An Imperial Week in Photos: Preparing for Mongolia and More Expo Visits

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On June 30, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito took part in the Yoori no Gi (Seasonal Purification Ceremony) at the Imperial Palace. The following day, he attended the Jun-sai, a Shinto ritual held at the Three Palace Sanctuaries to pray for the peace and well-being of the nation.

Press Conference Ahead of Mongolia Visit

On July 2, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako held a press conference at the Imperial Palace ahead of their official state visit to Mongolia, which began on July 6. The Emperor remarked, "I hope to reflect on the history of exchanges that have developed between Japan and Mongolia."

Reflecting on the cooperative relationship between the two nations, His Majesty also spoke about schools in Mongolia that use the Japanese curricula. With a warm smile, he said, "I look forward to interacting directly with young students and children."

He also shared his thoughts on the approximately 14,000 Japanese who were interned in Mongolia after World War II. "Around 2,000 of them sadly lost their lives," he noted.

This year marks 80 years since the end of the war. In light of his ongoing "journey of remembrance" to places such as Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima, the Emperor added, "It is important that we do not forget those who died, that we deepen our understanding of history, and that we foster a spirit that values peace."

Expo 2025 Visits

On July 3, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko made a day trip to Osaka Prefecture to attend Japan's National Day Ceremony at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai. Prince Fumihito serves as the expo's Honorary President.

*Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend the official ceremony and events of Japan Day at Expo 2025, July 3, Yumeshima, Konohana Ward, Osaka. (©Sankei by Yasushi Kawamura)*

At the ceremony held in Expo Hall, he said, "I hope this will be a day to rediscover the appeal of Japan together with people from around the world."

The couple then toured a pavilion produced by film director Naomi Kawase, which had been repurposed from a closed school. Prince Akishino reportedly commented, "This is something that must be preserved."

*Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko receive an explanation of the pavilion from Naomi Kawase on July 3. (Official photo)*

At the Saudi Arabia Pavilion — the host country for the next World Expo — the couple listened to music performed on the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument.

Princess Hisako also visited the Osaka Expo on June 27, touring pavilions representing Canada and the Nordic countries. On June 28, she attended Monaco's National Day Ceremony.

*Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. (Photo by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

Imperial Princesses

On July 1, Princess Hanako attended the award ceremony for the National Commendation for Invention hosted by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation at a Tokyo hotel. Her husband, Prince Masahito, serves as the organization's Honorary President.

Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family, who is the Honorary President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, attended the All Blacks Rugby Clinic held in Tokyo on June 27. The following day, she watched the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Minato City, Tokyo. On June 30, she also attended a board meeting of the Middle East Cultural Center in Mitaka City, where she serves as president.

Noto Peninsula Visits

On July 1, Princess Hisako and her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, made a day trip to Ishikawa Prefecture to observe the recovery progress at rescue stations and other facilities affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Princess Hisako is the Honorary President of the Japan Lifesaving Association, a public-interest organization that supports volunteer sea rescue workers.

*Princess Hisako and her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, visit Asaichi Street in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, on the afternoon of July 1.*

The two met with the heads of rescue stations in Nanao and Wajima. At the Wajima Morning Market, which was severely damaged by a post-earthquake fire, they offered a moment of silent prayer.