An Imperial Week in Photos: Shizuoka Trip and Boccia High School Tournament

On August 1, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended the Imperial Court ritual Shunsai at the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. He prayed for the peace and well-being of the people. He also took part in the opening ceremony of the 218th session of the National Diet.

Wearing formal morning dress, His Majesty visited the National Diet Building in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. He addressed the assembled lawmakers, saying:

"In addressing the various pressing domestic and international issues, I sincerely hope that the Diet, as the highest organ of state power, will fully fulfill its mission and respond to the trust placed in it by the people."

*On the afternoon of August 1, His Majesty the Emperor delivers an address at the opening ceremony of the National Diet in the House of Councillors chamber.*

Visit to Shimoda

Later that day, the Emperor, accompanied by Her Majesty Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko, traveled to Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture for a period of rest at the Suzaki Imperial Villa. When their special train arrived at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the Imperial Family waved to the well-wishers gathered to greet them and exchanged friendly words.

While in Shimoda, His Majesty expressed concern about the tsunami warning issued during the earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30. He asked, "Was there any impact from the tsunami?"

The Empress, speaking about Shimoda's coast, said, "I look forward to going to the beautiful beaches here."

*Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko at Izukyu-Shimoda Station on August 1.*

Hiroshima Anniversary Observances

On the morning of August 6, the Emperor and Empress observed a moment of silence at the Suzaki Imperial Villa to mark the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Princess Aiko had returned to Tokyo on August 5 for other engagements. She observed the moment of silence at the Imperial Residence.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also marked the day at their residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo. They watched the ceremony in Hiroshima on television and observed a moment of silence at the exact time of the bombing.

Hiroshima Youth Lead Peace Call 80 Years After Atomic Bombing

During his time as Crown Prince, Emperor Emeritus Akihito identified four anniversaries that "must be remembered":

Atomic bombing of Hiroshima (August 6)
Okinawa Memorial Day (June 23, marking the end of organized combat in Okinawa)
Atomic bombing of Nagasaki (August 9)
Memorial Day for the End of World War II (August 15)

Since their time as Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the Imperial Couple have continued to mourn the war dead and offer prayers in silence on these dates.

High School Boccia Championship

On August 7, the Emperor and Empress returned to Tokyo from the Suzaki Imperial Villa.

That same day, Crown Princess Kiko visited the Sumida City Gymnasium to watch the finals of the 10th National Boccia Koshien (high school championship). Boccia is a sport designed for people with physical disabilities, in which players throw or roll balls to get as close as possible to a target ball.

*On August 7, Crown Princess Kiko spoke with players at the 10th National Boccia Koshien finals held in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.*

Speaking to the press afterward, the Crown Princess said, "Watching the athletes give their best, I felt that even when things don't go as hoped, such experiences are valuable and contribute to their growth." After the matches, she spoke with students from special needs schools who had participated. She said, "The cheering must have given you a lot of strength."

*Crown Princess Kiko at the 10th National Boccia Koshien finals on August 7.*

Other Activities and Duties

From August 2 to 4, Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family visited Yamagata Prefecture to attend the 46th National Junior High School Shogi Championship. She serves as honorary president of the event.

On August 1, Princess Yoko of the Mikasa family attended the "Gathering to Reflect on Water" event in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The event marked Water Day.

That same day, Princess Hisako of Takamado visited Nagano Prefecture to attend the opening reception of a photo exhibition featuring her own works. The exhibition, titled Shinshu and Wild Birds, showcased her photographs of birds living in the natural landscapes of Nagano through the changing seasons.

On August 7, Princess Hisako traveled to Aichi Prefecture to attend the 56th National Mamasan Volleyball Tournament. This is a popular amateur women's volleyball competition in Japan for players aged 25 and over. As honorary president of the Japan Mamasan Volleyball Federation, which organizes the tournament, she has long supported and observed the event.