Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -


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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on day 2 in Hyogo Prefecture on November 13:


** gettyimages gallery **
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Thanks, more info: Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the 41st National Sea Enrichment Festival in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. At Akashi port, they watched a boat parade and released juvenile red sea bream and flounder. Later, the couple visited Hyogo Prefectural Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Center to learn about rainbow trout farming and observed a fisheries class.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, AP Images
https://www.nikkansports.com/general/photonews/photonews_nsInc_202211130000556-0.html

https://twitter.com/x/status/1591349511271886848
https://twitter.com/x/status/1591714330957205504

Japan’s Emperor admires Fugaku supercomputer - The Japan News
[...]

“It provides very valuable data,” the Emperor said Saturday while listening to a researcher explain that Fugaku was used for experiments simulating the spread of droplets related to the novel coronavirus.

[...]
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Emperor, Empress attend maritime resources event in Hyogo Prefecture - The Japan News
[...]

The Emperor referred at the ceremony to the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which caused extensive damage, including to the fisheries industry.

[...]

The Emperor also praised efforts to conserve the nature of the Seto Inland Sea for the next generation and expressed his hope that such activities will continue to expand.
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On November 16th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had an audience with Augusto Santos Silva, Portuguese President of the Assembly of the Republic, and his wife, Isabel Margarida Duarte at the Imperial residence. His Majesty touched on the 480th anniversary of Portugal-Japan relations next year and memories of his 2004 visit to Portugal, including Silva's hometown Porto.

Photos: AP Images, NTV, Sankei
 
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On November 22nd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met Person of Cultural Merit recipients, including singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya and shogi player Hifumi "Hifumin" Kato, at the Imperial Palace's Matsukaze-no-Ma (Drawing Room). 17 of this year's 20 recipients attended.

Photos: Mainichi, AP Images, FNN, NHK

https://twitter.com/x/status/1594986692619882496

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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and his wife Bolortsetseg when they visit Japan November 29 - December 2. The two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Sources: Jiji
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/a_o/c_m1/mn/page6_000785.html
 
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On November 24th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko visited the "150th Anniversary Special Exhibition - Tokyo National Museum: Its History and National Treasures." This is their first public activity as a family in nearly 3 years.

The IHA reports the family are very pleased with Japan's success against Germany last night at the World Cup's group stage. Princess Aiko watched the match whereas Their Majesties did not due to the important Niinamesai Festival.

The family arrived at Tokyo National Museum after 6pm and browsed the exhibition for about 90 minutes.

Photos/video: FNN, Mainichi, FNN2, AP Images, NHK

https://twitter.com/x/status/1595744273080909825
https://twitter.com/x/status/1595767632984432640
Emperor visits Tokyo exhibit on national treasures - The Japan News
[...]

The family viewed such items as the “Cypress Trees” screen painted by Kano Eitoku in the Azuchi-Momoyama period and Haniwa Armored Man, a sculpture dating from the Kofun period.

As he was closely observing the exhibit’s Senju Kannon hanging scroll, which meticulously depicts a thousand-armed Kannon, the Emperor asked if it was painted by a single person.

[...]
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Scout Association of Japan in Tokyo today, November 26:


** Pic ** gettyimages gallery **
 
On November 30th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh and his wife Luvsandorjiin Bolortsetseg at the Imperial residence.

Afterwards, the couples attended a performance by the Mongolian National Batoqin Symphony Orchestra, marking 50th anniversary of Japan-Mongolia diplomatic relations, at NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito performed with the orchestra when he visited Mongolia in 2007.

Photos: Sankei, AP Images

Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia Performed for Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan - Montsame Mongolian News Agency (includes more photos of the Imperial residence meeting)
President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and First Lady Luvsandorjiin Bolortsetseg paid a courtesy call on His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Naruhito and Her Majesty the Empress Masako today at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

[...]

The President of Mongolia also expressed confidence that the Strategic Partnership which rapidly consolidated in the Heisei era of Japan will continue to prevail in the Reiwa era. He then voiced satisfaction over the fact that the two countries upgraded the level of Strategic Partnership to Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, injecting impetus into the further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.

President Khurelsukh invited Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Mongolia at their convenience.

[...]

Closing the celebratory events dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia performed a concert for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the headquarters of NHK television of Japan.

[...]
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Japan Emperor, Empress Meet Mongolian Pres. at Palace | Nippon.com
[...]

Referring to Emperor Naruhito's visit to Mongolia in 2007 when he was Crown Prince, the president said the visit was so wonderful that people in Mongolia still talk about it today.

On Thursday evening, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako went to a concert of the Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward together with the Mongolian president and his wife. When he visited Mongolia, the Emperor played the viola with the orchestra.
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Additional videos or English videos of recent events...

Longer version of visit to Tokyo National Museum on November 24. TBS reported Their Majesties, aware Princess Aiko hasn't been publicly seen very much, asked for a retake because she wasn't clearly visible initially.
100th anniversary of Scout Association of Japan on November 26. Although the organization has been co-ed since 1995, it's still called "Boy Scouts of Japan" in the country but uses "Scout Association of Japan" internationally.
Meeting and concert with the President and First Lady of Mongolia on November 30
 
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On December 5th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended an award ceremony related to "Week of Persons with Disabilities" (December 3-9) held at Ariake Central Tower in Koto, Tokyo. Certificates of Merit were presented for distinguished services and winners of essays and posters.

Photos: AP Images
 
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Empress Masako turns 59 on 9 December! :flowers:
In Japan it is eight hours ahead, and articles and photos about the empress were published a little while ago:

Article (on Mainichi) and Photo Gallery (on Mainichi)
(From the Mainichi article):

[...]

"I am deeply moved that I have spent exactly half of my life in the imperial family.
I feel I have gone through many moments of joy and sometimes moments of pain.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor and Empress for their guidance and for supporting and watching over me every step of my journey at all times.
I feel the importance of everyone working together with mutual respect towards the main goal of creating a peaceful world."

[...]
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Article (on Nippon.com)
Article (on JiJi.com)
Article (on Yomiuri Shinbun)
Report on the physical condition of the Empress on the occasion of her 59th birthday (on website of the agency of the imperial household )
Video by Sankei
 
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On December 16th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the 130th anniversary exhibition "The Resonance of the Art Treasures: The Seikado Collection" at Seikado Bunko Art Museum in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The museum's collection contains 200,000 classical books and 6,500 artworks including 7 National Treasures and 84 Important Cultural Properties.

For the media, Their Majesties appreciated a Yohen tenmoku tea bowl, one of three in the world, from China, Southern Song dynasty, 12th-13th century.

Photos: AP Images


2019 article about the tea bowl: Inaba tenmoku: One of three remaining Yohen tenmoku tea bowls in the world
 
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Today, December 19, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met officials awarded for their services in tax affairs:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 **
 
On December 28th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko attended a charity screening of "Dr. Coto's Clinic" at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills in Minato-ku, Tokyo. They were greeted by the director Isamu Nakae, lead actors Hidetaka Yoshioka and Kou Shibasaki, and Dr. Kenjiro Setoue, who was the model for the original manga. The plot is about a physician at a remote island and its initially skeptical residents. Proceeds will be donated to the Community Medicine Promotion Association.

Emperor Naruhito met Dr. Kenjiro Setoue in 2017 according to the IHA.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, Jiji, Nikkansports

https://twitter.com/x/status/1608046508011835393
 
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the New Year ceremony of the Imperial Guard Headquarters at the Imperial Palace today, January 20:


** gettyimages gallery **
 
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On January 23rd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako privately visited the special exhibition "New Year's Celebration: The Year of the Rabbit" at Tokyo National Museum in Taito, Tokyo. They arrived before 3pm and stayed about 2 hours.

Sources: TBS, Yomiuri
 
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On January 25th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako remotely visited Tojuen, a special nursing home in Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture. They learned about the facility, such as cognitive and memory activities, and met residents. The online visit was planned for autumn last year to mark Respect for the Aged Day but postponed due to Their Majesties’ visit to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.

Photos/video: NHK, Sankei, Jiji, FNN

https://twitter.com/x/status/1618379513947369475
 
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Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Imperial residence on the afternoon of February 9.

The president and his wife will visit Japan starting February 8 for 5 days.

Source: NTV

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On February 2nd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako privately visited the special exhibition "Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit—The Seven Lucky Gods are Coming!" at Seikado Bunko Art Museum in Tokyo. They arrived after 6pm when the museum was closed.

The rabbit is this 2023's and Empress Masako's zodiac animal.

Emperor, Empress visit Year of the Rabbit exhibition in Tokyo - The Japan News
 
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On February 9th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes.

Emperor Naruhito mentioned the many victims in the Philippines during World War II, overcoming difficulties and deepening exchanges after the war, and water issues. The President Marcos and Their Majesties reminisced about studying abroad (they all studied at the University of Oxford) and their mutual acquaintances.

Photos: AFPBB

Emperor, Empress Meet Philippine President Marcos - The Japan News
... The Emperor expressed regret that many people were killed in the Philippines during World War II, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Marcos expressed gratitude for Japanese economic assistance, saying the bilateral relationship with Japan has become very strong since the end of the war...
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Japan's Imperial Couple meet Philippine first couple in Tokyo - The Mainichi
[...] the Emperor stated that it was regrettable that many people were killed in fighting that took place in the Philippines during World War II. He then said that after the war, both countries had overcome such misfortunes and deepened exchanges between their people.

President Marcos responded by stating that although the memories of WWII were dark, relations with Japan have become very strong during the postwar period. He then expressed his sincere gratitude for Japan's tremendous support in helping the development and modernization of the Philippines.

President Marcos also told the Imperial Couple that his country is working on water issues, referencing the Emperor's study of this problem.

[...]
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ETA: PBBM invites Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako to visit PH - Presidential Communications Office
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday invited Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Manila during his meeting with Their Majesties in Tokyo. [...]
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On March 3rd, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met with Zandanshatar Gombojav, Chairman of the State Great Khural (Mongolia's Parliament), and his wife at the Imperial residence for 30 minutes. Discussion topics included Japan's assistance, Emperor Naruhito's visit to Mongolia in 2007 and playing with the Batoqin symphony orchestra, Mongolia President's recent visit to Japan, and hopes for Their Majesties to visit.

Photos/video: Jiji, TBS, NTV, FNN

Later, they met 7 winners of the "Reiwa 4 (2022) Emperor's Cup of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Festival" at the Imperial Palace's Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall).

Photos: Sankei, Jiji, tv-asahi, TBS

The Imperial Household Agency announced Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet with President Klaus Iohannis of Romania and First Lady Carmen Iohannis on March 7 in the afternoon.

Source: NTV

 
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On March 7th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and First Lady Carmen Iohannis at the Imperial residence for ~30 minutes.

Discussion topics: Ukraine, refugees, respect Romanian's support for Ukraine, hopes peace will return soon, Japan-Romania exchanges

Emperor Naruhito said, "I am deeply saddened so many people have died in the war. I sincerely hope that peace will return as soon as possible." Empress Masako asked about exchange projects between Romanian and Japanese high schools.

Photos/info: NTV, Sankei, Jiji

https://www.facebook.com/klausiohannis/posts/pfbid05UVBiTxd48GHHwsxd5nZB6BTjLKhFKqsscACwhMWAqoTKjhr3XFnosRxL5y1zodAl
https://twitter.com/x/status/1633030367203704832

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Next week, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet President João Lourenço of Angola and First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço during the couple's official working visit to Japan from March 12 to 15.
Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/afr/af2/ao/page3e_001320.html

ETA: They will meet the President and First Lady of Angola on March 13 according to NTV.
 
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More photos of the meeting with the President and First Lady of Romania: https://8760.news-postseven.com/91921

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On March 9th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met Ishida Masaru, Administrative Deputy Minister of the Reconstruction Agency, at the Imperial residence regarding the current situation and issues in areas recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which will mark its 12th anniversary soon.

Source: Sankei
 
On March 13th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met President João Lourenço of Angola and First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço at the Imperial residence for about 25 minutes. Topics included overcoming civil war, leadership, drought in Angola, and economic cooperation.

Later, Their Majesties met 95 recipients of the National Police Agency Commissioner’s commendation at the Imperial Palace's Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall). They spoke to several attendees for about 10 minutes.

Photos: Asahi, Jiji

Although Japan's Covid-19 face mask guidelines were dropped on March 13 and leaves the decision to the individual, the Imperial Household Agency requested masks considering today's events had conversation at close range for a length of time.

In addition, the agency recommends staff supporting elderly Imperial family members to continue to wear masks. Other employees can follow the updated government guidelines.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1635292201671618566
 
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The Imperial Household Agency reported Emperor Naruhito's family watched the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final on March 22 (Japan Time) and are delighted with Japan's first victory in 14 years. They also praised the good match of both Japanese and American teams.

Sources: Sankei

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On March 24th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met 10 recipients of the "51st Medical Achievement Award," presented by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, at the Imperial residence. THe

Photos: Sankei, TBS


After 7pm, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko privately visited the Seikado Bunko Museum in Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. The museum has a "Hina Dolls of the Iwasaki Family" exhibition which ends on Sunday, March 26. The Emperor's family have visited museums after closing or on closed days since late 2022.

Photos/video: FNN, FNN2

 
:previous: 2 more photos of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako meeting "51st Medical Achievement Award" recipients on March 24: Sankei Imperial Weekly 788

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On March 29th, the Imperial Household Agency reported Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako donated money to Hokkaido, Aomori, and Niigata Prefectures which suffered heavy snow damage this winter.

Sources: NTV, Sankei
 
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and the Princess Toshi (Aiko) arrived at a farm (belonging to the Imperial Household Agency) in Takanezawa, Tochigi Prefecture before 4.00 pm on April 5 where they will stay for several days to rest. It will be the first vacation for the Emperor's family since August 2019, due to the following Covid-19 pandemic. The family traveled and stayed a few days in the summer at the Nasu Imperial Residence, Tochigi Prefecture, but after the spread of the new coronavirus, Takanezawa's farm holiday is the first in about 3 years and 8 months.
Upon their arrival, they were greeted by staff with whom the Emperor, Empress and Princess Aiko spoke.

Sources/Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Nhk, Yomiuri

Japan Emperor's Family Visits Imperial Stock Farm - Nippon.com
It is the first time for the family to go on a rural retreat since they visited the Tochigi town of Nasu in August 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their 21-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, traveled from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by car to prevent crowds forming around them at train stations. The family will stay at the farm for a few days.

After arriving at the farm, the family walked around the pasture.
Click to expand...

Video by TBS NEWS DIG
Video by NTV NEWS
 
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Thanks iceflower and MarieAmelie_95! :flowers:

Sources report Emperor Naruhito, and possibly Empress Masako, may make a state visit to Indonesia around the end of June. Indonesian President Joko Widodo invited Their Majesties to visit when he and the First Lady visited Japan last July. The final decision will be made by the government, taking into consideration the infection status of COVID-19 and the local security situation.

This year, Indonesia chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and it's also the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN cooperation. In 1991, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia for their first overseas trip since accession.

Sankei seems confident Empress Masako will go, using "Emperor & Empress" and does not mention her health. Other media such as Jiji, NTV, and Mainichi lead with Emperor Naruhito going whereas Empress Masako's participation "depends on her physical condition." Asahi has a mixed approach, title and opening sentence say Emperor & Empress but later includes caveat about Masako's health.

Sources: Sankei, Asahi, Jiji, NTV, Mainichi

Japan Emperor Likely to Visit Indonesia in June - Nippon
The Japanese government is making arrangements for Emperor Naruhito to pay a state visit to Indonesia in the latter half of June, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Thursday.

[...]

Whether the Empress will accompany the Emperor to Indonesia will depend on her health condition, people familiar with the matter said.

[...]

The Emperor is expected to stay in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta for about a week, where he is likely to attend a welcome ceremony, as well as a banquet hosted by the president.
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Japan's Emperor and Empress to visit Indonesia on first overseas goodwill trip | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
NHK has learned that arrangements are being made for Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to make an official visit to Indonesia around late June.

[...]

Planning is reportedly underway for the Emperor and Empress to visit the capital Jakarta and other locations as state guests, and attend a welcome ceremony and a dinner hosted by Indonesia's president and first lady.

[...]
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More galleries of the family's arrival at the Imperial Stock Farm on April 5:
https://www.fnn.jp/articles/gallery/509969
https://8760.news-postseven.com/92856

Imperial Couple, Princess Aiko on retreat for 1st time in 3 yrs at Tochigi Pref. farm - The Mainichi
[...]

When reporters asked how their rest was going, Emperor Naruhito replied, "I'm happy that the three of us have been able to visit the Imperial Stock Farm together for the first time in a long time." When asked if there was anything she would like to do at the ranch, Princess Aiko said, "I hope to spend some quality time watching the animals and harvesting vegetables."

The farm, measuring about 252 hectares, stretches between the prefectural towns of Takanezawa and Haga. In addition to raising horses and dairy cows used in imperial events, the farm also produces vegetables, which are used in Imperial Family members' daily meals as well as food served during court banquets and garden parties. The farm is also used as a venue for the reception of diplomatic delegations.

This is the first time since May 2018 that the Imperial Stock Farm has been used for a retreat.
Click to expand...
 
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