An Imperial Week in Photos: Moments of Remembrance at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

In the second week of June, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito continued meeting with foreign dignitaries visiting Japan for their countries' National Day events at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. A series of audiences was held at the Imperial Residence within the Imperial Palace complex. During these meetings, His Majesty engaged in meaningful dialogue focused on the theme of peace.

Welcoming Foreign Dignitaries

On June 13, His Majesty received President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo. They discussed the issue of water — a subject His Majesty has long regarded as his life's work. According to the Imperial Household Agency, President Osmani highlighted the importance of water security in peacebuilding. She referenced Kosovo's history of civil conflict. His Majesty responded, "I would be glad if Japan could be of any help."

On June 18, His Majesty welcomed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany. During their conversation, he reflected on his memorial visits earlier this year to Iwo Jima and Okinawa. These visits marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Sharing insights from those trips, His Majesty noted, "I believe it is extremely important to pass on memories of the past to future generations." He referenced his discussions with war survivors and younger storytellers.

*Emperor Naruhito at a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on June 18, Imperial Palace, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

On June 16, the anniversary of the passing of Empress Nagako, wife of Emperor Hirohito, His Majesty paid his respects at a memorial ceremony. It was held at the Korei-den (Ancestral Spirits Sanctuary) within the Imperial Palace.

Visit to Hiroshima

On June 19, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Hiroshima, one of the cities devastated by the atomic bomb in World War II. At the Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph, they offered white lilies and bowed deeply in prayer.

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako with atomic bomb survivors and representatives at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on June 19, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City. (Handout)*

Following the ceremony, they toured the exhibition hall at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The hall preserves remnants of structures damaged in the bombing. As they viewed the foundation of a house scarred by the blast, His Majesty inquired about the force of the explosion and the impact of the heat rays. Upon learning that countless lives were lost in an instant, he remarked, "It is truly heartbreaking."

*The Emperor and Empress view the Exhibition Hall of A-Bombed Remnants at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on June 18.*

Their Majesties also visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. There, they viewed exhibits documenting the aftermath of the bombing, including photographs of severely injured victims and personal belongings. They observed each item closely and asked detailed questions.

*The Emperor and Empress viewing the Nobel Peace Prize panel exhibition at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, June 19. (Handout)*

At the museum, they met with three atomic bomb survivors, all now in their 90s. Expressing heartfelt sympathy, Their Majesties said, "It must have been truly painful." His Majesty encouraged them to continue sharing their stories. He emphasized, "Please continue to share the importance of peace," underscoring the vital role of remembrance in preserving peace for future generations.

Other Events and Duties

On June 13, Empress Masako took part in the season's first silkworm cocoon harvest, known as Hatsumayukaki, at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery on the Imperial Palace grounds.

*Her Majesty the Empress attends the season's first cocoon harvesting. June 13, Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery, Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

On June 17, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko met with members of the Japan-Brazil Friendship Economic Mission. The meeting took place at their residence on the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

*Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko meet with the Japan-Brazil Friendship Economic Delegation on June 16 at the Akishino Residence, Minato Ward, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

Their second daughter, Princess Kako, who was on an official visit to Brazil, planted a tree on June 13 (local time) in the Japanese Garden in Rio de Janeiro.

*Princess Kako taking part in a commemorative tree planting during a visit to a botanical garden in Rio de Janeiro on June 13. (Handout via Kyodo)*

At the Itamaraty Palace, formerly the building of Brazil's foreign ministry, she viewed the instrument of ratification for the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. This treaty was signed between Japan and Brazil during the Meiji era.

*Princess Kako at the Itamaraty Palace on June 13. (©Kyodo)*

On June 14, Princess Kako traveled to Foz do Iguaçu, a city near the Argentine border. There, she met with first-generation Japanese immigrants and their descendants. She also watched a performance of traditional Japanese taiko drumming and smiled as she said, "There were various sounds and movements, and it was very enjoyable to watch."

*Princess Kako during her visit to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, June 14. (©Kyodo)*

Princess Hisako, widow of Prince Norihito, visited Gifu Prefecture from June 13 to 14 to attend the Japan Wheelchair Twin Basketball Championship. From June 14 to 15, she visited pavilions from countries including Ireland and Spain at Expo 2025.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun