Princess Aiko News and Current Events Part 4: January 2021 -

[iceflower]

Today, May 18, Princess Aiko visited Nanao, a city that had been severely affected by a massive earthquake in January 2024:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Arrangements are underway for Princess Aiko to make an official visit to Laos in November for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The invitation to visit was received in May from the Laotian government. Itinerary remains to be determined but she will attend a ceremony in the capital, Vientiane, and pay a courtesy call to President Thongloun Sisoulith.

This will be Princess Aiko's first official visit. Imperial family members have made 4 official and private visits to Laos, including a 2012 visit by then-Crown Prince Naruhito.

Sources: Sankei, NTV, TBS, Jiji

 

[Somebody]

That's quite a rite de passage for a Japanese royal: being entrusted with a visit abroad. Great to see that Aiko is to embark on this visit later this year.

 

[Prisma]

On May 29th, Princess Aiko privately watched the lunchtime concert by the Imperial Guard Band at the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Concerts are held regularly. On this day, the band's song list included "Rokko Orochi, "Samba De Janeiro," and the Osaka-Kansai Expo theme song "Kono Hoshi no Tsuzuki wo."

Photos: Asahi

 

[An Ard Ri]

Princess Aiko’s beloved childhood pet her dog ,Yuri died aged 16 on June 23rd.
Princess Aiko’s beloved childhood dog Yuri dies at 16 | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Emmily]

Very difficult to lose a beloved pet.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Very difficult to lose a beloved pet.

Yes especially as Yuri had lived a long life ,makers the loss even sadder.

 

[W.Y.CII]

That's sad to lose the pet you grew up with, especially with Aiko's situation Yuri must be so important in her life. I still remember the photo of little Aiko holding puppy Yuri in her arms. Yuri was a beautiful girl, always with her lovely scarf.

 

[Prisma]

On July 4th, the Imperial Household Agency released photos of Princess Aiko’s dog Yuri, who recently passed away.

• Empress Masako took Yuri to the "Summer Festival" held at St. Luke's International Hospital in Chuo, Tokyo (July 2018)
• Yuri at the "Summer Festival" (July 2018)
• Yuri with staff members after a visit to the pediatric ward at St. Luke's International Hospital (undated photo for an animal related magazine)
• Yuri at Akasaka Animal Hospital on May 6, 2025 about a month and half before she passed. She wears an origami kabuto (helmet), surrounded by carp streamers in commemoration of Children's Day (formerly Boys' Day or Tango no Sekku).

Photos: NTV, Asahi, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On August 5th, Princess Aiko returned to Tokyo from Suzaki Imperial Villa in Shizuoka Prefecture and arrived at the Imperial Palace after 5pm. She returned ahead of her parents due to work commitments at the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Sources: NTV, Jiji

At Tokyo Station

https://twitter.com/x/status/1952649841991143550

https://twitter.com/x/status/1952644136210772214

https://twitter.com/x/status/1952656857669177774

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko will visit Niigata Prefecture September 6-8:

• 9/6: travel to Niigata, stay at Hotel Okura Niigata
• 9/7: attend 2 sessions of the 2025 / 10th National Conference for Promoting Disaster Prevention (Bosai Kokutai) at Toki Messe
  • "Disaster Welfare Support: Efforts, Challenges, and Future Prospects Following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake"
  • "Considering the Ideal Aim for Support Based on the Example of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake"
  • Niigata City History Museum
  • briefing about prefecture at hotel
• 9/8: visit Ojiya City General Industry Hall Sun Plaza, Nishikigoi Village, Yamakoshi Reconstruction Community Center "Orataru"

The October 2024 Chuetsu earthquake severely damaged Yamakoshi village, which is now a district of Nagaoka City. This the first time an Imperial family member will attend the conference. Princess Aiko has long been concerned about disaster-stricken areas and is involved with training volunteers at her job at the Japanese Red Cross Society.

She will attend cousin Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age ceremony before traveling to Niigata.

Sources: pref.niigata.lg.jp, NTV, FNN

"Orataru" means "our place" in the Yamakoshi dialect.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko joined her parents at Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture on August 29. Emperor Naruhito and Empess Masako have been at the villa since the 26th.

Source: Nikkei

-----

On September 1st, Princess Aiko returned to Tokyo from Nasu Imperial Villa, arriving at Tokyo Station before 9pm.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko will visit Niigata Prefecture September 6-8:

• 9/6: travel to Niigata, stay at Hotel Okura Niigata
• 9/7: attend 2 sessions of the 2025 / 10th National Conference for Promoting Disaster Prevention (Bosai Kokutai) at Toki Messe
  • "Disaster Welfare Support: Efforts, Challenges, and Future Prospects Following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake"
  • "Considering the Ideal Aim for Support Based on the Example of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake"
  • Niigata City History Museum
  • briefing about prefecture at hotel
• 9/8: visit Ojiya City General Industry Hall Sun Plaza, Nishikigoi Village, Yamakoshi Reconstruction Community Center "Orataru"

The October 2024 Chuetsu earthquake severely damaged Yamakoshi village, which is now a district of Nagaoka City. This the first time an Imperial family member will attend the conference. Princess Aiko has long been concerned about disaster-stricken areas and is involved with training volunteers at her job at the Japanese Red Cross Society.

She will attend cousin Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age ceremony before traveling to Niigata.

Sources: pref.niigata.lg.jp, NTV, FNN

"Orataru" means "our place" in the Yamakoshi dialect.

Princess Aiko arrived at Niigata Station around 7pm on September 6 and was greeted by the governor and other officials.

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1964240393782120962

https://twitter.com/x/status/1964239723284877646

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Early photos of Princess Aiko at the 2025 / 10th National Conference for Promoting Disaster Prevention (Bosai Kokutai) at Toki Messe in Niigata City on September 7.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, niigata-nippo.co.jp

 

[Prisma]

September 6-8 visit to Niigata

Day 1 (arrival): AP Images

more of Day 2: Getty Images, FNN (museum), AP Images

Day 3: Getty Images, Mainichi, FNN, Asahi, AP Images

TV-Asahi gallery all 3 days

Niigata News NST Aiko tag with links to more photos

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko will attend the 50th Horse Day celebrations at JRA (Japan Racing Association) Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo in the afternoon of September 23. She is scheduled to watch the parade in the main arena.

Sources: Sanspo

愛子内親王殿下のJRA馬事公苑へのお成り　JRA

 

[Prisma]

On September 23rd, Princess Aiko attended the 50th Horse Day celebrations at JRA (Japan Racing Association) Equestrian Park in Setagaya, Tokyo.

• 50th anniversary parade, including Olympic medalists
• traditional horsemanship "Horohiki" (pennants streaming), performed by the Imperial Household Agency Horse Division's Equestrian team
• Equestrian and eventing performances by a youth group
• Meet riders and their horses

Since 1968, the JRA has designated the Autumn Equinox as "Horse Lovers’ Day" (or Love Horses Day?) to coincide with Animal Welfare Week and holds events annually where visitors can interact with horses. Princess Aiko was requested to attend the event's 50th anniversary to promote the appeal of horse culture, especially among young people.

Early photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Nikkansports

https://twitter.com/x/status/1970349579221770731

https://twitter.com/x/status/1970358554692595768

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko has Covid-19. Her planned October 5-6 visit to Shiga Prefecture for the National Sports Festival is canceled.

She left work early on September 30 due to fever (mid-38 C range) and sore throat. She tested positive on the evening of October 1. Her fever has dropped to low 37 C range but sore throat continues. Aiko will refrain from events until October 5 and remain in her room at the Imperial residence. This is her first Covid-19 infection.

Her parents currently do not have symptoms and will undergo testing as they are scheduled to visit Kyoto and Osaka October 4-6.

Sources: NTV, TBS, FNN

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko will make an official visit to Laos November 17-22 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Cabinet approved the official visit on October 17.

• 11/17: depart Japan, arrive in Vientiane via Thailand
• 11/18: welcome event, courtesy call to President Thongloun Sisoulith, Buddhist stupa Pha That Luang, dinner hosted by Vice President Pany Yathotou
• 11/19: COPE Visitor Centre, which raises awareness about unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Vietnam War, martial arts center built with Japanese grant aid
• 11/20: train to Luang Prabang, temples, National Museum, Lao Friends Hospital for Children built by Japanese NPO Friends Without a Border
• 11/21: meet Japanese residents in Vientiane and Laotians with ties to Japan, depart Laos
• 11/22: return to Japan via Vietnam

Other agenda:

• war monument Patuxai
• Japanese language school
• meet provincial governor and luncheon

The Laotian side has reportedly conveyed that they are considering treating Princess Aiko the equivalent of a head of state. This is Princess Aiko's first official visit. She privately visited the Netherlands (2006 with parents) and United Kingdom (2018) for a summer program at Eton College.

Sources: NTV, Sankei, Jiji, FNN, TBS, Asahi, Mainichi

Then-Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko visited Laos in 1999 and then-Crown Prince Naruhito visited in 2012.

Princess Aiko to visit Laos from Nov. 17 on 1st official trip abroad

Princess Aiko, the only child of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, will travel to Laos on Nov. 17 on her first official overseas visit, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Prisma]

On November 10th, Princess Aiko visited Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo ahead of her official visit to Laos. She paid respects at the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun.

Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On November 14th, Princess Aiko visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence ahead of her official visit to Laos (November 17-22). She entered Akasaka Estate around 4:30pm.

Photos: FNN

 

[Prisma]

On November 17th, Princess Aiko departed from Haneda Airport around 11am for her official visit to Laos. She will arrive in Vientiane in the evening via Bangkok, Thailand.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Mainichi, FNN

Princess Aiko Leaves for Official Laos Visit

Tokyo, Nov. 17 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Princess Aiko left Tokyo International Airport at Haneda on Monday for he…

www.nippon.com

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos around 7:45pm on November 17 and was welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lao DPR delegation and relevant parties.

Photos: Facebook KhuamsaNgopDaily, Facebook laopostnews, Laos National Radio

She arrived at the hotel after 8pm and was welcomed by traditional Laotian dance in the lobby.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Mainichi

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月17日(月)ラオスご到着、伝統舞踊ご覧"

23K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 17, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月17日(月)ラオスご到着、伝統舞踊ご覧".

www.instagram.com

 

[Somebody]

Wishing her good luck on her first official visit abroad. It might be rather nerve-wrecking.

 

[Prisma]

Some early content of November 18: Princess Aiko visited Patuxai and Buddhist stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, Laos.

Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, FNN, FNN2, Asahi

Japan’s Princess Aiko Receives Warm Welcome in Laos on 1st Official Overseas Trip

<p>VIENTIANE — Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, flew to Laos on Monday as this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Includes courtesy call on President Thongloun Sisoulith

 

[Prisma]

more from November 18: Getty Images

The traditional clothing Princess Aiko wore are gifts from Laos. They asked for her favorite colors before the official visit. She conveyed messages from Their Majesties to the Vice President, President and Prime Minister.

Sources: Sankei, Sankei2

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）凱旋門（パトゥーサイ）ご視察、タートルアン大塔ご視察"

81K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 18, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）凱旋門（パトゥーサイ）ご視察、タートルアン大塔ご視察".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）国家主席閣下表敬及び国家副主席閣下ご接見のため国家主席府ご訪問"

56K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 18, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）国家主席閣下表敬及び国家副主席閣下ご接見のため国家主席府ご訪問".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）バーシー儀式（幸運を祈願する儀式）及び国家副主席閣下主催晩餐会ご臨席"

144K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 18, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月18日（火）バーシー儀式（幸運を祈願する儀式）及び国家副主席閣下主催晩餐会ご臨席".

www.instagram.com

Princess Aiko tours Laos on her first official foreign visit | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Princess Aiko meets with Lao president during 1st official visit

Princess Aiko, the only child of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, met with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and expressed her appreciation for the hospitality extended by Laos on her first official overseas visit.

english.kyodonews.net

0:00 Patuxai
6:53 Pha That Luang
16:15 arrival at Presidential Palace
17:06 Vice President Pany
19:05 President Thongloun
21:40 Prime Minister Sonexay at his office
24:45 Baci ceremony, a traditional Lao ritual to pray for good fortune, health, and harmony
37:00 Dinner hosted by the Vice President at Crowne Plaza Vientiane. About 50 people attended.
40:00 Princess Aiko's speech (uncut)

Speech transcript from NTV

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko's agenda in Vientiane, Laos on November 19:

• Vientiane Secondary School
  • Teaching Japanese since 2015 and welcomed 9 Japanese language assistant teachers (Nihongo partners) since 2016
  • About 24% of students are learning Japanese
  • Each year, the school organizes a language week to strengthen the four language skills, of which Japanese has received great attention
  • Students also participated in Japanese speaking competitions organized by the Japanese Embassy
  • Students have received scholarships to study in Japan for about 2-3 students per year and had the opportunity to go on a study tour to Japan for about 10 students per year
  • Princess Aiko observed Japanese language class and met students
  • Next, she observed a class teaching Japanese culture where students played Japanese children game "Fukuwarai"
• COPE Visitor Center
• Japan-Laos Martial Arts Center

Photos: Getty Images, Mainichi, FNN, FNN2, Facebook Vientiane Secondary School, Facebook ປະເທດລາວ Pathedlao

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月19日（水）日本語パートナーズ受け入れ校ご訪問、COPEビジターセンターご視察、武道センターご視察"

96K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 19, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月19日（水）日本語パートナーズ受け入れ校ご訪問、COPEビジターセンターご視察、武道センターご視察".

www.instagram.com

Princess Aiko Expresses Hope for Leftover Bombs to Disappear from Laos in Education Center Visit

<p>VIENTIANE — Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, visited on Wednesday the Cope Visitor Center, which educates visitors on the damage caused by unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Japan Princess Aiko Visits Dud Bomb Center in Laos

Vientiane, Nov. 19 (Jiji Press)--Princess Aiko, daughter of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visi…

www.nippon.com

 

[Saragli]

Aiko comes off as so incredibly lovely, the best mixture of both her parents.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko visited the northern city of Luang Prabang, Laos on November 20:

• National Museum (Former Royal Palace of Luang Prabang)
• Wat Xieng Thong temple
• Meeting with Vice Governor Bunluom Manivong and luncheon
• Lao Friends Hospital for Children
• Kuang Si Falls

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi
Mainichi - travel, Mainichi2 - temple, Mainichi - hospital
FNN, FNN2, FNN temple & museum, FNN - falls

Princess Aiko's speech at luncheon: NTV

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月20日（木）ビエンチャン駅ご出発、国立博物館ご視察、シェントーン寺院ご視察、ルアンパバーン県党書記ご接見、ルアンパバーン県党書記主催午餐会ご臨席"

95K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 20, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月20日（木）ビエンチャン駅ご出発、国立博物館ご視察、シェントーン寺院ご視察、ルアンパバーン県党書記ご接見、ルアンパバーン県党書記主催午餐会ご臨席".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月20日（木）ラオ•フレンズ小児病院ご視察、クワンシーの滝ご視察"

59K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 20, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月20日（木）ラオ•フレンズ小児病院ご視察、クワンシーの滝ご視察".

www.instagram.com

Princess Aiko Visits Historic Laotian City of Luang Prabang; Tours National Museum, Wat Xieng Thong Temple

<p>VIENTIANE — Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and the Empress, made a day trip to the old city of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site in northern Laos, on Thursday, as part of her visit to the country.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Japan Princess Aiko Visits Ancient Lao Capital

Luang Prabang, Laos, Nov. 20 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Princess Aiko visited Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of…

www.nippon.com

 

[Prisma]

Princess Aiko's agenda in Vientiane, Laos on November 21:

• "Textile Treasures of Laos" exhibition at Lao Silk Residence where she also experienced weaving
  • She was gifted 2 sets of traditional clothing ahead the official visit: one with serpent god "Naga" pattern (auspicious and protection against evil) from First Lady and one with floral pattern (beauty and joy) from Vice President
  • Aiko wore the floral set on November 18 and the Naga set on November 20
• meet Japanese residents, JICA volunteers, and Laotians with ties to Japan
• violin ensemble performed by Laotian elementary and junior high school students
• depart from Wattay International Airport around 9pm

Photos: Getty Images, Mainichi, Mainichi2, FNN

Asahi gallery summary of official visit

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月21日（金）ラオ・シルク・レジデンスご視察"

63K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 21, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月21日（金）ラオ・シルク・レジデンスご視察".

www.instagram.com

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月21日（金）在留邦人代表等とのご接見、日本とゆかりのあるラオス人とのご接見、イッサラポン•バイオリン演奏団の演奏ご鑑賞"

65K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 21, 2025: "【#愛子内親王殿下ラオスご訪問】令和7年11月21日（金）在留邦人代表等とのご接見、日本とゆかりのあるラオス人とのご接見、イッサラポン•バイオリン演奏団の演奏ご鑑賞".

www.instagram.com

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Princess Aiko returned to Japan via Vietnam, arriving at Narita Airport before 7am on November 22.

Photos: AP Images

Princess Aiko's impressions of her official visit: NTV

Japan’s Princess Aiko Returns From Laos, Expresses Thanks for Warm Hospitality

<p>Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and the Empress, has returned home from her first official overseas visit to Laos. She arrived at Narita Airport on a commercial flight on Saturday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Princess Aiko returns from 1st official overseas trip to Laos

Japan's Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, returned Saturday from her first official overseas visit to Laos to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Muhler]

On November 14th, Princess Aiko visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence ahead of her official visit to Laos (November 17-22). She entered Akasaka Estate around 4:30pm.

Photos: FNN

Aiko sama-wa? And not just Aiko sama? Can someone please elaborate on that little detail?

A lovely and presentable young lady.