The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

On October 23rd, Princess Nobuko attended the 27th National Agricultural Leaders Summit at Kawasho Hall in Kagoshima City. In her speech, she said, "It is of great significance for the development of agriculture in our country and each region that you, who will be responsible for the next generation, exchange knowledge and information with each other and discuss the matter."

Photos, videos: Yomiuri, 373news.com, TBS

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On October 23rd, Princess Akiko attended the 9th World O-CHA (Tea) Festival at Shizuoka Prefectural Convention Arts Center "Grandship" in Shizuoka City. The festival is held every 3 years. About 20 countries and regions participated this year. She is honorary president of the World Tea Festival. Princess Akiko visited Makinohara City booth and expressed sympathies and met with tea farmers affected by last month's tornado.

In the afternoon, she visited the Shizuoka Prefectural Tea Research Center in Kikugawa City.

Sources, photos: FNN, TBS, Facebook 菊川市役所

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ETA: more photos of Princess Akiko and her dogs in Tottori Prefecture October 19-20: FNN

 

[Prisma]

correction: "Granship" for Shizuoka Prefectural Convention Arts Center

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Princess Akiko will make an unofficial visit to Egypt October 31 - November 5 to attend the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Agenda includes tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza and meeting Japanese residents.

Japan provided financial support for the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has its opening ceremony on November 1 and opens to the public on November 4. Princess Akiko was invited by the Egyptian government due to her ties to the Middle East. She is President of the Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan.

Sources: Sankei, Kyodo, Jiji

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Princess Nobuko visited a market in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture on October 7 during the 79th National Sports Festival.

Facebook video

 

[Prisma]

On October 25th, Princess Akiko attended the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025 Japan vs. Australia match at the National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Japan lost 15-19.

Photos: Getty Images, thedigestweb.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1981960710780527035

I wonder what's the story behind her jacket... it's quite colorful and unusual for her.

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On October 26th, Princess Akiko attended the 34th Prince Tomohito Memorial World Championship Tournament GI at Maebashi Keirin Stadium in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture.

Photos: Nikkansports

https://twitter.com/x/status/1982356240954191900

https://twitter.com/x/status/1982367170266112303

 

[iceflower]

Princess Yohko attended the opening ceremony of the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo today, October 30:


** rex gallery **

 

[Prisma]

more of Princess Yohko at Japan Mobility Show 2025

Facebook 中村仁

「ジャパンモビリティショー2025」、自工会 片山正則会長と瑶子女王殿下のスイッチオンで正式スタート

JAMA（日本自動車工業会）は10月30日、「ジャパンモビリティショー 2025」（プレスデー：10月29日～30日/一般公開日：10月31日～11月9日）の会場において同ショーの開幕を記念する「オープニングスイッチオンセレモニー」を開催。瑶子女王殿下によるお言葉とともに、自工会 片山正則会長が主催者あいさつを行なった。

car.watch.impress.co.jp

豊田章男会長らトヨタ首脳陣、瑶子女王殿下と片山正則自工会会長をエスコート

東京ビッグサイトでは10月30日、「ジャパンモビリティショー 2025」の特別招待日が行なわれている。この日は、一般公開日に先立ち特別に招待された特別な観客がショーを閲覧するもので、イベントの総裁である瑶子女王殿下もモビリティショーのオープニングイベントに参加。正式にショーが開幕した。

car.watch.impress.co.jp

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In September, Princess Akiko hosted a meeting with players and staff of Japan's national team to the Women's Rugby World Cup at the Mikasa residence.

Facebook ラグビー日本代表

JAPAN RUGBY / 日本ラグビー協会 on Instagram: "JRFU名誉総裁の彬子女王殿下に、先月行われた女子ラグビーワールドカップ2025イングランド大会日本代表関係者とのご懇談を開催いただき、女子日本代表選手・スタッフがお招きにあずかりました‼ 素敵なひと時を過ごすことができたことに感激しております🥰 次の大会ではより良い結果を残せるよう、選手一同精進してまいります🏉 #JRFU #JapanRugby #女子ラグビー #sakurafifteen"

2,380 likes, 1 comments - japanrugby_jrfu on October 28, 2025: "JRFU名誉総裁の彬子女王殿下に、先月行われた女子ラグビーワールドカップ2025イングランド大会日本代表関係者とのご懇談を開催いただき、女子日本代表選手・スタッフがお招きにあずかりました‼ 素敵なひと時を過ごすことができたことに感激しております🥰 次の大会ではより良い結果を残せるよう、選手一同精進してまいります🏉 #JRFU #JapanRugby #女子ラグビー #sakurafifteen".

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1983413863132655759

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Princess Akiko gave a lecture "Feeling Close to Japanese Culture - Waka Poetry in Everyday Life" at Urasenke Gakuen in Kyoto. Waka can be intimidating but can be casual by using pen and paper or even mobile phone. She introduced some waka about daily life written by elementary school students.

Akiko explained the New Year's Utakai Hajime (Poetry Reading) ceremony and shared her first time submitting a poem for the event, as well as interactions with her teacher when composing waka. Her lecture also provided a detailed explanation of Imperial Palace attire, sharing rare photos and anecdotes about the junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono) and omigoromo (small garments worn at the Emperor's Enthronement Ceremony and Daijosai Ceremony).

学校法人裏千家学園　裏千家学園茶道専門学校 on Instagram: ". 茶道科生が揃って拝聴する彬子女王殿下のご講義「身近に感じる日本文化」。 今回のテーマは「生活の中にある和歌」でした。 和歌というと現代人には少しとっつきにくいイメージですが、紙とペン、あるいは携帯電話ひとつで始められる気軽な日本文化ということで、日常の中で小学生が詠んだ和歌などをご紹介。 また、新年に宮中で行われる「歌会始」について分かりやすくご説明くださるとともに、同行事のために殿下が初めて和歌を提出された時のこ

484 likes, 0 comments - urasenkegakuen on October 30, 2025: ". 茶道科生が揃って拝聴する彬子女王殿下のご講義「身近に感じる日本文化」。 今回のテーマは「生活の中にある和歌」でした。 和歌というと現代人には少しとっつきにくいイメージですが、紙とペン、あるいは携帯電話ひとつで始められる気軽な日本文化ということで、日常の中で小学生が詠んだ和歌などをご紹介。...

www.instagram.com

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ETA: Imperial Household Agency website has been updated to reflect the new Mikasa and Princess Tomohito households! Prince Tomohito is included under both.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa - The Imperial Household Agency

This webpage presents the history of Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa.

www.kunaicho.go.jp

Their Imperial Highnesses Princess Akiko and Princess Yohko of Mikasa - The Imperial Household Agency

This webpage presents the history of Their Imperial Highnesses Princess Akiko and Princess Yohko of Mikasa.

www.kunaicho.go.jp

New photo of Princess Nobuko on the Personal Histories and Activities pages

Personal Histories - The Imperial Household Agency

This webpage presents Personal Histories of the Imperial Family.

www.kunaicho.go.jp

Activities of the Imperial Family - The Imperial Household Agency

This webpage presents Activities of the Imperial Family.

www.kunaicho.go.jp

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko's unofficial visit to Egypt from October 31 to November 5.

Photos: Facebook Embassy of Japan in Egypt

Egyptian Opera House with Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hannou, Egyptian Minister of Culture. The opera house was built with Japanese cooperation.

Photos: Facebook EgyptianMOC, Facebook EgyptianCabinet

‎وزارة الثقافة المصرية‎ on Instagram‎: "وزير الثقافة المصري يستقبل الأميرة أكيكو ميكاسا ممثلة إمبراطور اليابان بحفل افتتاح المتحف المصري الكبير بدار الأوبرا المصرية استقبل الدكتور أحمد فؤاد هَنو، وزير الثقافة المصري، الأميرة أكيكو ميكاسا ممثلةً للإم

18 likes, 0 comments - ministry.ofculture on November 3, 2025‎: "وزير الثقافة المصري يستقبل الأميرة أكيكو ميكاسا ممثلة إمبراطور اليابان بحفل افتتاح المتحف المصري الكبير بدار الأوبرا المصرية استقبل الدكتور أحمد فؤاد هَنو، وزير الثقافة المصري، الأميرة أكيكو ميكاسا ممثلةً للإمبراطور ناروهيتو...

www.instagram.com

Egyptian-Japanese School in the Cairo eastern district of Zahraa’ Madinet Nasr, with Mohamed Abdel Latif Minister of Education on November 3.

Photos: Facebook egypt.moe

Princess Akiko visits Egyptian Japanese School in Cairo - Watani

... The Japanese school in Madinet Nasr first opened in 2021 within the framework of joint cooperation between Egypt and Japan in the field of education, a programme which has seen some 69 Japanese schools established in Egypt since 2018.

... During her tour, Princess Akiko listened to a detailed explanation of the education system in the Egyptian-Japanese school. She went into a number of classrooms where she interacted with the children and talked with them about the opening of GEM.

She also followed part of the students’ performative activities, and saw some of their handicrafts and designs. Several depicted the spirit of cooperation between Egypt and Japan by raising the flags of the two countries side by side.

... The Japanese system of Tokkatsu came under special focus, as the Princess discussed it with the children. Tokkatsu emphasises self service skills in cooperation and teamwork, in all aspects of school life.

Princess Akiko also joined children in the first primary classes in an origami activity that comes within a programme of heritage skills. The children presented works of art expressing their thanks to Japan for its great support for the Grand Egyptian Museum project...

Watani article (Arabic)

... Japan has cooperated with Egypt and worked hand in hand with it for twenty years to make progress on the Grand Egyptian Museum project...

...The Japanese embassy stressed that Her Imperial Highness’s visit to Egypt and her attendance at the opening ceremony is a great and opportune moment to emphasize the depth of the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Japan and Egypt, which is not limited to the Grand Egyptian Museum...

Princess Akiko returned to Japan on November 5, arriving at Narita Airport after 9am. The Japanese government provided a loan of approximately 84.2 billion yen and technical support for restoration.

Photos: FNN

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko visited Hokkaido Prefecture November 6-8 for Hokkaido Youth Science and Culture Foundation 50th Anniversary events. She shared her experiences with 38 high school students and answered questions at Iai High School in the morning of the 8th.

In the afternoon, Princess Akiko gave a special lecture at the Hakodate International Hotel on the theme of "Studying Japanese Art in the UK." It was attended by 300 high school students and local residents.

She spoke about her school life while studying at Oxford University and her involvement in organizing the collection of Japanese-related works at the British Museum. Princess Akiko explained research conducted by a Japanese calligraphy appraiser at the museum during the Meiji period, "The research led to the addition of information such as the artist's name, value, and authenticity to Japanese works that had previously been collected in the museum." Reflecting on that time, Princess Akiko said, "I was proud to have been involved in a role that was like opening a time capsule, as there are many items in the collection that are not on display."

The foundation aims to contribute to the development of society by carrying out necessary programs to foster talented young people with broad knowledge of science and culture and a rich international perspective. Princess Akiko was appointed an honorary council member in 2014.

Photos: digital.hakoshin.jp, hokkaido-nl.jp

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Photos 2-3: Princess Akiko with friends recently, including rakugo storyteller Tachikawa Shinohachi.

おもてんや on Instagram: "二日連続で三条大橋でお出迎えに寄せて頂きました。 立川志の八様とのオモテンヤでのご縁で繋がり感謝でございます。東海道五拾三次制覇お疲れ様でした。おめでとう御座います㊗️"

96 likes, 0 comments - omotenya on November 5, 2025: "二日連続で三条大橋でお出迎えに寄せて頂きました。 立川志の八様とのオモテンヤでのご縁で繋がり感謝でございます。東海道五拾三次制覇お疲れ様でした。おめでとう御座います㊗️".

www.instagram.com

 

[Prisma]

On September 29th, Princess Akiko's cultural organization Shinyusha and Kyoto Sangyo University held their 9th workshop. The kimono workshop was held at the reception hall of Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto with the generous cooperation of the Institute for Chiso Arts and Culture. 2 students from the Faculty of Cultural Studies at Kyoto Sangyo University prepared a variety of activities.

• formal worship
• talk from Director Kato of the Institute for Chiso Arts and Culture
• quiz
• kimono disassembly from Ms. Wada of Chiso, showcasing all the kimono layers and pieces
• "Become a kimono coordinator" where children created their own kimono and obi combination from several designs
• vote for best coordination, prizes

Photos: Facebook Shinyusha

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On October 5th, Princess Akiko and Shinyusha harvested rice from Niigata Prefecture with students from Kokugakuin University and Niigata University of International and Information Studies. The farmers guided the group in bundling and handling the rice. Additional explanation was provided for threshing and drying.

The group had pork soup for lunch with local ingredients and an assortment of pickles at the community center. This year, the harvested rice will be dedicated to Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu, Tokyo in December.

Photos: Facebook Shinyusha

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Mikasa updates from Instagram's October summary.

宮内庁/ Imperial Household Agency on Instagram: "10月の常陸宮家•三笠宮家•高円宮家のご活動を紹介します。"

16K likes, 0 comments - kunaicho_jp on November 10, 2025: "10月の常陸宮家•三笠宮家•高円宮家のご活動を紹介します。".

www.instagram.com

Photos 5-6: Princess Akiko at 79th National Sports Festival in Shiga Prefecture, October 2-3

Photo 7: Princess Akiko hosted the Japanese Women's Rugby Team at the Mikasa East residence, October 15

Photo 8: Princess Yohko at 79th National Sports Festival in Shiga Prefecture, October 1. (Kendo, I think)

Photos 9-10: Princess Yohko at 2025 Healthcare Equipment Exhibition and Seminar in Kagoshima Prefecture, October 3


Oddly, nothing in the monthly summary for Princess Nobuko.

 

[Prisma]

On October 4th, Princess Yohko and her patronage NPO Japan Universal Sound Design Association attended a Comprehensive Collaboration Conference at Kirameki Terrace Healthcare Hospital in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The Gyokushoukai Group signed a partnership agreement with the NPO last year. This conference was held to mark the first anniversary and serve as a venue to share results and discuss future prospects.

The Chief Technician of the Rehabilitation Department reported on the hospital's efforts to prevent hearing frailty and dementia. Shinichiro Nakaishi, Chairman of Japan Universal Sound Design Association, shared the progress of local awareness activities and the direction for strengthening collaboration in the future. The group discussed promoting understanding among local residents, strengthening support systems, and implementing the system in medical and welfare settings.

Photos, article: kthc-hp.com

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Princess Yohko passed the sixth-dan kendo examination held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture on November 9. She was one of only three people to pass. The examination was held in a live match format. Kendoka who have trained for 5+ years since passing the fifth-dan level participated. Princess Yohko has been practicing kendo since she was a child.

Source: txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp

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On November 7th, Princess Yohko attended the opening ceremony of the 73rd National Youth Convention at Nippon Seinenkan Hall in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Photo: Facebook 高知県青年団協議会

https://twitter.com/x/status/1986778484627366340

 

[Prisma]

On November 9th, Princess Akiko attended the 40th Prince Tomohito Trophy and Princess Akiko Trophy Children's Song Grand Prix Competition at EX Theater Roppongi in Minato, Tokyo. The competition will be broadcast on December 20.

Photos: post.tv-asahi.co.jp, entamerush.jp

A new award/division was added this year: Princess Akiko Trophy for Kids' division. Wako made the award is based on her personal emblem "snow" and a famous children's song. The design has dog paw prints as musical notes, running happily and carefree across a silvery white snowflake.

• Princess Akiko Trophy in "Kids' Division"
• Prince Tomohito Trophy in "Children's Division", "Family Division", and "Adult Division"

Photo: prtimes.jp

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On November 13th, Princess Nobuko attended the 2025 Kyushu Eight Prefectures Red Cross Conference in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Video, photos: TBS, TBS2

 

[iceflower]

The first anniversary memorial ceremony for late Princess Yuriko of Mikasa took place at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo yesterday, November 15:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

About 60 people, including 9 Imperial family members, paid respects at the 1st anniversary memorial ceremony for Princess Yuriko. Princess Aiko refrained from attending because she's leaving for an official visit to Laos on November 17. She sent offerings. A memorial ceremony was also held at the Mikasa residence in the morning.

Sources: TBS, Yomiuri, NTV

ANN video shows Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko

 

[Prisma]

On November 14th, Princess Akiko attended the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Music Festival 2025 at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: AFLO Images

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On November 18th, Princess Yuriko's spirit was enshrined at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries' Koreiden. Princess Akiko, Princess Yohko and Princess Hisako attended. Princess Yuriko's spirit was placed in wooden box and moved from the Mikasa residence to the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries around 10am.

Photos, sources: Jiji, AP Images, NTV

 

[Prisma]

Princess Yohko visited Mie Prefecture November 21-23 for the Princess Yohko Cup / 2025 Super Formula Rounds 10-11-12 at Suzuka Circuit. Due to poor weather at the previous round at Fuji, the qualifying and final races for rounds 10-12 were held November 22-23.

• Round 10 winner: Tomoki Nojiri
• Round 11 winner: Igor Omura Fraga
• Round 12 (final) winner: Ayumu Iwasa

Photos: Car Watch, Nikkansports

https://twitter.com/x/status/1992395155299815775

https://twitter.com/x/status/1992490587417911491

https://twitter.com/x/status/1992462600366694786

https://twitter.com/x/status/1992158474755870858

https://twitter.com/x/status/1992791292590555161

 

[Prisma]

On November 25th, Princess Akiko attended the cycling competition of the 2025 Deaflympics held at the Japan Cycle Sports Center in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Photos: TBS/SBS

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On November 26th, Princess Nobuko attended the Fukuoka Prefecture Japanese Red Cross Society 65th Anniversary General Meeting in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Video: KBC

https://twitter.com/x/status/1993666751582884031

 

[Prisma]

On November 27th, Princess Akiko attended the Kyoto Sangyo University 60th Anniversary Ceremony at Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Hotel in Kyoto. She is a professor at the university's Institute of Japanese Culture.

Photos: Mainichi

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On November 24th Princess Akiko gave a lecture entitled "The Spirit of Japanese Beauty" at Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall in Toshima, Tokyo. She attended a tea reception afterwards.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1993212126346068199

 

[Prisma]

On November 16th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held a workshop "One-Day Monk Experience: Experience Temple Culture" at Shoganji Temple in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture.

• Study session and quiz by Chief Priest, Yoshihide Kurashima, and his apprentice, Keina (Mina) Kurashima.
• Lecture by Professor Ishii Yusei of Fukugenji Temple with topics on Buddhist altar equipment, etiquette, prayer beads, kasaya robe, etc.
• Hands-on activities: make prayer bead bracelets, 10-minute Japanese Zen meditation under the guidance of Soto Zen priest Tsuboi.
• Goma (fire offering) ceremony where participants wrote their wishes for peace or personal prayers on goma sticks. As sutras were recited, the sticks were burned.

Photos: Facebook Shinyusha

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After Princess Akiko returned from Egypt, she gave an interview to Yomiuri Shimbun regarding her publications and culture.

• Importance of 1st sentence, then she writes freely.
• Focus on events from daily life
• Pursuit of what you love, "I want the world to be a place where people can pursue what they love, " she says, "I arrived at this point by pursuing what I love. I love history, so I entered the history department, had the opportunity to study abroad, and became a researcher. Having something you love is a driving force."
• Akiko met many different people in the course of her official duties, and said, "I feel that each of them has a story to tell, which is why they are here."
• Many essays are about Kyoto.
• Japan's diversity, "Japan is not a big country, but I think a big part of its charm is that wherever you go, the food and language are different. They are also good at incorporating cultures from other countries and making them their own. There are many things that have evolved uniquely in Japan, such as castella cake and konpeito sugar, which were introduced from Europe, and kanji is perhaps the best example of this. Although it is their own culture, the more I learn about it, the more fascinating I think this country is."

「最初の一文はよく考えて、あとは自由に」彬子さまがエッセー刊行

【読売新聞】　飼い犬にお 腹 ( なか ) を噛まれたことや、芳名録に文字を書き間違えたエピソード、自身を 護 ( まも ) る「側衛さん」（皇宮警察の護衛官）について……。身の回りの出来事を中心に、柔らかな文章でつづられたエッセー

www.yomiuri.co.jp