An Imperial Week in Photos: Honoring Recipients of the Order of Culture

On November 3, a public holiday in Japan known as Culture Day, the Order of Culture ceremony was held in the Matsu-no-Ma State Room of the Imperial Palace. His Majesty Emperor Naruhito awarded the honor to eight recipients, including former professional baseball player Sadaharu Oh in recognition of his contributions to promoting sports.

*Emperor Naruhito presents the Order of Culture to recipients at the official ceremony in Matsu-no-Ma Hall at the Imperial Palace on November 3.*

Tea Gathering

The following day, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea gathering in the Rensui Room of the palace, inviting recipients of the Order of Culture and individuals recognized for distinguished cultural achievements.

Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko, the Emperor's daughter Princess Aiko, and the Akishino couple's second daughter Princess Kako also attended. During the gathering, Their Majesties spoke with Oh and discussed topics such as Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani.

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko meet with recipients of the Order of Culture and distinguished contributors to Japanese culture at a tea gathering in the Imperial Palace’s Rensui Hall on November 4.

Research Symposium

On November 6, Emperor Naruhito attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Photonics and Electromagnetics Research Symposium at Makuhari Messe International Convention Hall in Chiba City, where he delivered remarks in English. During the informal discussions that followed, His Majesty listened to presentations on a range of research topics.

Harvest Festival

On October 31, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited a hall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, to observe the Harvest Festival, an event showcasing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products from across Japan. The couple spent about an hour exploring the exhibition, which featured seasonal fruits, seafood, and other regional specialties.

On November 6, Crown Prince Akishino attended an awards ceremony organized by the Japan Forestry Association in Chiyoda Ward. There, he emphasized the importance of forestry in national land conservation, water resource management, timber production, and its contribution to people's livelihoods and the economy.

*Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visit the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries section at the Harvest Festival in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on October 31.*

Crown Princess Kiko attended a symposium on regional development activities hosted by the Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation in Minato Ward on November 5. The following day, she attended the 50th-anniversary concert organized by the Volunteers for the Visually Impaired of the College Women's Association of Japan.

Princess Kako

Princess Kako visited the Ueno Royal Museum in Taito Ward on October 31 to view the exhibition "Shosoin: THE SHOW."

*The princess viewing "Shosoin THE SHOW" at the Ueno Royal Museum in Taito, Tokyo, on October 31.*

On November 6, she attended the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival at Za-Koenji theater in Suginami Ward, where she applauded performances by the Japanese Deaf Taiko Club and interacted with international participants using sign language.

*Princess Kako applauds in sign language at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival in Suginami, Tokyo, on November 6.*

*Princess Kako converses in sign language at the Tokyo International Deaf Arts Festival in Suginami, Tokyo, on November 6. (Pool photo)*

Other Engagements

Their Majesties Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, who had been resting at the Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture since October 30, returned to Tokyo on November 5.

Princess Hitachi attended the annual dinner of the Japan-Sweden Society at the Tokyo American Club on November 4. On November 6, she attended the award ceremony for the 59th Nemunoki Award and Takagi Award, organized by the Japanese Society for Disabled Children.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa made an unofficial visit to Egypt from October 31 to November 5 to attend the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. She serves as president of the Middle Eastern Cultural Center in Japan. On November 6, she traveled to Hokkaido to take part in events marking the 50th anniversary of the Hokkaido Youth Foundation for Science and Culture.

Princess Takamado visited the All Japan Kyudo Federation Central Dojo in Shibuya, Tokyo, on November 4 to attend the 2025 Tokyo Special International Training Seminar, organized by the International Kyudo Federation, of which she serves as Honorary President. On the 6th, she traveled to Okinawa Prefecture to attend a national conference hosted by the Dietary Habits Association and related events.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun