His Majesty the Emperor meets with medical and welfare professionals on March 18, Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
On March 18, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito met with the medical and welfare professionals who received an award for dedicating their careers to community-based service in remote islands and depopulated regions. According to the Imperial Household Agency, His Majesty expressed his deep gratitude for their tireless efforts. He also offered words of sympathy to those who had served in disaster-stricken areas, remarking, "It must have been very difficult for you."
On March 15, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko traveled to Kyoto to attend the 130th anniversary ceremony of the Heian Jingu Shrine. During the proceedings, the Crown Prince reflected on the rich history of the shrine, which was established in 1895 to enshrine Emperor Kanmu. He also expressed his hope that the beautiful traditions of Kyoto, as the home of Japanese culture, will be protected and passed down to future generations forever.
Advocacy for Tuberculosis Prevention
From March 17 to 18, Crown Princess Kiko continued her advocacy for public health in her role as the President of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association. She visited Ehime Prefecture to attend the 77th National Convention for Tuberculosis Prevention. Her visit began on the 17th with participation in social and study gatherings for the Anti-Tuberculosis Women's Association.
The following day, the Crown Princess attended the official convention ceremony in Matsuyama. During her address, she praised the organization's members for providing exceptional medical care. She noted that by collaborating with patients' support networks and overcoming barriers in language and lifestyle, they are ensuring that tuberculosis is diagnosed promptly and that patients receive the necessary treatment until they are fully cured.
Later that day, the Crown Princess visited the Saka no ue no Kumo Museum in Matsuyama. During her time there, she engaged warmly with local preschoolers, joining them to listen to picture book readings and spending time looking through the books together.
Cultural and Medical Engagements
The Crown Princess also conducted an inspection of the Ehime Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science in Toon City. While viewing displays that detailed the institute's vital work in monitoring air pollution, she took a moment to address the press. Reflecting on the significance of the facility's research and oversight, she remarked, "By coming here, I have been able to further understand and learn about the importance of everyone's work."
Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), serving as the President of Tokyo Jikeikai, attended the 2025 graduation ceremony for the Jikei University School of Medicine's School of Nursing on March 14.
Meanwhile, Princess Akiko of Mikasa departed from Haneda Airport on March 16, traveling via a commercial flight to Luxembourg. The following day, she delivered a lecture on Japanese art at a local museum, continuing her work in cultural exchange.
Environmental and Educational Outreach
Princess Takamado (Hisako) also maintained a busy schedule of cultural and environmental engagements. On March 13, she attended the opening of the 80th Japan Orchid Growers Association (JOGA) Orchid Exhibition in Tachikawa, followed by the awards ceremony for the 56th World Schoolchildren's Art Exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum on March 16.
The next day, in her capacity as Honorary President of BirdLife International, Princess Takamado attended a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.
Speaking in English, she addressed the urgent threat of climate change, observing that international cooperation on the issue appears to be weakening. She emphasized that the environmental crisis is a global challenge that requires a unified international response.
On March 19, she attended a commemorative event for the publication of the Prince Takamado Trophy 77th All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest yearbook.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
