An Imperial Week in Photos: Crown Prince Welcomes Ecuadorian President

During his stay at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture, Emperor Naruhito reviewed cabinet-related documents on August 29 and September 2. He signed and sealed them as part of his official duties.

On September 1, the Emperor visited the Three Palace Sanctuaries at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to take part in the Shunsai ritual. There, he prayed for the peace and well-being of the people. He returned to the villa later that day. Empress Masako also spent her time quietly at the villa.

Their daughter, Princess Aiko, joined them at the villa from August 29 to September 1, spending time together in retreat. The Emperor and Empress returned to Tokyo on September 3.

Crown Prince Welcomes Ecuadorian President

On August 29, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko welcomed Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and First Lady Lavinia Valbonesi to their residence on the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo. They spoke warmly about friendship between the two countries, Ecuador's culture and natural environment, and the conservation of the Galápagos Islands.

Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko meet Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and First Lady Lavinia Valbonesi, August 29, at the Akasaka Residence in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)

On September 1, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess attended a memorial service at the Tokyo Memorial Hall in Sumida Ward for the victims of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the 1945 Tokyo air raids. After opening remarks, they each stepped forward to offer incense and pay their respects.

Farms in Kanagawa

On September 2, the Crown Prince visited Kanagawa Prefecture, where he toured a dairy farm in Isehara and a fruit farm in Kawasaki. Both had been recognized by the Greater Japan Agricultural Association, which he heads, for their contributions to agriculture.

Crown Prince Fumihito visits a pear orchard in Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, on the morning of September 2, receiving an explanation from a fruit farmer honored by the Greater Japan Agricultural Association.

The Crown Prince visits a livestock farm in Isehara City, Kanagawa, on the afternoon of September 2, receiving an explanation from a farmer honored by the Greater Japan Agricultural Association for contributions to animal husbandry.

Crown Princess Kiko Meets Australian Governor-General

That same day, Crown Princess Kiko and her daughter Princess Kako met with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her husband Simeon Beckett at the Akishino Residence. They enjoyed a friendly exchange about Australia's culture and natural environment.

On the afternoon of September 2, Crown Princess Kiko and her second daughter, Princess Kako, met with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her husband, Simeon Beckett, at the Akishino Residence in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)

Princess Kako Encourages Students in Sign Language

On August 31, Princess Kako attended the 42nd National High School Sign Language Speech Contest in Tokyo. In her opening remarks, delivered almost entirely in sign language, she told the students: "I hope each and every one of you can make the most of the efforts you've built up so far." Her message was also voiced by an interpreter. She applauded the speeches using the fluttering-hand gesture of sign language applause.

*Princess Kako speaks with officials in the audience at the National High School Sign Language Speech Contest, August 31 afternoon, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.*

*Princess Kako delivers remarks in sign language at the National High School Sign Language Speech Contest, August 31 afternoon, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.*

Crafts Exhibition

As president of the Japan Art Crafts Association, Princess Kako visited the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store on September 4 to view the 72nd Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. While examining a glass-tiered jubako food box that she had chosen for the President's Award, she said its wisteria motif "felt like looking into a pond and seeing wisteria reflected in the water." At the award ceremony, she presented the certificate to the winner.

*Princess Kako presents the President's Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition award ceremony, September 4 afternoon, Chuo Ward, Tokyo. (Pool photo)*

Princes Nobuko and Princess Akiko

On September 2, Princess Nobuko of Takamado attended the National Police Judo and Kendo Championships at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. The following day, she visited Shibuya Hikarie to watch a commemorative fashion show by the brand founded by the late Akio Hirata, a designer who created hats for the Imperial Family.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa returned from the United Kingdom on September 2, after an unofficial visit to observe the Women's Rugby World Cup. On September 3, she reported the safe completion of her trip at Kashikodokoro, one of the Imperial Palace sanctuaries. The Princess serves as honorary president of the Japan Rugby Football Union.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun