An Imperial Week in Photos: Princess Aiko's Visit to Laos and Tokyo Deaflympics

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On November 18, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito received the departing Ambassador of Peru to Japan at the Imperial Palace. The next day, he held an audience with the recipients of the 2025 Autumn Imperial Decorations. On November 20, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met with the recipients of the Health Culture Award, presented by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, at the Imperial Residence.

*Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress meet with the recipients of the Health Culture Award at the Imperial Residence on November 20. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

*Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress meet with the recipients of the Health Culture Award on November 20. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

Princess Aiko in Laos

Their Majesties' daughter, Princess Aiko, arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on November 17 for her first official overseas visit. Her visit comes as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. According to aides, Princess Aiko prepared for the visit with her family, receiving guidance based on the Emperor's own visit to Laos when he was Crown Prince.

*Princess Aiko shakes hands with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith during a courtesy visit on November 18 in Vientiane.*

*Princess Aiko visits the Pha That Luang in Vientiane, Laos on November 18.*

On November 18, Princess Aiko, dressed in traditional Laotian attire, paid a courtesy visit to President Thongloun Sisoulith. She conveyed a message from her parents: "On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, I hope the friendship and goodwill between the two countries will deepen further." That evening, she attended a banquet hosted by Vice President Pany Yathotou.

Princess Aiko arrives at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane, Laos, on November 18 to meet with Vice President Pany Yathotou. | Princess Aiko meets with the Vice President at the Presidential Palace.

*Princess Aiko visits the COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane on November 19 to view a cluster bomb exhibit highlighting unexploded ordnance from US airstrikes during the Vietnam War.*

On November 19, she visited the COPE Visitor Center to view an exhibition on unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War. She also observed Japanese-language classes at a local school and applauded a judo demonstration at a martial arts center built with Japanese support.

*Princess Aiko delivers a speech at a banquet hosted by Vice President Pany Yathotou in Vientiane, Laos, on November 18.*

Tokyo Deaflympics

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, accompanied by their second daughter, Princess Kako, and their son, Prince Hisahito, attended the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Deaflympics on November 15 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. They applauded the athletes using sign language.

*Crown Princess Kiko applauds athletes in sign language during the sprint relay final of the orienteering event at the Tokyo Deaflympics on November 16 in Chiyoda, Tokyo.*

In his speech, the Crown Prince expressed his hope that the event would strengthen bonds among participants from around the world and promote greater interest in deaf sports. He concluded his remarks by saying "thank you" in international sign language.

*Crown Prince Akishino delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Deaflympics. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

Earlier, on November 14, Princess Kako attended the send-off ceremony for the Japanese delegation at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center, encouraging the athletes using sign language. Crown Princess Kiko attended the Deaflympics orienteering event at Hibiya Park on November 16.

Honoring Princess Yuriko

On November 15, one year after Princess Yuriko of Mikasa passed away at the age of 101, a ceremony marking the first anniversary of her death was held at Toshimagaoka Cemetery. Following tradition, the Emperor and Empress did not attend in person, and a representative offered a tamagushi (sacred branch) at the grave.

*Princess Akiko pays her respects at her grandmother's tomb on the afternoon of November 15 at Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Bunkyo, Tokyo.*

Princess Akiko, the chief mourner and granddaughter of Princess Yuriko, bowed deeply. Other members of the Imperial Family, including the Akishino family, also attended. On November 18, a ritual was held to transfer Princess Yuriko's spirit tablet from the Mikasa residence to the Imperial Household's Koreiden Memorial Hall.

*Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko attend the first-anniversary ceremony at their grandmother's tomb on the afternoon of November 15.*

Other Imperial Engagements

Princess Hanako of Hitachi attended the award ceremony for the 66th Animal Welfare Essay Contest on November 16. It was hosted by the Japan Animal Welfare Society, of which she is honorary president. On the same day, Princess Nobuko, widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, watched the Deaflympics judo competition and attended the awards ceremony at Tokyo Budokan.

On November 18, Princess Hisako of Takamado, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, attended an international friendly soccer match between Japan and Bolivia at the National Stadium. Her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, attended the All-Japan Squash Championship in Yokohama on November 16.