Masashi Nakamura 
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko offer flowers at the Kozakura Monument, which honors those who perished aboard the Tsushima Maru — an evacuation ship carrying schoolchildren that was sunk by American forces during World War II. June 5, Naha City.
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On June 4, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, visited Okinawa Prefecture. More than 200,000 people lost their lives there during World War II. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to Okinawa. Many people lined the roads, waving Japanese flags to welcome them. The Imperial family responded with waves and bows.
The family offered flowers at the National Okinawa War Dead Peace Mausoleum on Mabuni Hill, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. They also toured the Cornerstone of Peace, which bears the names of the war dead, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum.
Meeting Survivors
Their Majesties spoke with war survivors, bereaved families, and their representatives. They asked about loved ones lost in the war and listened intently to their harrowing stories. When one woman shared how she had witnessed three close relatives killed before her eyes, the Emperor gently responded, "It must have been truly painful."
Princess Aiko added, "It's beyond what I can imagine," as she listened with deep empathy. The Emperor said, "Thank you for continuing to hope for and share the message of peace."
Lantern Exchange
That evening, the Imperial Family met with former participants of the "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program, which sends Okinawan children to Tokyo to take part in journalistic activities. Some had met the Imperial Family years earlier, when Emperor Naruhito was still crown prince, and had even played volleyball with them. The reunion was warm and joyful.
Outside their hotel, local volunteers welcomed the family with lanterns and Japanese flags. In return, the three waved lanterns from their room.
Kozakura Monument
On June 5, the Imperial family visited the Kozakura Monument in Naha City for the first time. The monument honors the victims of the Tsushima Maru, a school evacuation ship sunk by American forces during the war. Nearly 1,500 people were killed in the attack.
While speaking with bereaved families, Princess Aiko reflected on the importance of life. Empress Masako noted, "It was a valuable experience for Aiko as well."
Later that day, the family visited Shuri Castle, also in Naha. They observed the reconstruction of the main hall while dressed in traditional Okinawan summer wear, kariyushi. That evening, they returned to Tokyo, completing their visit.
Diplomatic Activities
On May 30, Emperor Naruhito met with President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos at the Imperial Palace. It was announced that Princess Aiko is scheduled to make an official visit to Laos in November. The Emperor shared, "She is very much looking forward to it."
That same day, Prince Fumihito met with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled at his residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
On June 3, Princess Kiko attended a ceremony in Tokyo to present certificates of appreciation to donors of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which she leads as president.
Cultural Engagements
On June 1, Emperor Naruhito attended the Viola Space 2025 concert at Nippon Steel Kioi Hall in Chiyoda Ward. The following day, he took part in the 150th anniversary ceremony of Japan's meteorological services, held at a Tokyo hotel.
On June 4, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departed from Narita Airport on a commercial flight for an official visit to Brazil. The trip marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil. She arrived in São Paulo on the morning of June 5, local time.
Princess Hanako, the Emperor's aunt by marriage, visited the Tokyo Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward on June 1 to attend the All Japan Equestrian Championships.
Princess Akiko visited the National Confectionery Exposition in Hokkaido on May 30. On June 1, she attended the League One rugby final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku Ward.
Princess Hisako visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on May 30 and attended Luxembourg's National Day ceremony. The next day, May 31, she joined a commemorative event in Tokyo for the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest.
RELATED:
- Emperor Naruhito to Visit Okinawa in WWII Tribute, Reaffirming Peace
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Empress Masako at the National Red Cross Convention
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Princess Aiko Delivers First Official Address
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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