At the Japan Prize banquet, the Emperor raises a toast with the laureates—April 14, Minato Ward, Tokyo.
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On April 10, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, together with their daughter, Princess Aiko, attended a lecture at the Imperial Palace delivered by Isao Kurauchi, President of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, and others.
According to palace aides, Their Majesties listened with great interest to the presentation, which highlighted the role of veterinarians. The lecture explained that veterinarians contribute not only to animal care but also to broader fields such as human health and environmental protection.
Honoring Global Achievements in Science
On the 14th, Their Majesties attended the 2026 Japan Prize award ceremony held at the New National Theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo, where they applauded the laureates.
The Japan Prize was established through private donations to contribute to the advancement of science and technology worldwide. It is awarded to scientists and engineers from around the world who have made outstanding contributions to scientific and technological progress, contributing to the peace and prosperity of humankind.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito attended every ceremony from the first in 1985 through the 35th. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have since continued the tradition, although some ceremonies were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks at this year's ceremony, Emperor Naruhito noted that global challenges have become increasingly diverse and complex in recent years, making the role of science and technology ever more important.
His Majesty also expressed his hope that efforts will continue to explore ways to make the best use of science and technology for the future of the Earth and the sustainable development of humanity. He added that this should be achieved by bringing together knowledge from various fields and working in cooperation across disciplines.
After the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito attended a banquet held at Hotel Okura, where he offered a toast. According to the Imperial Household Agency, he spoke with the laureates, listened closely to details of their research, and expressed his appreciation for their years of dedication.
Remembrance, Culture, and Sports
On the 15th, His Majesty received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of Timor-Leste and Austria at the Imperial Palace.
He later met members of a volunteer group engaged in cleaning the Imperial Palace, to whom he expressed his gratitude for their efforts.
On the 16th, marking 10 years since the main shock of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, Their Majesties and their daughter Princess Aiko observed a moment of silence at the Imperial Residence.
Princess Nobuko and Princess Akiko
On April 12, Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), who is Honorary President of the Japan Children's Song Association, attended the 82nd Yurakago Music Festival held at a hall in Tokyo.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa, who serves as President of the Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan (SIA), visited Aomori Prefecture from April 13 to 16 to attend the organization's ski training event in the Hakkoda Mountains.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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