Imperial Family of Japan Current Events Part 4: March 2025 -

[iceflower]

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Princess Aiko and Princess Nobuko viewed the 100th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum today, February 17:



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宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency | 令和8年2月17日（火）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、東京都美術館（台東区）において、第100回国風盆栽展をご覧になりました。 日本盆栽協会名誉総裁である三笠宮寬仁親王妃信子殿下がご案内されました。 | Instagram

615 likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on February 17, 2026: "令和8年2月17日（火）、天皇皇后両陛下と愛子内親王殿下は、東京都美術館（台東区）において、第100回国風盆栽展をご覧になりました。 日本盆栽協会名誉総裁である三笠宮寬仁親王妃信子殿下がご案内されました。".

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[Prisma]

Princess Nobuko accompanied the Emperor's family because she is Honorary President of Nippon Bonsai Association.

More photos: TV-Asahi

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More on Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) from January 14. Theme is 明 "Mei" (Bright)

English translations of poems from Their Majesties, Crown Prince couple, and Princess Aiko: Imperial Household Agency

Asahi translated Prince Hisahito's poem:

... Hisahito's poem for the event recalls a summer moment at dusk within the Akasaka Imperial Estate and the thrill of seeing a Martin dragonfly (Anaciaeschna martini) up close; the insect is notable for its striking cobalt blue compound eyes.

His poem read: “In the dim twilight/ A dragonfly hovers/ Above the bridge/ Its vivid blue markings standing out/ As it darts through the air.”

All Imperial family poems: NTV

Full Utakai Hajime ceremony. Princess Aiko's poem represented the Imperial family poem this year. Unfortunately, she had a mishap sitting down after her poem was sung, nearly falling off, which fans of the Akishino family quickly criticized.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Full Utakai Hajime ceremony. Princess Aiko's poem represented the Imperial family poem this year. Unfortunately, she had a mishap sitting down after her poem was sung, nearly falling off, which fans of the Akishino family quickly criticized.

Thank you for including this detail. I am always curious about public and/or royal-watcher opinion and how it might be evolving (it has already been 8.5 years since Mako's controversial choice of fiancé and 7 years since Akihito's abdication, how time flies). It sounds as if the Togu-Akishino fan rivalry is as strong/toxic as ever.