Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Current Events Part 2: January 2025 -

[iceflower]

Here's a video of yesterday's meeting:

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were in Hiroshima today, June 19:


** gettyimages gallery **

Japan's royal couple mourn A-bomb victims ahead of Hiroshima's 80th...

TOKYO (AP) - Japan´s Emperor Naruhito paid respects to atomic bombing victims in Hiroshima as the city marks the 80th anniversary of the tragedy later this...

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Prisma]

more from Imperial Household Agency, etc.

• Cenotaph at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, meet survivors and people sharing history

FNN, Mainichi, Asahi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

105K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 19, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

137K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 19, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

Japan Emperor, Empress Visit Hiroshima to Mourn War Dead; Itinerary Includes Peace Memorial Park, Museum

<p>HIROSHIMA — The Emperor and Empress traveled to Hiroshima Prefecture on Thursday as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is their first visit to the prefecture since the Emperor acceded to the throne.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Imperial couple honor victims of atomic bomb in Hiroshima | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[iceflower]

Day 2 in Hiroshima today, June 20:


** gettyimages gallery **

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

147K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 20, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

110K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 20, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年6月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年６月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

5,955 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 21, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年６月19日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年６月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。"

2,886 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on June 21, 2025: "【両陛下広島県ご訪問】令和7年６月20日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、広島県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will make a state visit to Mongolia July 6-13

• 7/6: depart from Haneda Airport, arrive at Ulaanbaatar
• 7/7: Emperor Naruhito will visit Chingghis Khaan National Museum
• 7/8: visit Japanese Memorial, attend welcome ceremony, meet President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorjiin Bolortsetseg, attend banquet
• 7/9: Emperor Naruhito will visit Kosen Technical College (which is based on the Japanese technical college model), a local school, and a university hospital build with Japanese assistance
• 7/10: Emperor Naruhito will visit New Mongolian School which uses Japanese style education, Buddhist monastery Gandantegchinlen
• 7/11-12: Naadam Festival opening ceremony, watch archery and horse racing, visit Khustai National Park

Meetings with Japanese residents and Mongolians with ties to Japan will be arranged. Empress Masako will attend events as much as possible, depending on her physical condition.

Sources: NTV, Jiji, TBS

Japan imperial couple to embark on historic visit to Mongolia in July

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to make a state visit to Mongolia from July 6 to 13 in what will be the first such trip by a Japanese emperor, according to a plan approved by the government on Friday.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Prisma]

On July 6th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed for Mongolia from Haneda Airport before 11am. The send-off ceremony, attended by Crown Prince Akishino couple and others, was moved indoors due to the heat (93F / 34C).

Photos: Getty Images, Mainichi, FNN

Imperial Couple Arrives in Mongolia to Meet with President, Mourn Japanese Who Died in Internment

<p>The Emperor and Empress departed from Haneda Airport on a government plane Sunday morning for an official state visit to Mongolia. This marks their third overseas visit for international goodwill since the Reiwa era began, following trips to Indonesia and the United Kingdom. It is also the...

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Japanese imperial couple depart for historic visit to Mongolia

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed Sunday for a state visit to Mongolia, the first by a Japanese emperor, aiming to reaffirm the two nations' friendship with this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, just before 4pm on July 6. They received Aaruul, a traditional dried dairy product, and roses before being welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh and others.

Japanese residents and Mongolians who had studied abroad welcomed Their Majesties at the hotel entrance.

Photos: Getty Images, AFPBB, Mainichi, FNN

https://twitter.com/x/status/1941785272355852386

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月6日（日）チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご到着"

112K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 6, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月6日（日）チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご到着".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月6日（日）東京国際空港ご出発"

122K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 6, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月6日（日）東京国際空港ご出発".

www.instagram.com

On July 7th, Emperor Naruhito visited Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and signed the guestbook after his tour. Next, he attended a briefing on water projects and programs implemented with Japanese grants at Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (UGUS) headquarters. Last, Emperor Naruhito visited Gachuurt water source storage facility near the Tuul River. The facility was developed with grant aid from Japan.

Empress Masako rested at the hotel, preparing for the next day's events.

Photos: Getty Images, Mainichi, Mainichi2

Japan Emperor Visits Water-Related Facilities in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, July 7 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Emperor Naruhito visited water-related facilities such as the water …

www.nippon.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月7日（月）チンギス・ハーン国立博物館ご視察、ウランバートル市上下水道公社本部ご視察"

100K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 7, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月7日（月）チンギス・ハーン国立博物館ご視察、ウランバートル市上下水道公社本部ご視察".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Day 3 today, July 8:


** gettyimages gallery: MNG: Emperor And Empress Visit Mongolia - Day 3 **

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）日本人死亡者慰霊碑ご供花"

7,755 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 8, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）日本人死亡者慰霊碑ご供花".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）歓迎式典ご臨場、ゲストブックご記帳、モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人とのご会見"

8,335 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 8, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）歓迎式典ご臨場、ゲストブックご記帳、モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人とのご会見".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

More photos/videos of July 8

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）歓迎式典ご臨場、ゲストブックご記帳、モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人とのご会見"

160K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 8, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）歓迎式典ご臨場、ゲストブックご記帳、モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人とのご会見".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）日本人死亡者慰霊碑ご供花"

127K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 8, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）日本人死亡者慰霊碑ご供花".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人主催晩餐会"

147K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 8, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月8日（火）モンゴル大統領閣下及び同令夫人主催晩餐会".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Here are some first impressions of day 4 today, July 9:


** gettyimages gallery: MNG: Emperor And Empress Visit Mongolia - Day 4 **

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月9日（水）モンゴルコーセン技術カレッジご訪問、モンゴル日本病院ご訪問"

106K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 9, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月9日（水）モンゴルコーセン技術カレッジご訪問、モンゴル日本病院ご訪問".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月9日（水）モンゴルコーセン技術カレッジご訪問、ウランバートル市第149番学校ご訪問、モンゴル日本病院ご訪問、在留邦人代表ご接見"

73K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 9, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月9日（水）モンゴルコーセン技術カレッジご訪問、ウランバートル市第149番学校ご訪問、モンゴル日本病院ご訪問、在留邦人代表ご接見".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Here are some first photos and a video of day 5 today, July 10:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

On July 11th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's largest festival, at the National Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.

Photos: Getty Images, Facebook iToim.mn, Facebook Eguur News

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Some articles and Yomiuri gallery of state visit

Japan Emperor Visits Center of Mongolian Buddhism in Ulaanbaatar; High School Students in Mongolia Tell Emperor Their Dreams

<p>ULAANBAATAR — The Emperor visited Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar on Thursday during the Imperial couple’s trip to Mongolia.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Emperor, Empress Interact with Students at Local School in Ulaanbaatar during Visit to Mongolia

<p>ULAANBAATAR — The Emperor and Empress on Wednesday interacted with students at a local school in Ulaanbaatar during their visit as state guests to Mongolia.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Naadam opening ceremony, watching events (archery, wrestling, riding, etc.) and Their Majesties tried playing the game "Shagai"

Facebook presidentMGL, Facebook presidentMGL2, Facebook gogo.mn

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）ナーダム開会式ご臨席、弓射競技ご覧"

154K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 11, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）ナーダム開会式ご臨席、弓射競技ご覧".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）シャガイ競技ご覧"

76K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 11, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）シャガイ競技ご覧".

www.instagram.com

In the evening Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met 16 Mongolians with ties to Japan at the Japanese ambassador's residence.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）日本とゆかりのあるモンゴル人ご接見"

88K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 11, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月11日（金）日本とゆかりのあるモンゴル人ご接見".

www.instagram.com

Japan's Emperor, Empress Attend Mongolian Festival Event

Ulaanbaatar, July 11 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Friday attended the opening …

www.nippon.com

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Emperor, Empress Interact with Students at Local School in Ulaanbaatar during Visit to Mongolia

<p>ULAANBAATAR — The Emperor and Empress on Wednesday interacted with students at a local school in Ulaanbaatar during their visit as state guests to Mongolia.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

The Emperor introduced himself, saying, “My name is Naruhito,” while the Empress told some students, “Your Japanese is wonderful.”

Nice and down to earth of him to introduce himself by his given name (as I understand it, the given names of emperors and crown princes are virtually never mentioned in Japan, to the point where the average person does not know their names).

Located in a residential area with many traditional mobile homes, called ger, School No. 149 was opened in 2020 with Japanese support. The school enrolls students from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of high school. The students welcomed the Imperial couple by singing a song in Japanese by the popular band Ikimonogakari. The Emperor and Empress applauded the performance and interacted with students.

Lovely to see this personal element added to foreign assistance.

“It is great that you have found a job,” the Emperor said to a 20-year-old Mongolian who plans to start working at an IT company in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, in October. “I wish you good luck in Japan.”

How many foreign expats have been welcomed to their new country by the head of state...

 

[iceflower]

Day 7, July 12:


** gettyimages gallery **

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月12日（土）競馬競技ご覧、ホスタイ国立公園ご視察"

260K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 12, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月12日（土）競馬競技ご覧、ホスタイ国立公園ご視察".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月12日（土）競馬競技ご覧、ホスタイ国立公園ご視察"

107K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 12, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月12日（土）競馬競技ご覧、ホスタイ国立公園ご視察".

www.instagram.com

And today, July 13, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Michiko ended their visit:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

During their tour of Hustai National Park on July 12th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako named 2 foals born this year: "Tomo" (友 friend) and "Ai" (愛 love)

Emperor, Empress Watch Mongolian Horse Racing at Naadam Festival; Meets Mongolians with Ties to Japan - The Japan News

Japan Emperor, Empress Return from Trip to Mongolia | Nippon.com

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bid farewell to President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg at their residence within the Ikh Tenger Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia before going to the airport on July 13.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, FNN2

Япон Улсын Цог Жавхлант Эзэн Хаан Нарүхито, Эрхэм дээд Хатан Масако нарын төрийн айлчлал өндөрлөлөө - Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгчийн Тамгын Газар

Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч Ухнаагийн Хүрэлсүхийн урилгаар хүрэлцэн ирсэн Япон Улсын Цог Жавхлант Эзэн Хаан Нарүхито, Эрхэм дээд Хатан Масако нарын төрийн анхны айлчлал өндөрлөлөө. Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч У.Хүрэлсүх, гэргий Л.Болорцэцэг нар Цог Жавхлант Эзэн Хаан Нарүхито, Эрхэм дээд Хатан Масако...

president.mn

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月13日（日）大統領閣下及び同令夫人とお別れのご挨拶、チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご出発"

143K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 13, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月13日（日）大統領閣下及び同令夫人とお別れのご挨拶、チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご出発".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月13日（日）大統領閣下及び同令夫人とお別れのご挨拶、チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご出発"

128K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 13, 2025: "【#両陛下モンゴルご訪問】令和7年7月13日（日）大統領閣下及び同令夫人とお別れのご挨拶、チンギス・ハーン国際空港ご出発".

www.instagram.com

 

[Tatiana Maria]

During their tour of Hustai National Park on July 12th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako named 2 foals born this year: "Tomo" (友 friend) and "Ai" (愛 love)

Emperor, Empress Watch Mongolian Horse Racing at Naadam Festival; Meets Mongolians with Ties to Japan - The Japan News

Japan Emperor, Empress Return from Trip to Mongolia | Nippon.com

They are fond of the word "Ai (愛 love)", aren't they... Didn't they also choose the word "Tomo (友 friend)" in some other significant context that I can't quite remember?

 

[iceflower]

Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko at the Nasu Imperial Villa today, July 18:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

The family are wearing Okinawa kariyushi clothing and will be on retreat until the end of the month per NTV

FNN gallery (with past retreat photos)

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年7月18日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、那須御用邸（栃木県）をご散策になりました。"

266K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on July 18, 2025: "令和7年7月18日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、那須御用邸（栃木県）をご散策になりました。".

www.instagram.com

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ETA: lovely photos Imperial couple at Hustai National Park, Mongolia by an official photographer: Facebook Gan-Ulzii Photographer

Gan-Ulzii Gonchig on Instagram: "🇯🇵🤝🇲🇳 Honored to document the historic State Visit of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan to Mongolia, invited by President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and First Lady Bolortsetseg Luvsandorj. All days

2,621 likes, 29 comments - ganulzii_photographer on July 14, 2025: "🇯🇵🤝🇲🇳 Honored to document the historic State Visit of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan to Mongolia, invited by President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and First Lady Bolortsetseg Luvsandorj. All days were filled...

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito's family returned to Tokyo on July 23, arriving at the Imperial Palace around 5:30pm.

Photos: FNN

 

[Prisma]

On August 1st, Emperor Naruhito's family began a retreat at Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. They arrived at Izukyu-Shimoda Station after 8:30pm and met well-wishers for about 30 minutes. The family will stay about a week.

Photos, video: Getty Images, Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, FNN2, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On August 7th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako returned to Tokyo from a retreat at Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shizuoka Prefecture. They arrived at the Imperial Palace around 6pm. Princess Aiko returned earlier to Tokyo on August 5 due to work.

Source: NTV

https://twitter.com/x/status/1953328120142111077

https://twitter.com/x/status/1953396491000930590

https://twitter.com/x/status/1953423840647979378

https://twitter.com/x/status/1953433956319416566

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by Princess Aiko, will visit Nagasaki Prefecture September 12-14 for the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the National Cultural Festivals. The Prefecture requested Princess Aiko to visit. She will return to Tokyo after the memorial events.

9/12: Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument in Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, meet survivors and legacy keepers
9/13: Megumi-no-Oka, a nursing home for atomic bomb survivors, Princess Aiko returns to Tokyo, artworks from the National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Nagasaki City
9/14: opening ceremonies of the 40th National Cultural Festival and the 25th National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Sasebo City, meet performers, watch dance event

Sources: NTV, TBS, FNN

This is the first 3-day regional visit! Good sign for Empress Masako's health.

 

[Prisma]

On August 12th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence around 4:30pm to report on their state visit to Mongolia (July 6-13).

The customary greeting was originally scheduled immediately after the state visit, but was postponed due to Emperor Emeritus Akihito's hospitalization for new heart medication (July 14-18).

Photos: Kyodo, NTV, TBS

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the memorial service marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo today, August 15:


** gettyimages gallery **

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月15日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、日本武道館（千代田区）において、全国戦没者追悼式にご臨席になりました。"

16K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 15, 2025: "令和7年8月15日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、日本武道館（千代田区）において、全国戦没者追悼式にご臨席になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月15日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、日本武道館（千代田区）において、全国戦没者追悼式にご臨席になりました。"

6,304 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 15, 2025: "令和7年8月15日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、日本武道館（千代田区）において、全国戦没者追悼式にご臨席になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On August 22nd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 5th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Award Ceremony and met laureates at Meiji Kinenkan in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: Getty Images, Kantei, Mainichi

 

[Prisma]

On August 26th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met two former residents of Iwo Jima at Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture.

Photos: Getty Images, Mainichi, FNN

Their Majesties will stay at the villa for about a week.

Emperor, Empress Meet Former Iwoto Residents

Nasu, Tochigi Pref., Aug. 26 (Jiji Press)--Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met two former residents of Iwo…

www.nippon.com

... The two, Atsuko Watabe, 95, and Yaiko Hara, 94, who currently live in the town, were forcibly evacuated from the island, also known as Iwo Jima, due to fierce battles there during the final stage of World War II.

Watabe told the Imperial couple of her memory of U.S. air raids on the island. In response, the Emperor said, "You had a harsh experience," and the Empress said, "It must have been distressing."

Hara talked about her participation in a Nasu settler group after the war. The Emperor told her, "You must have gone through a hard time."

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Imperial Household Agency released photos from retreat at Suzaki Imperial Villa in early August.

Family at Mitsuihama beach after a swim, Their Majesties at the observation deck

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：天皇皇后両陛下・愛子内親王殿下（海水浴後、三井浜にて） 2枚目：天皇皇后両陛下（展望台にて）"

624K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 26, 2025: "令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：天皇皇后両陛下・愛子内親王殿下（海水浴後、三井浜にて） 2枚目：天皇皇后両陛下（展望台にて）".

www.instagram.com

Photos by Emperor Naruhito: Moon over Mitsuihama, Apogon notatus fish in the waters of Mitsuihama

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【天皇陛下がご撮影になったお写真】令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：三井浜からの月 2枚目：三井浜の海のクロホシイシモチ"

179K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 26, 2025: "【天皇陛下がご撮影になったお写真】令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：三井浜からの月 2枚目：三井浜の海のクロホシイシモチ".

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View from observation deck by Empress Masako, View of ocean by Princess Aiko

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【皇后陛下、愛子内親王殿下がご撮影になったお写真】令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：須崎御用邸からの風景（展望台からの夕方の風景）【皇后陛下ご撮影】 2枚目：御用邸より望む須崎の海【愛子内親王殿下ご撮影】"

131K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 26, 2025: "【皇后陛下、愛子内親王殿下がご撮影になったお写真】令和7年8月 須崎御用邸（静岡県）でのお写真 1枚目：須崎御用邸からの風景（展望台からの夕方の風景）【皇后陛下ご撮影】 2枚目：御用邸より望む須崎の海【愛子内親王殿下ご撮影】".

www.instagram.com

Imperial Household Agency content of 5th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize on August 22 and meeting former Iwo Jima residents on August 26.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月22日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、明治記念館（港区）において、第5回野口英世アフリカ賞授賞式にご臨席になり、その後、受賞者等とご懇談になりました。"

114K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 24, 2025: "令和7年8月22日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、明治記念館（港区）において、第5回野口英世アフリカ賞授賞式にご臨席になり、その後、受賞者等とご懇談になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月22日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、明治記念館（港区）において、第5回野口英世アフリカ賞授賞式にご臨席になり、その後、受賞者等とご懇談になりました。"

99K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 24, 2025: "令和7年8月22日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下は、明治記念館（港区）において、第5回野口英世アフリカ賞授賞式にご臨席になり、その後、受賞者等とご懇談になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年8月26日（火）、天皇皇后両陛下は、那須御用邸（栃木県）において、那須町在住の硫黄島出身者とご懇談になりました。"

128K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on August 26, 2025: "令和7年8月26日（火）、天皇皇后両陛下は、那須御用邸（栃木県）において、那須町在住の硫黄島出身者とご懇談になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Shiga Prefecture September 28-29 for the 79th National Sports Festival.

• 9/28: opening ceremony, briefing about prefecture, meet festival officials in Hikone City, accommodation at Biwako Hotel
• 9/29: badminton in Otsu City, Prefectural School for the Blind (where they will observe a junior high class, envelope production from recycled Braille newspapers, and attend briefing from local guide dog organization) in Hikone City

Sources: NTV, pref.shiga.lg.jp

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit Kyoto and Osaka October 4-6 for the 22nd Annual Meeting of STS Forum and Osaka-Kansai Expo. Empress Masako's attendance depends on her health.

• 10/4: Shinkansen to Kyoto, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, briefing on Prefecture and accommodation at Kyoto Omiya Imperial Palace
• 10/5: opening ceremony of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Forum on Science and Technology in Society (STS Forum) at Kyoto International Conference Center, attend opening session, meeting with STS Forum members, Katsura Imperial Villa
• 10/6: travel to Osaka, Japan Pavilion, United Nations Pavilion, International Organisation Pavilion, Future of Life Pavilion, meeting with Expo officials, return to Tokyo via plane

天皇皇后両陛下の行幸啓について

www.pref.osaka.lg.jp

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by Princess Aiko, will visit Nagasaki Prefecture September 12-14 for the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the National Cultural Festivals. The Prefecture requested Princess Aiko to visit. She will return to Tokyo after the memorial events.

9/12: Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument in Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, meet survivors and legacy keepers
9/13: Megumi-no-Oka, a nursing home for atomic bomb survivors, Princess Aiko returns to Tokyo, artworks from the National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Nagasaki City
9/14: opening ceremonies of the 40th National Cultural Festival and the 25th National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Sasebo City, meet performers, watch dance event

Sources: NTV, TBS, FNN

This is the first 3-day regional visit! Good sign for Empress Masako's health.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko began their visit to Nagasaki Prefecture today, September 12:


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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【天皇ご一家長崎県ご訪問】令和7年9月12日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、長崎県をご訪問になりました。"

199K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on September 12, 2025: "【天皇ご一家長崎県ご訪問】令和7年9月12日（金）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、長崎県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Day 2 of the visit to Nagasaki Prefecture today, September 13:


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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【天皇ご一家長崎県ご訪問】令和7年9月13日（土）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、長崎県をご訪問になりました。"

155K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on September 13, 2025: "【天皇ご一家長崎県ご訪問】令和7年9月13日（土）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、長崎県をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com