An Imperial Week in Photos: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present

On August 15, the anniversary of the end of World War II, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the Memorial Ceremony for War Dead at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. They approached the memorial pillar, bowed in respect, and observed a moment of silence at noon in sync with the time signal.

Honoring the War Dead

In his address, the Emperor reflected on the losses of the war. "I renew my deep sorrow as I think of the countless people who lost their irreplaceable lives in the previous war and their bereaved families," he said. Building on his remarks in 2024, he emphasized the importance of passing on the stories of wartime hardships to future generations.

Afterward, the Emperor and Empress listened to a memorial address by Hajime Eda. He represented bereaved families of men who died when their repatriation ship struck a sea mine and sank on the way back from the Korean Peninsula.

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend the Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead, morning of August 15, Nippon Budokan, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)*

Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita in Karuizawa

The Imperial Household Agency reported that Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko watched the ceremony on television from their residence in Minato Ward. They offered their own moment of silent prayer.

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, also observed a moment of silence at the palace. She later visited the Japanese Red Cross headquarters and laid flowers at a monument honoring medical personnel who died in conflict zones.

*Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko wave to well-wishers in front of JR Karuizawa Station, afternoon of August 21, Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. (Pool Photo).*

On August 21, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko traveled to Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture for rest. They arrived just before 3 PM by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Walking hand in hand, they greeted well-wishers — the Emperor Emeritus waved, while the Empress Emerita bowed.

Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako, and Princess Akiko

Princess Yoko of the Mikasa family, who had been visiting the United States privately to attend an event promoting Japanese arts and culture, returned to Japan on August 19. She reported her safe return at the Imperial Palace the following day.

Princess Hisako attended several events. On August 19, she participated in the awards ceremony for the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition at Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo, praising the winning work for its clear aesthetic beauty. Later, she joined the commemorative reception for the 77th Japan-US Student Conference, where she serves as honorary chair of the supporting association.

*Princess Hisako of Takamado presents an award certificate to a recipient of the Takamado Prize, afternoon of August 19, Meiji Kinenkan, Minato Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Hideyuki Matsui)*

On August 20, the Princess participated in the awards ceremony of the 40th Tokyo Metropolitan Art Exhibition for Persons with Disabilities and viewed the displayed works. She then watched an international handball match at the National Yoyogi First Gymnasium in Shibuya Ward. The Princess serves as honorary president of the Japan Handball Association.

On August 21, Princess Hisako attended the opening ceremony of the Japan DIY Homecenter Show at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City. She has served as honorary president of the event since 2004. She toured the exhibition hall, which featured companies promoting DIY products that help people create comfortable living spaces with their own hands.

Princess Akiko, Princess Hisako's eldest daughter, visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, on August 21. She viewed pavilions such as the Dynamic Equilibrium of Life Pavilion and the Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion.