year and reiterated his determination to fulfill his symbolic role, while expressing sympathy for those affected by the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

[...]

"One of the most memorable moments in the last 10 months was being given heartfelt congratulations by many people," he said in thanking them at a press conference held in Tokyo on Friday ahead of his birthday.

"My path as the symbol of the state and the unity of its people has just begun," he said, adding, "I want to work harder toward fulfilling my responsibility as the symbol by training, always thinking about the people and standing by them."

He also said he keeps in mind the path his parents have walked.

[...]

Regarding his family, the emperor said both he and Empress Masako, 56, were happy she was able to complete all the ceremonies and rituals accompanying his enthronement last year.

But he also said he hopes the empress, who is still recovering from a stress-induced illness, will not overwork herself, saying, "She tends to remain tired for a while after a large ceremony or successive duties."

He also talked about his daughter Princess Aiko graduating from Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School this spring to proceed to study at the Department of Japanese Language and Literature of Gakushuin University's Faculty of Letters.

"I hope she will find what she wants to do and find a balance between (her goals) and duties as an adult member of the imperial household," he said.

[...]

With the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, the emperor said he wishes they will serve as an occasion for "young people to deepen their understanding of people around the world and feel the preciousness of peace" and for people overseas to learn about Japan.

[...]

Japan Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday overshadowed by virus fears - The Mainichi

[...] "As we face concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, I offer my sympathy to the patients and their families," Naruhito told reporters at a new conference held ahead of his birthday. "I hope that the escalation of the infections will be contained as soon as possible." [...]

60th birthday video and photos were taken on February 12th. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are discussing a book about water issues.

Photos: Imperial Household Agency, Asahi, Asahi 2

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200223/lif2002230008-p1.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200223/lif2002230006-p1.jpg

"My path as the symbol of the state and the unity of its people has just begun," he said, adding, "I want to work harder toward fulfilling my responsibility as the symbol by training, always thinking about the people and standing by them."

He also said he keeps in mind the path his parents have walked.

That gives the impression that he respects his father's performance as emperor but, as claimed by many, has his own plans as well.

But he also said he hopes the empress, who is still recovering from a stress-induced illness, will not overwork herself, saying, "She tends to remain tired for a while after a large ceremony or successive duties."

It may be a difference in culture, but it feels to me that for many years Masako's husband and doctors have been stressing that expectations for her recovery should be moderated.

He also talked about his daughter Princess Aiko graduating from Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School this spring to proceed to study at the Department of Japanese Language and Literature of Gakushuin University's Faculty of Letters.

"I hope she will find what she wants to do and find a balance between (her goals) and duties as an adult member of the imperial household," he said.

I think teaching his daughter to "find a balance" between her duties to her country and her personal goals is exactly the right guidance, both as an emperor and as a parent.

 

[Prisma]

On March 13th, Emperor Naruhito received the credentials of Ambassadors from Panama and Sudan at the Imperial Palace.

Video: news24.jp

 

[Prisma]

On April 1st, Emperor Naruhito visited the Imperial Palace to worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries for the monthly festival.

Video: news24.jp



news24.jp reports Emperor Naruhito will be briefed by a specialist on the new coronavirus on April 6.

National Tree-Planting Event to Be Put Off due to Virus Impact | Nippon.com

[...] A spring decoration ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, in which Emperor Naruhito confers medals to people with remarkable achievements in various fields, will be held as scheduled. But an event for honorees to meet the Emperor together as a group is likely to be canceled, the sources said.

 

[Prisma]

On April 3rd, Emperor Naruhito visited the Imperial Palace to worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries on the anniversary of Emperor Jimmu's death. It's the first time he was seen wearing a face mask in public. Previously, only IHA staff wore masks while working with family members.

Emperor Naruhito will be briefed by Dr. Shigeru Omi, President of the Japan Community Health Care Organization and deputy of the government panel on coronavirus, on April 6. Empress Masako will attend depending on physical condition.

AP Images

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On April 3rd, Emperor Naruhito visited the Imperial Palace to worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries on the anniversary of Emperor Jimmu's death. It's the first time he was seen wearing a face mask in public. Previously, only IHA staff wore masks while working with family members.

Thank you for pointing out that interesting detail. I wonder if it is connected to the concept of imperial dignity or untouchability, much like the historical custom of disallowing even doctors from touching members of the imperial family when providing care. I hope the rumor that the rule is still followed today is false, especially with the many elderly and vulnerable members of the family.

 

[Prisma]

I also hope the rumor is false nowadays. Any doctor should insist on proper examination.

As for the current situation, an emperor wearing a face mask publicly is another indication of the escalating coronavirus infection in Japan.

Emperor Naruhito's April 6 briefing with Dr. Shigeru Omi, deputy on the government coronavirus panel, has been postponed. Prime Minister Abe is expected to declare a state of emergency for Tokyo and 6 prefectures on April 7. The IHA will arrange another meeting that does not conflict with Dr. Omi's work.

 

[Prisma]

On April 8th, the IHA announced ambassador credential ceremonies will be postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency. Another reason is to deter crowds gathering to watch the carriage procession from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace. (Won't the state of emergency already deter non-essential outings anyway?)

New ambassadors to Japan from Rwanda and Tonga were scheduled to present their credentials to Emperor Naruhito on April 9. Upcoming ceremonies for ambassadors from East Timor, Mali and Tanzania will also be postponed.

Source: Sankei

 

[Prisma]

Spring honors will be postponed. The government usually announce recipients on April 29 with Emperor Naruhito presenting the medals and meeting the honorees in May.
Source: Asahi

On April 14th, Emperor Naruhito sowed rice at the Imperial Palace. He planted about 180 seeds of mangetsumochi (glutinous rice type) and nihomasari (non-glutinous type) in 30cm square sections.

Photos: Sankei, Asahi

 

[Prisma]

Emperor donates ¥100 million of his private spending money to charities - Japan Today

[...] The Imperial Household Agency announced on April 6 that the emperor donated 50,000,000 yen each to two organizations that provide services to support society: the government-founded Foundation for the Support of the Children’s Future (Kodomo no Mirai Ouen Kiki), and the incorporated non-profit organization Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD). Emperor Emeritus Akihito also made a donation of the same amount to similar organizations when his son ascended the throne.

The Foundation for Support of the Children’s Future’s mission is to work towards eliminating child poverty, while the Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster offer support and resources for those affected by disasters. According to a representative from the Imperial Household Agency, “Their Majesties (the Emperor and Empress) wish to deepen the people’s understanding of the problem of child poverty, and the need to support the increasing numbers of volunteers who help people who were affected by the many disasters that occurred during the Heisei period [1989-2019].” [...]

 

[Prisma]

On May 1st, Emperor Naruhito worshipped at the Three Palace Sanctuaries for the monthly festival. He entered the Imperial Palace via Hanzomon Gate around 8:30am.

Photos: Asahi, AP Images

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Emperor donates ¥100 million of his private spending money to charities - Japan Today

[...] The Imperial Household Agency announced on April 6 that the emperor donated 50,000,000 yen each to two organizations that provide services to support society: the government-founded Foundation for the Support of the Children’s Future (Kodomo no Mirai Ouen Kiki), and the incorporated non-profit organization Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD). Emperor Emeritus Akihito also made a donation of the same amount to similar organizations when his son ascended the throne.

The Foundation for Support of the Children’s Future’s mission is to work towards eliminating child poverty, while the Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster offer support and resources for those affected by disasters. According to a representative from the Imperial Household Agency, “Their Majesties (the Emperor and Empress) wish to deepen the people’s understanding of the problem of child poverty, and the need to support the increasing numbers of volunteers who help people who were affected by the many disasters that occurred during the Heisei period [1989-2019].” [...]

That is a nice (new?) father-son tradition to have. Did the donation attract any publicity on social media?

On April 8th, the IHA announced ambassador credential ceremonies will be postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency. Another reason is to deter crowds gathering to watch the carriage procession from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace. (Won't the state of emergency already deter non-essential outings anyway?)

Perhaps to signal that the IHA is "doing its part", or just to provide another layer of discouragement?

As for the current situation, an emperor wearing a face mask publicly is another indication of the escalating coronavirus infection in Japan.

I meant I wondered why the IHA staff would begin to wear face masks at an earlier stage than the emperor, though it could be as simple as there being more worry about staff coughing on the the 60-year-old emperor than the other way around.

 

[Prisma]

On May 25th, Emperor Naruhito planted 20 rice seedlings in the paddy field next to the Imperial Palace's Institute of Biology. The harvested rice will be used for rituals including the Niiname-sai in November. The planting was scheduled for May 19 and delayed due to poor weather.

This is Naruhito's first time planting rice he sowed in April. Last year, he planted seedlings his father sowed before the abdication.

Photos: Sankei, Mainichi, Asahi

 

[Prisma]

After a 3-month hiatus, Emperor Naruhito received the credentials of new ambassadors from Tonga and Rwanda at the Imperial Palace on June 24. Both ambassadors opted for a car instead of horse-drawn carriage.

Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1275664055311773697

Japan emperor resumes foreign envoy credential ceremonies - Kyodo News

... Including the two, six newly appointed ambassadors to Japan had been left as ambassadors-in-waiting as of Friday because they needed to hand credentials from the head of their countries to the emperor. The remaining four are from Azerbaijan, East Timor, Mali and Tanzania...

 

[Prisma]

After a hiatus of 3.5 months, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremonies of Attorney General Makoto Hayashi and 3 new prosecutors at the Imperial Palace's Matsu no Ma (state room) with Minister of Justice Masako Mori on July 17.

AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On July 28th, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremonies of new Japanese diplomats at the Imperial Palace's Matsu no Ma (state room) with Minister of Justice Masako Mori.

Kazuyuki Katayama, Ambassador to Peru
Yasushi Masaki, Ambassador to EU
Tamaki Tsukada, envoy extraordinary to USA

AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On July 31st, Emperor Naruhito presented decorations to 7 people at the Imperial Palace's Matsu-no-Ma state room. Everyone wore masks and spouses did not attend. Spring honors was delayed for 2 months due to COVID-19.

6 Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
1 Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure

Getty Images, AP Images

Japan Govt to Recognize 4,181 People in Spring Honors | Nippon.com

... The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun will be given to six Japanese--Sakakibara, 77, former Supreme Court Justices Kiyoko Okabe, 71, and Kaoru Onimaru, 71, Hitoshi Ogita, 78, consultant at major beverage maker Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Makoto Taketoshi, 70, and former Shikoku Electric Power Co. President Momoki Tokiwa, 78.

Two foreigners will also receive the same honor. They are Bill Gates, 64, co-founder and former chief executive officer of U.S. technology giant Microsoft Corp. and Ram Chandra Paudel, 76, former speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Himalayan country's parliament.

Ryoichi Oriki, 70, former chief of staff of the Joint Office at Japan's Defense Ministry, will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure...

Full list of 2020 spring honors for Foreign Nationals : https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100049370.pdf

 

[Prisma]

On September 1st, Emperor Naruhito worshipped at the Three Palace Sanctuaries for the monthly festival. He entered the Imperial Palace via Inui-mon Gate around 8:30am.

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200904/lif2009040003-p1.jpg

 

[Prisma]

On September 15th, Emperor Naruhito reaped "Mangetsumochi" glutinous rice and "Nihonmasari" non-glutinous rice from the paddy field beside the Institute of Biology at the Imperial Palace. The rice will be used for Niiname-sai (harvest ritual) in November.

In a statement, His Majesty thought of people engaged in agriculture under heavy rain damage and the pandemic. He hopes harvests will be carried out safely in each region.

Photos: Asahi

Emperor harvests rice at palace | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...] The Emperor cut about 20 plants with a sickle on Tuesday. He had planted two varieties of rice in the roughly 240-square-meter paddy in May.

Imperial Household Agency officials say this year's harvest was about average thanks to sunny weather in August, though hours of sunlight had been shorter than average in July.

[...]

Emperor Naruhito said in a statement that many farmers must have suffered hardships this year due to torrential rain and the coronavirus outbreak. But he said the harvest season has come, and that he hopes farmers will reap their crops without problems across the country.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=350930419617087

 

[Prisma]

On September 16th, Emperor Naruhito attended the investiture ceremony appointing Yoshihide Suga as Japan's new Prime Minister at the Imperial Palace.

Getty Images

ETA: On September 17th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening of the 202nd extraordinary Diet session at the House of Councillors in Tokyo.

Getty Images, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

Longer video of September 16 ceremonies for new Prime Minister and 23 Ministers.