Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko watch the WBC game between Japan and Australia at Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, on March 8.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko attended a World Baseball Classic first-round game between Japan and Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 8. Before the match, they greeted Japan's national team manager Hirokazu Ibata and other team members. The Imperial family watched the closely contested game and applauded both teams — Japan, who came from behind to claim victory, and Australia, who competed hard until the final out.
Throughout the game, they were accompanied by Hideki Kuriyama, the former Japan national team manager who served as their guide. The three asked him numerous questions about the players and the finer points of the game.
Afterward, Emperor Naruhito called it "a very good game." Empress Masako expressed her hopes for the team's continued success, saying she looked forward to seeing them go even further.
On March 9, the Emperor met at the Imperial Palace's Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall) with police officers from across the country who had been honored with the National Police Agency Commissioner General's Award.
Great East Japan Earthquake Anniversary
On March 11, the Emperor, Empress, and Princess Aiko observed a moment of silent prayer at the Imperial Residence to mark the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also held a moment of silence at the Sento Imperial Residence on the Akasaka Estate, timed to coincide with the moment the earthquake struck.
On March 10, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko attended the Spring Memorial Service at Tokyo Memorial Hall, which honors the victims of the Tokyo air raids and other wartime losses. They listened quietly to memorial remarks from those present and each offered incense.
Hokkaido Trip
Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito traveled to Hokkaido from March 5 to 7. On the 6th, they attended the World Ski Orienteering Championships in Rusutsu Village, cheering on the athletes as they navigated the course. They also visited a child-rearing support facility, where they joined children in a game of karuta, the traditional Japanese card game, and read out cards.
The next day, they stopped by a ski orienteering experience event, handing out maps and other materials to the young participants and watching over the activities. Both also took to the slopes themselves. Afterward, Crown Princess Kiko told reporters, "The children skied so well — it was a wonderful memory."
Ship for World Youth
On March 12, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, met with participants of the Ship for World Youth international exchange program at the Akasaka Estate in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The program brings together young people from Japan and abroad for a shared voyage. She listened warmly as they shared stories of their experiences.
Other Imperial Engagements
On March 7, Princess Akiko of Mikasa, who serves as president of the Japan–Turkey Society, attended the FY2025 Turkey Excavation Report Meeting at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito Ward.
Her younger sister, Princess Yoko, attended the 83rd All Japan Three-Cushion Billiards Championship (Prince Tomohito Cup) in Tokyo on March 9.
Princess Takamado visited Kyoto Prefecture on March 7 and 8 to attend the Emperor's Cup 37th National Wheelchair Ekiden Race.
On March 11, she attended the awards ceremony for the 28th Chichibunomiya Memorial Sports Medicine and Science Award at a hotel in Tokyo.
Referring to events such as the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics held in Tokyo in 2025, she said, "As there is an increasing need for an environment in which people can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind, the role played by sports medicine and science will become even more important in the future."
Princess Takamado's daughter, Princess Tsuguko, celebrated her 40th birthday on March 8.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
