Emperor Naruhito Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -


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On November 10th, the Imperial Household Agency reported the MRI revealed Emperor Naruhito has an enlarged prostate. There are no findings of particular concern but as a precaution, His Majesty will undergo a biopsy within this month.

There is no change to his official schedule, he will visit Hyogo Prefecture for 2 days starting November 12 as planned.

Sources: NHK, Sankei

Japanese Emperor's Prostate Enlargement Confirmed - Nippon
A recent medical examination has found that Japanese Emperor Naruhito has prostate enlargement, the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday.

The Emperor will undergo a tissue examination this month, though there are no concerning findings from the latest examination, the agency also said.

[...]
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Japan emperor found to have enlarged prostate but no concern - Kyodo News

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On November 7th, Emperor Naruhito attended the credential presentation ceremony for Ambassador of Nepal to Japan, Durga Bahadur Subed, at the Imperial Palace.

Ambassador Subedi presents his credentials in Tokyo - B360 Nepal
[...]

Welcoming Ambassador Subedi, the Emperor expressed his happiness over the excellent state of relations existing between the two friendly countries and hoped that the close and cordial ties of friendship and cooperation will be further consolidated in future, according to a statement released by the Nepali Embassy in Tokyo.

Presenting his Letters of Credence, Ambassador Subedi conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to Emperor Naruhito for his personal good health and happiness, and for peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Japan.

Ambassador Subedi also expressed sincere gratitude to the friendly government and the people of Japan for their generous and continuous cooperation in the socio-economic development of Nepal and the Nepali people. He also expressed his determination to make sincere efforts to further strengthen mutually rewarding relations during his tenure.

[...]
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On November 9th, Emperor Naruhito attended the conferment of decorations ceremony at the Imperial Palace. 16 people, including 7 foreign nationals, received the Order of the Sacred Treasure or Order of the Rising Sun.

Shinichiro Yamamoto, former IHA grand steward, received the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Photos: Getty Images
 
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On November 21st, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremony of new Japanese Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Takeaki Matsumoto at the Imperial Palace.

Getty Image
 
On November 27th, Emperor Naruhito underwent a prostate biopsy at a hospital in Tokyo as a precaution. Earlier blood tests show slightly elevated PSA levels and MRI confirmed an enlarged prostate but nothing especially concerning.

He arrived after 9am for the procedure. The IHA will announce biopsy results in the future.

Photos: AP Images, Sankei

Japan's Emperor Naruhito visits hospital for more prostate tests | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japanese Emperor Undergoes Prostate Biopsy | Nippon.com
Japanese Emperor Naruhito underwent a prostate biopsy at a Tokyo hospital Sunday after a recent magnetic resonance imaging scan found prostate enlargement.

"The latest examination was conducted just as a precaution, although there had been no findings of particular concern," an Imperial Household Agency official said.

[...]

He has no clear symptoms and is spending his time as usual, such as going jogging. [...]
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On November 28th, Emperor Naruhito was discharged from the University of Tokyo Hospital around 10:30am.

Photos: Sankei, Mainichi, AP Images

Japanese Emperor Leaves Hospital after Prostate Biopsy | Nippon.com
Japanese Emperor Naruhito left hospital Monday morning after undergoing a prostate biopsy.

The Emperor took the tissue examination at the University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday and stayed the night at the hospital in Bunkyo Ward of the Japanese capital.

[...]
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Japan emperor discharged from hospital after tissue examination - Kyodo News
 
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On December 3rd, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko privately visited the special exhibition about Prince Mikasa at Gakushuin University Mejiro Campus. They arrived shortly after 5pm and were welcomed by Princess Akiko.

Photos: FNN
 
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Another father-daughter museum visit!

On December 4th, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko privately visited the special exhibition about poet Saigyo (1118-1190) at Gotoh Museum in Setagaya, Tokyo for about 2.5 hours from 6pm. Originally, Princess Aiko planned to visit alone and then His Majesty joined as well.

Video: TBS
 
:previous:

If England has Shakespeare, Japan has Saigyō. Saigyō is known amongst Japanese poetry readers as one of the four giants of waka (the other three are Bashō, Kakinomoto no Hitomaro and Fujiwara no Teika). While Shakespeare lived through the transition from English's Elizabethan to Jacobian era, Saigyō lived through the (turbulent) power transition of Japanese ruler from the palace court (Heian era) to the military ruler (Kamakura era) which famously recounted in the trilogy Hōgen, Heiji, and Heike Monogatari.

He was known as a wandering monk, but actually very well connected to many persons in power. Born as Satō Norikiyo into an aristocratic military family, before becoming monk he was an elite samurai who served (cloistered) emperor Toba and was favoured by his (empress) consort, Fujiwara no Tamako (there's a theory he became monk at the age 22/23 because he fell in love with her. Other theory was because death of a close friend). During this time he formed a friendship with Taira no Kiyomori (who later became the de facto ruler of Japan after Heiji Rebellion). He was also close with Sutoku-tennō when the retired emperor was in exile (legend said after the latter death, he often visited his grave to console his soul). His name was also mentioned in Azuma Kagami (a medieval text chronicles events of the Kamakura Shogunate) where he gave political and military advices to Minamoto no Yoritomo (the 1st Kamakura shōgun).
 
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General public greeting for Emperor Naruhito's birthday will be held for the first time on February 23. The Imperial Household Agency announced 3 greetings will be held that morning, each limited to ~1,500 attendees. People must apply by January 6 and a lottery will be used if there are too many applicants. Winners will be notified in early February.

This will be the first general public greeting for Emperor Naruhito's birthday. The pandemic canceled 2020-2022 and the event was not held in 2019 since he acceded after his birthday.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji

Emperor Naruhito to greet public on birthday for first time | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
[...]

The application deadline is January 6. The agency says the number of visitors will be limited to about 1,500 at a time and lotteries will be held if applications surpass the cap.

This will be the first time in five years for Japan's Emperor to greet the public on his birthday.

Sources say the Emperor and Empress will be joined by their daughter, Princess Aiko, as well as Crown Prince and Princess Akishino and their second daughter, Princess Kako, on the balcony.

A special space will also be set up just outside the Imperial Household Agency's building at the palace in the afternoon of the Emperor's birthday to allow well-wishers to sign books of celebration. No applications are needed to sign the books.
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Japan Emperor's Birthday Greeting Event to Resume | Nippon.com

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On December 19th, Emperor Naruhito met President Macky Sall of Senegal at the Imperial residence around 4:30pm. Discussion topics included water issues and the World Cup.

Photos: Sankei, Jiji

Japan Emperor Meets Senegalese President | Nippon.com
[...]

In the 20-minute meeting, Sall thanked the Emperor for sending a video speech to the World Water Forum in Senegal in March, saying that it has become an important message to the world, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

The Emperor, who treats water issues as his lifework, asked questions about cooperation between Senegal and neighboring countries over river utilization, agency officials said.

[...]
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On December 22nd, the IHA released photos Emperor Naruhito took of the lunar eclipse on November 8.

Photos: Asahi

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Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Japan, presented his credentials to Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace on December 19.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1604740782895890434
 
On February 7th, Emperor Naruhito met Norwegian Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting (Norway's Parliament), at the Imperial residence for about 20 minutes. They discussed Norway's environmental efforts, renewable energy, promoting women's participation in society, and the Emperor's visits to Norway in 1985 and 1991.

Photos: Jiji, NTV, TBS

https://twitter.com/x/status/1622881680955514880
 
On February 9th, Emperor Naruhito sent a telegram to President Erdoğan of Türkiye expressing condolences for the earthquake on the 6th. Their Majesties met the President and First Lady in July 2019, thankful for Türkiye's support after Japan's 2011 earthquake.

Source: Sankei

Emperor Sends Telegram of Sympathy to Turkey - The Japan News

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On February 18th, Emperor Naruhito attended the High-Level Symposium on "Integrated Flood Management in the post-COVID-19 era" at the 9th International Conference on Flood Management (ICFM9) at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, Mainichi
 
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On March 6th, Emperor Naruhito met Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco, at the Imperial residence for about 20 minutes.

Discussion topics:
- gratitude for Japan's support
- climate and water issues and Morocco's contributions
- then-Crown Prince Naruhito's visit in 1991
- Alami looks forward to a future visit
- greetings in English, followed by conversation in French through an interpreter

Photos/info: Getty Images, NTV
 
On March 8th, Emperor Naruhito attended credential presentation ceremonies for new ambassadors to Japan from Fiji and Pakistan at the Imperial Palace. Horse-drawn carriage processions for ambassadors resumed for the first time after a pandemic hiatus.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly 785

4-year-old horse "Sakihime" made her debut, conveying the Pakistani ambassador. Sakihime appeared in Princess Aiko's 21st birthday video and photos last year.

Video/info: FNN
 
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Emperor Naruhito gave the keynote speech for the "6th UN Special Thematic Sessions on Water and Disasters" in New York on March 21 (March 22 JST).

His Majesty's 20-minute English lecture "Water in Circulation -Thinking of Social Development through the Water Cycle-" was recorded on March 16 at the Imperial residence.

Photos: Asahi

Japan Emperor Delivers Speech at U.N. Water, Disaster Event | Nippon.com

[...] In the 20-minute keynote speech, the Emperor explained in English how water was related to the development of Edo, the old name for Tokyo, during the country's Edo period (1603-1868), using ukiyo-e paintings and charts.

Ships were used for disaster relief at the time, and they are now drawing attention once again, Emperor Naruhito said.

It would be meaningful to take a fresh look at disaster reduction measures in the Tokyo metropolitan area while learning from history as this year marks the 100 anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, which hit the Japanese capital and surrounding areas in September 1923, the Emperor said.

[...]
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Japan's Emperor delivers keynote speech at UN water conference | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
[...]

In the 20-minute video speech, he first expressed his condolences to victims of natural disasters that have occurred around the world.

The Emperor then spoke about the waterways in Japan's Edo period, from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The Emperor said Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the bakufu administration at the time, and succeeding shoguns utilized water in full to achieve the sustainable development of Edo, now Tokyo.

He added that Ieyasu built a 150 kilometer-long water distribution network, which stretched through the city. Water flowed into public storage wells through the network for use by people across the city.

[...]

He said, "It is hoped that water, disaster risk reduction, and climate change issues will be fully connected, leading to comprehensive solutions to meet our challenges."

The speech marked the fifth time that the Emperor has addressed the UN water conference, including those dating back to when he was Crown Prince.
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Full speech
 
Emperor Naruhito will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh during her visit to Japan from April 25 to 28.

Source: Jiji

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2023 rice cultivation at the Imperial Palace began on April 11 in the morning.

Emperor Naruhito sowed ~700 seeds of non-glutinous rice "Nihon Masari" and glutinous rice "Mangetsu Mochi" in the rice paddy next to the Biology Research Institute. The harvested rice will be used for rituals such as Niiname-sai in November.

Photo: Sankei

 
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On April 26th, Emperor Naruhito met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes.

Prime Minister Hasina expressed gratitude for developmental support through Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) and provisions of Covid-19 vaccines. Emperor Naruhito asked about efforts to limit damage from cyclones and floods in Bangladesh. He is pleased to many youth from Bangladesh are studying in Japan.

Photos: Asahi
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Book Written by Japan Emperor When Young Republished - The Japan News
[...] The book, “Thames to Tomoni, Eikoku no Ninenkan” (“The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford”), newly printed by Kinokuniya Co., appeared back on shelves Saturday. (April 22)

“It would be a great joy for me if this book helps increase the number of people who desire to study overseas, even if it is only one person,” the Emperor says in a new four-page afterword.

[...]

The book recounts how he struggled with his laundry while living on his own for the first time, exchanges with members of the British Royal family and visits to a pub with his friends. The book, which is full of humor, was originally published in 1993 by Gakushuin University, the Emperor’s alma mater in Japan. The republishing is part of a commemorative project marking the university’s 150th anniversary.

[...]
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Per Asahi, Emperor Naruhito's afterword also mentions gratitude to the late Queen Elizabeth II and hopes to visit the UK again with Empress Masako in the "not too distant future."
 
On May 9th, Emperor Naruhito attended the spring conferment of decorations at the Imperial Palace's Matsu-no-Ma state room. 6 people received the Order of the Rising Sun and 1 person received the Order of the Sacred Treasure. His Majesty chatted with recipients afterwards.

Photos: AP Images, Jiji
 
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:previous: more photos of May 9 spring decoration ceremonies at AFLO Images

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On May 16th, Emperor Naruhito planted seedlings of non-glutinous rice "Nihon Masari" and glutinous rice "Mangetsu mochi" in the paddy field next to the Imperial Palace's Biology Research Institute.

Photos: Mainichi
 
On May 22nd, Emperor Naruhito visited Arakawa Lock Gate and former Komatsugawa Lock Gate in Edogawa, Tokyo. Later, he visited Nakagawa Funebansho Museum in Koto, Tokyo to see history of Edo period water transport exhibits.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1660782861920907264

Japanese Emperor Naruhito Inspects Arakawa Lock Gate | Nippon.com
[...] With studying water issues his lifework, the Emperor has visited related facilities since he was Crown Prince. This was the first time that he has made an inspection trip focusing on water issues since his enthronement in 2019, according to his aides.

[...]

Emperor Naruhito traveled from the Arakawa River to the old Naka River aboard a transport ministry disaster relief ship. He also took pictures of the gate while it was operated.

The Emperor enthusiastically asked questions about the gate's mechanism of adjusting water levels while aboard the ship, according to Keisuke Deguchi, head of an Arakawa River management office of the ministry's Kanto Regional Development Bureau.
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Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko will attend the spring gagaku concert on the afternoon of May 28 at the IHA music department. Princess Akiko and Princess Hisako attended a spring gagaku concert held in the morning of May 26.

Princess Aiko attended an autumn gagaku concert with Princess Kako last November.

Sources: NTV, FNN

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On May 25th, Emperor Naruhito met President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes.

Discussions included:
- Imperial family visits contributing to bilateral relations
- 2015 exchange of cherry trees and elephants to mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations
- then-Crown Prince Naruhito's 2012 visit which was a "very big event" and the President requested another visit
- gratitude for Japan's assistance
- sympathies for flood damage Laos suffered in 2018
- Emperor Naruhito mentioned Mekong River and learnings from people living along the river

Photos: Getty Images, Jiji, TBS

Japan Emperor Meets With Laotian President at Imperial Palace - The Japan News
The Emperor met with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith and spoke about his 2012 visit to Laos, among other topics, at the Imperial Residence of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on Thursday.

[...]

Thongloun also expressed his gratitude to the Emperor regarding Japan’s cooperation with and support for the countries in the Mekong River basin over water and environmental issues.
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On May 28th, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko attended the spring gagaku concert at the Imperial Household Agency's music department.

Photos: FNN, Asahi, AP Images, Mainichi

Empress Masako did not attend due to upcoming events. [Sankei]
 
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On June 5th, Emperor Naruhito attended "Viola Space 2023" at Kioi Hall in Chiyoda, Tokyo. He met the musicians afterwards, recalling playing the pieces by Mozart and Schumann from the program. The emperor said, "It was nostalgic. It's not easy to play in an orchestra these days, but I play the viola by myself."

His Majesty attended the concert almost every year since he was crown prince but this is the first time as Emperor due to the pandemic.

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi, AP Images

Japanese Emperor Appreciates Viola Concert - The Japan News
The Emperor attended Viola Space 2023 Vol. 31, a music festival for primarily viola players as well as other classical musicians [...] The concert on Monday featured many performers, including premier violist Nobuko Imai, 80. The Emperor applauded the performances from a balcony seat.
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On September 8th, Emperor Naruhito met participants of the G7 Speakers’ Meeting at the Imperial Palace. Soft drinks were served for the first time since the pandemic.

His Majesty told the UK's Speaker of the House of Commons, “Please give my best regards to King Charles." Emperor Naruhito also met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, and said, “The people of Ukraine are in a very difficult situation. I hope that peace will be restored as soon as possible.” It’s his first time meeting a Ukrainian dignitary since the Russian invasion. Stefanchuk express gratitude for Japan’s support and acceptance of refugees.

Photos/info: AP Images, NTV, Sankei

Japan Emperor Meets with G-7 Parliamentary Leaders | Nippon.com
 
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On September 13th, Emperor Naruhito harvested rice in the fields next to the biology research institute within the Imperial Palace. The rice will be dedicated to Ise Jingu and used at palace court rituals.

Photos: Sankei, Kyodo

Emperor Harvests Rice at Imperial Palace in Tokyo - The Japan News

Later, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremonies of new ministers at the Imperial Palace following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet reshuffle.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images
 
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On October 20th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 212nd extraordinary Diet session at the National Diet Building's House of Councillors in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: AP Images
 
:previous: By mistake, new Speaker of the House of Representatives Fukushiro Nukaga gave his speech to a bemused Emperor Naruhito at the 212nd extraordinary Diet opening ceremony on October 20. Usually the Speaker leaves the podium after his speech. Nukaga later said he was nervous as it was his first time.

Emperor Naruhito looked at aides nearby as Nukaga approached and accepted the document with smile anyway.

Source/photos/video: Nikkansports, FNN

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On October 22nd, Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko attended the autumn Gagaku (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance) concert at the Imperial Household Music Department at the Imperial Palace's East Gardens. Empress Masako refrained from attending, considering her official schedule.

Some 400 people attended. In addition, the autumn concert was open to the public via application for the first time in 5 years.

Photos: FNN, Asahi, Kyodo, Sankei, AP Images
 
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On November 3rd, Emperor Naruhito presented the Order of Culture to 7 recipients at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: Mainichi, Getty Images

Japan Holds Ceremony for Order of Culture Awardees | Nippon.com
[...]

At the ceremony, held on Culture Day, Emperor Naruhito handed the badge of the order to Mansaku Nomura, 92, actor of "noh" traditional Japanese theater, and six other awardees.

"I am truly pleased that you have made great achievements after many years of hard work and have devoted yourself to the improvement of our culture," the Emperor said.

The other award recipients are novelist Nanami Shiono, 86, calligrapher Keido Ishige, 87, former Japan Football Association President Saburo Kawabuchi, 86, Kohei Tamao, 81-year-old Kyoto University professor emeritus specializing in synthetic organic chemistry and organometallic chemistry, Katsuhito Iwai, a 76-year-old economist and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, and Tadatsugu Taniguchi, 75-year-old University of Tokyo professor emeritus specializing in molecular biology and immunology. [...]
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