Emperor Naruhito Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

[Prisma]

On November 13th, Emperor Naruhito attended appointment ceremonies of 26 Vice-Ministers at the Imperial Palace.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年11月13日（水）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、副大臣の認証官任命式に臨まれました。"

41K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 14, 2024: "令和6年11月13日（水）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、副大臣の認証官任命式に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

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On November 14th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 215th special Diet session at the National Diet Building's House of Councillors in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The special session closed same day, lasted 4 days (November 11-14).

Photos: Getty Images, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On November 29th, Emperor Naruhito attended the 75th Anniversary of the Municipal Fire Department at Nissho Hall in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和6年11月29日（金）、天皇陛下はニッショーホール（港区）において、自治体消防75周年記念大会にご臨席になりました。"

93K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 29, 2024: "令和6年11月29日（金）、天皇陛下はニッショーホール（港区）において、自治体消防75周年記念大会にご臨席になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On December 2nd, Emperor Naruhito privately visited the special exhibition "Haniwa: Tomb Sculptures of Japan" at Tokyo National Museum in Taito, Tokyo.

The exhibition features 120 Haniwa figures collected across Japan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the designation of a 6th century haniwa "Warrior in Keikō Armor" as a national treasure. The "Warrior in Keikō Armor" was discovered in Gunma Prefecture.

Photo: NTV

 

[Prisma]

On January 24th, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 217th ordinary Diet session at the National Diet Building's House of Councillors in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: Getty Images

Speech: 主な式典におけるおことば（令和7年）：天皇陛下のおことば - 宮内庁

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年1月24日（金）、天皇陛下は、国会議事堂（千代田区）において行われた第217回国会開会式にご臨場になりました。"

109K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on January 23, 2025: "令和7年1月24日（金）、天皇陛下は、国会議事堂（千代田区）において行われた第217回国会開会式にご臨場になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年1月24日（金）、天皇陛下は、国会議事堂（千代田区）において行われた第217回国会開会式にご臨場になりました。"

6,186 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on January 23, 2025: "令和7年1月24日（金）、天皇陛下は、国会議事堂（千代田区）において行われた第217回国会開会式にご臨場になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On February 7th, Emperor Naruhito met President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes. His Majesty expressed gratitude again for the President's condolence message sent following the Noto earthquake last year and believes the visit is "very meaningful in strengthening bilateral relations." They also discussed Zambia's recent drought and cholera outbreak.

Photos: Asahi, FNN

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月7日（金）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ザンビア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

94K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 7, 2025: "令和7年2月7日（金）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ザンビア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

President of the Republic of Zambia to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

 

[Blog Real]

Emperor Naruhito attended credential presentation ceremonies of new Ambassadors to Japan at the Imperial Palace.

信任状捧呈式（マリ、デンマーク）（宮殿） - 宮内庁

www.kunaicho.go.jp

信任状捧呈式（バングラデシュ、コロンビア）（宮殿） - 宮内庁

www.kunaicho.go.jp

 

[Prisma]

After a pandemic hiatus, the banquet will return for Emperor Naruhito's birthday celebrations on February 23. However, the number of attendees will be significantly reduced to prevent infection.

Prince Hisahito will not attend birthday celebrations because he has not undergone coming-of-age rites. He will visit the Imperial residence to greet His Majesty in the afternoon.

Source: FNN

 

[Blog Real]

Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 65th birthday. Empress Masako is also in the pictures.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月23日(日･祝)、天皇陛下は、65歳のお誕生日をお迎えになりました。"

236K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 22, 2025: "令和7年2月23日(日･祝)、天皇陛下は、65歳のお誕生日をお迎えになりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月23日(日･祝)、天皇陛下は、65歳のお誕生日をお迎えになりました。"

3,091 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 22, 2025: "令和7年2月23日(日･祝)、天皇陛下は、65歳のお誕生日をお迎えになりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito turns 65 on February 23.

Photos and video with Empress Masako were taken on February 13 at the Imperial residence. He attended a press conference on February 20, transcript: 天皇陛下お誕生日に際し（令和7年） - 宮内庁

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN

Birthday video: https://www.gov-online.go.jp/imperial_family_channel/202502/video-294003.html

Press conference

General public greetings

More content for Emperor Naruhito's 65th birthday:

General Public Greetings, "Enkai no Gi" banquet : Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, AP Images, Getty Images

About 120 people attended the scaled-down banquet. Mikasa (except Nobuko) and Takamado princesses attended (yay!)

No tea reception for diplomatic corps; it was canceled to prevent infection.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1893573092443894049

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日宴会の儀に臨まれました。"

125K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 23, 2025: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日宴会の儀に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日宴会の儀に臨まれました。"

116K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 23, 2025: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日宴会の儀に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日祝賀の儀に臨まれました。"

108K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 23, 2025: "令和7年2月23日(日・祝)、天皇皇后両陛下は、宮殿において、天皇誕生日祝賀の儀に臨まれました。".

www.instagram.com

Japan emperor greets public on his 65th birthday, hopes for happiness

Emperor Naruhito greets thousands who gathered to celebrate his 65th birthday, joined by Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko and other imperial family members, expressing hope for the people's happiness and good health.

english.kyodonews.net

Emperor turns 65, renews hope for peace 80 years after war | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

[...] The emperor was also asked about scathing online posts about imperial family members.

Cautioning that he was speaking in general terms, Naruhito said, “It is necessary to always keep in mind that when expressing opinions about someone else, one could at times hurt that person’s heart and position.” [...]

Naruhito said he “feels very happy to gain a glimpse of (Aiko) growing as a member of society one step at a time.”

[...]

Naruhito said he expects his nephew, second in line to the throne, to “lead a productive student life.”

 

[Prisma]

On the morning of March 5th, Emperor Naruhito attended the International Symposium on Water and Disaster for Cooperation and Partnerships at Mita Kaigisho in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: FNN, Getty Images

In the afternoon, he attended an audience for officials awarded for 30 years of service at correctional facilities at the Imperial Palace's Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall). He met 60 recipients and their families.

Photos: Sankei, 47news.jp

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年3月5日（水）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、法務大臣及び公益財団法人矯正協会会長表彰の法務省矯正職員代表及びその配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。"

13K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on March 5, 2025: "令和7年3月5日（水）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、法務大臣及び公益財団法人矯正協会会長表彰の法務省矯正職員代表及びその配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On March 15th, Emperor Naruhito privately attended the Japanese Alpine Club's "Overseas Mountain Climbing Report Session" at Shibaura Institute of Technology in Koto, Tokyo. He attended for 4 hours, listening to reports such as mountaineering in Canada and an unclimbed peak in Nepal. His Majesty has been a club member since 1987 and has frequently attended events.

Sources: FNN, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On March 27th, Emperor Naruhito visited the Imperial Hotel in Chiyoda, Tokyo around 10am to bid farewell to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, concluding the state visit. They met for about 20 minutes. First Lady Rosângela da Silva had already departed Japan for official business, according to Jiji.

Photos: Getty Images, FNN

27.03.2025 - Cerimônia de despedida

Hotel Imperial, Tóquio - Japão. Foto: Ricardo Stuckert / PR

www.flickr.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年3月27日（木）、国賓ブラジル大統領閣下及び同令夫人のご来訪に当たり、天皇陛下は、帝国ホテル(千代田区)をご訪問になりました。"

53K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on March 27, 2025: "令和7年3月27日（木）、国賓ブラジル大統領閣下及び同令夫人のご来訪に当たり、天皇陛下は、帝国ホテル(千代田区)をご訪問になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito received the Crown Prince of Oman Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said today, April 9:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

On April 14th, Emperor Naruhito hosted a tea reception for National Diet members, including Speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, at the Imperial Palace’s Houmei-Den (State Banquet Hall). Before the reception, he met guests at the Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall).

This is the first tea reception for members of the Diet since the accession due to the pandemic.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, FNN, AP Images

Japanese Emperor Hosts Tea Party for Lawmakers

Tokyo, April 14 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito hosted a tea party at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on …

www.nippon.com

In a speech at the Shunju-no-Ma hall, the Emperor expressed hope that the lawmakers will respond to the trust of the people and do their best for the country, society and people.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年4月14日（月）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受けになり、その後、お茶を賜りました。"

79K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on April 14, 2025: "令和7年4月14日（月）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受けになり、その後、お茶を賜りました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年4月14日（月）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受けになり、その後、お茶を賜りました。"

50K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on April 14, 2025: "令和7年4月14日（月）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において、衆議院及び参議院の役員等から拝謁をお受けになり、その後、お茶を賜りました。".

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1911749808630775858

On April 15th, Emperor Naruhito met President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes. President Berdimuhamedow visited Japan for Turkmenistan's National Day at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Photos: Asahi, FNN

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年4月15日（火）、天皇陛下は、御所において、トルクメニスタン大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

78K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on April 15, 2025: "令和7年4月15日（火）、天皇陛下は、御所において、トルクメニスタン大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

Japan Emperor Meets with Turkmenistan President

Tokyo, April 15 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at th…

www.nippon.com

Later, Emperor Naruhito planted rice next to the Biology Research Institute at the Imperial Palace. He sowed about 720 seeds of Nihon Masari (non-glutinous rice) and Mangetsumochi (glutinous rice).

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年4月15日（火）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の苗代において、水稲をお手まきになりました。"

103K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on April 15, 2025: "令和7年4月15日（火）、天皇陛下は、皇居内生物学研究所脇の苗代において、水稲をお手まきになりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

King Frederik X of Denmark will visit Japan April 23-25 to attend Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. During his visit, Emperor Naruhito will host a dinner for the King.

Source: H.M. The King of Denmark to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

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On April 18th, Emperor Naruhito attended a ballet performance of "Giselle" at the New National Theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito received Captains Regent of San Marino Denise Bronzetti and Italo Righi today, May 2:



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[Prisma]

On May 9th, Emperor Naruhito attended spring Grand Cordon conferment ceremonies and audience at the Imperial Palace. 19 people received the Grand Cordon of the Paulownia Flowers or Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun.

Recipients included former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tadamori Oshima, former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, and IOC President Thomas Bach. Emperor Naruhito gave a congratulatory speech in Japanese and English and met each recipient. Oshima delivered a greeting on behalf of the group.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Mainichi, Asahi

Spring Grand Cordon Ceremony Held at Imperial Palace

Tokyo, May 9 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito handed medals to 19 people including five foreigners in t…

www.nippon.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月9日（金）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において行われた大綬章等勲章親授式で勲章を授与され、その後、受章者及び配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。"

57K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 9, 2025: "令和7年5月9日（金）、天皇陛下は、宮殿において行われた大綬章等勲章親授式で勲章を授与され、その後、受章者及び配偶者の拝謁をお受けになりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Today, May 14, Emperor Naruhito participated in the annual rice planting event in the rice paddy next to the biology institute on the Imperial Palace grounds:

天皇陛下、皇居の水田で恒例の「お田植え」　9月に収穫へ…宮中祭祀などで使用｜日テレNEWS NNN

天皇陛下は14日、皇居にある水田で恒例行事の「お田植え」を行われました。

news.ntv.co.jp

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito hosted a dinner for King Carl Gustaf today, May 15.

King Carl Gustaf is currently in Japan for the Expo 2025.


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[Blog Real]

More photos:

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月15日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、御所において、スウェーデン国王陛下をご夕餐にお招きになりました。愛子内親王殿下がご一緒されました。"

557 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 15, 2025: "令和7年5月15日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、御所において、スウェーデン国王陛下をご夕餐にお招きになりました。愛子内親王殿下がご一緒されました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

Empress Masako attended the dinner and Princess Aiko joined the after dinner conversation on May 15.

Source: NTV

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On May 16th, Emperor Naruhito and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden attended a seminar "Water as Enabler for Climate Action and the Future Society of Our Lives" at the United Nations University (UNU) in Shibuya, Tokyo. The seminar was organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Embassy of Sweden in Japan, and UNU.

Photos: Mainichi, Getty Images

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月16日（金）、天皇陛下は、国際連合大学（渋谷区）において、ストックホルム国際水研究所、在日スウェーデン大使館及び国際連合大学による水に関するセミナー「水:気候変動対策といのち輝く未来社会への鍵」をご聴講になりました。"

60K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 16, 2025: "令和7年5月16日（金）、天皇陛下は、国際連合大学（渋谷区）において、ストックホルム国際水研究所、在日スウェーデン大使館及び国際連合大学による水に関するセミナー「水:気候変動対策といのち輝く未来社会への鍵」をご聴講になりました。".

www.instagram.com

Kungahuset 🇸🇪 on Instagram: "Kungen och Kejsaren av Japan närvarade i dag vid ett seminarium om vatten- och klimatfrågor på FN-universitetet i Tokyo. 🇯🇵🇺🇳🇸🇪 💧Under seminariet diskuterades bland annat förvaltning av vattenresurser. Svenskt och japan

4,541 likes, 36 comments - kungahuset on May 16, 2025: "Kungen och Kejsaren av Japan närvarade i dag vid ett seminarium om vatten- och klimatfrågor på FN-universitetet i Tokyo. 🇯🇵🇺🇳🇸🇪 💧Under seminariet diskuterades bland annat förvaltning av vattenresurser. Svenskt och japanskt kunnande på...

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On May 19th, Emperor Naruhito met President Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia and President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria at the Imperial residence. The Presidents are visiting Japan for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Music and historical preservation were among discussion topics with President Rinkēvičs in the morning. During the afternoon meeting with President Radev, discussion turned to the popularity of Bulgarian yogurt in Japan after Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun ate some at the Bulgarian Pavilion at the 1970 Osaka Expo. Emperor Naruhito shared memories of making Bulgarian yogurt from a starter culture as a child.

Both presidents presented invitations to visit.

Photos: Jiji, Asahi, Asahi2, AP Images

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito Receives President Radev in Audience

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s audience with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito has commenced. The meeting is taking place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and is part of Radev's official visit to Japan.

www.bta.bg

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月19日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ラトビア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

53K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 18, 2025: "令和7年5月19日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ラトビア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月19日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ブルガリア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

37K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 19, 2025: "令和7年5月19日（月）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ブルガリア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito received Hungarian President Tamas Szök at the Imperial Palace today, May 21:


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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月21日（水）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ハンガリー大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

7,851 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 20, 2025: "令和7年5月21日（水）、天皇陛下は、御所において、ハンガリー大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[iceflower]

Today, May 22, Emperor Naruhito received Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen, also one of the Presidents visiting the Expo:

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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月22日（木）、天皇陛下は、御所において、オーストリア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。"

5,362 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 21, 2025: "令和7年5月22日（木）、天皇陛下は、御所において、オーストリア大統領閣下とご会見になりました。".

www.instagram.com

And in the evening he hosted a dinner for King Willem-Alexander:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1925558626946630033

 

[Somebody]

Sounds like the emperor has quite a busy schedule receiving the various heads of state visiting the expo.

 

[Blog Real]

Emperor Naruhito received King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at the Imperial Palace.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "令和7年5月22日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、御所において、オランダ国王陛下をご夕餐にお招きになりました。愛子内親王殿下がご一緒されました。"

3,259 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on May 22, 2025: "令和7年5月22日（木）、天皇皇后両陛下は、御所において、オランダ国王陛下をご夕餐にお招きになりました。愛子内親王殿下がご一緒されました。".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On May 21st, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremonies of new ministers at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: AP Images

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Empress Masako canceled her appearance at the 75th National Tree Planting Festival in Saitama Prefecture due to fatigue. Emperor Naruhito make the May 24-25 visit alone.

Imperial Household Agency reported Empress Masako's message, "I am sorry and deeply regretful that I am unable to meet those who have prepared and waited for me."

According to aides, she does not have any symptoms such as a cold or fever, but has been tired from recent activities. She consulted with the Emperor before making the decision to cancel. This is the first time Masako has canceled her attendance at a "Four Major Imperial" event.

Sources: NTV, TBS

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I hope she feels better soon.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

On May 21st, Emperor Naruhito attended the attestation ceremonies of new ministers at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: AP Images

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Empress Masako canceled her appearance at the 75th National Tree Planting Festival in Saitama Prefecture due to fatigue. Emperor Naruhito make the May 24-25 visit alone.

Imperial Household Agency reported Empress Masako's message, "I am sorry and deeply regretful that I am unable to meet those who have prepared and waited for me."

According to aides, she does not have any symptoms such as a cold or fever, but has been tired from recent activities. She consulted with the Emperor before making the decision to cancel. This is the first time Masako has canceled her attendance at a "Four Major Imperial" event.

Sources: NTV, TBS

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I hope she feels better soon.

That must be rather disheartening, but I suppose we must give credit for good judgment to her and her doctors if it is only the first time such a major cancellation has happened. What is the reaction from the general public and media?

Which events are the Four Major Imperial events?