Imperial Family of Japan Current Events Part 3: May 2017 -


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Princess Aiko and Princess Kako will attend a duck netting reception with the diplomatic corps at Shinhama Kamoba (Imperial Wild Duck Preserves) in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture on February 14. Diplomats and their spouses from 21 countries are invited.

Sources: NTV, FNN

Aiko and Kako were scheduled to host duck netting reception last November but it was canceled following Princess Yuriko's death.
 
Have Princess Aiko and Princess Kako done an engagement together before?
 
Yes, they attended the autumn Gagaku concert together in November 2022, see post #270
 
President of the Federative Republic of Brazil and Mrs. Lula da Silva to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
  1. H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and his spouse, Mrs. Lula da Silva will pay a State Visit to Japan from 24 March to 27 March.
  2. During their stay in Japan, the President and Mrs. Lula da Silva will make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will host a State Banquet in honor of the President and Mrs. Lula da Silva. [...]

Japan to host Brazilian President Lula as state guest in late March - The Mainichi
... The Japanese government is planning for Lula to have an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and attend a banquet at the Imperial Palace on March 25 ...

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On February 14th, Princess Aiko and Princess Kako hosted a duck netting reception with the diplomatic corps at Shinhama Kamoba (Imperial Wild Duck Preserves) in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. Ducks are netted, tagged for research purposes and released.

The Shinhama preserve was the location where then-Crown Prince Naruhito proposed to Masako Owada in October 1992. She accepted 2 months later.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, AP Images

 
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Princesses Nobuko, Akiko, and Hisako attended the trophy presentation ceremony at a hotel in Sapporo, Hokkaido on March 2. A moment of silence was held for the late Princess Yuriko.
The princesses attended various events during the 96th International Miyasama Ski Games. Akiko visited February 26 - March 3; Nobuko and Hisako visited March 1-2.

Photos: Yomiuri

Princess Akiko at ski jump on February 28, photos in Mikasa thread post #947

Princess Nobuko gifted sweets at the biathlon competition
 
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how nicely crafted, a shame to partake it seems
 
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Crown Prince Akishino couple will attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Expo Osaka-Kansai on April 12. Emperor Naruhito will declare the expo opened. Crown Prince Akishino is honorary president.

Their Majesties's April 11-12 schedule:
  • visit Osaka Expo venue "Grand Ring," Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, display by local governments, meet organizers
  • attend opening ceremony, visit International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Pavilion
Sources: Sankei, Jiji

 
The Imperial Household Agency plans for Imperial family members to walk different routes at the April 22 garden party, allowing for more guests to meet the royals.

Until now, Imperial family all followed the same route, meeting the same guests in front, and guests would wait a long time. By preventing large crowds from gathering, the agency hopes to ensure guests have time to enjoy the food, entertainment, and beauty of Akasaka Estate's gardens.

Source: Asahi

While I'm pleased with this change, I hope the media manages to capture all family members on these separate routes.

More information about the different routes and impetus for change.
  • Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako: same route as before, north side of Nakaike Pond
  • Akishino couple: south side of Nakaike pond after speaking with foreign ambassadors in tent near pond
  • Princess Aiko, Princess Kako: tent area, west side of Akasaka Estate gardens, near Shobu Pond where gagaku music is performed, then walk south side of Nakanoike pond same direction as Akishino couple
  • Regarding other members of the Imperial Family, the Imperial Household Agency said it will consider the format in the future, based on spring results.
    • I guess this means Mikasa and Takamado princesses will follow Their Majesties... :unsure:
5 guests became ill due to the heat at last year's autumn garden party, waiting a long time to reserve a place to speak to the royals. The decision for different routes was made in consultation with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Records of the garden party route only go back to 1963, when it was moved from the Imperial Palace to Akasaka gardens, and the traditional method had been followed for at least 62 years until last fall.

Sources: NHK, NTV, news.tv-asahi.co.jp, Yomiuri
 
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