An Imperial Week in Photos: Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Rice Harvest, and Niigata Visit
Prince Hisahito bows to Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and his parents after receiving the crown for adulthood in the Kakan-no-Gi ceremony, September 6, morning, at the Imperial Palace, Shunju-no-Ma room.
On September 9, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito harvested rice in a paddy next to the biological research institute within the Imperial Palace grounds. He wore a blue shirt, gray trousers, and black boots.
Crouching with a sickle in hand, the Emperor cut 20 stalks of rice, including the glutinous variety Mangetsumochi and the non-glutinous Nihonmasari. These had been planted in May.
Princess Aiko Visits Niigata
The Emperor's daughter, Princess Aiko, visited Niigata Prefecture from the evening of September 6 to 8. On the 7th, she attended the National Convention on Disaster Risk Reduction in Niigata City. She listened to sessions about support and challenges following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024.
The Princess also toured the Niigata City History Museum. According to the guide, she had previously written about the city's Kameda district in a school essay. This topic was mentioned during her visit.
On the 8th, Princess Aiko visited a Nishikigoi exhibition in Ojiya City, the birthplace of the ornamental carp. She asked, "What criteria are used to judge the [carp] contest?"
At the Yamakoshi Reconstruction Exchange Hall Orataru in Nagaoka City, which preserves the experiences of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, the Princess viewed photographs showing the impact of the disaster and life during evacuation in the former Yamakoshi Village district.
She also spoke warmly with a woman involved in sharing disaster experiences, asking, "What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling or memorable?"
Coming-of-Age Ceremony
Crown Princess Kiko, consort of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), celebrated her 59th birthday on September 11.
Their son, Prince Hisahito, took part in his Coming-of-Age Ceremony on September 6. At the Akishino residence within the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo's Minato Ward, he received the ceremonial crown from Emperor Naruhito via a messenger.
Later, he entered the Imperial Palace wearing traditional attire for minors. He participated in the central rite of the ceremony, the Kakan-no-Gi (crown-bestowing ritual), donning a crown with a Tsubaki-no-Ei ornament. He said, "I wish to carry out my duties with the awareness of an adult member of the Imperial Family."
After changing into adult attire, Prince Hisahito paid his respects at the Imperial Palace sanctuaries (Kashikodokoro, Koreiden, and Shinden). He reported his coming of age to the Imperial ancestors. During the Choken-no-Gi (audience ceremony), the Prince offered words of thanks and expressed his resolve as an adult member of the Imperial Family to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
In the evening, he attended a private celebratory banquet in Tokyo. Following remarks by his father, Prince Akishino, Emperor Naruhito raised a toast.
Thanksgiving and Celebration
As part of his thanksgiving visits, on September 8, Prince Hisahito visited Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture and the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. On September 9, he offered prayers with a tamagushi at the Musashino Mausoleum of Emperor Showa and the Musashino East Mausoleum of Empress Kojun in Hachioji City, Tokyo. He also paid respects at the mausoleums of Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei.
On September 10, he attended a celebratory luncheon at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward, hosted by his parents. He expressed his gratitude to the invited guests.
Princess Duties
Princess Nobuko, widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, on September 11. She toured the Italian and French pavilions.
Princess Hisako, widow of Prince Takamado (Norihito), traveled to Akita Prefecture from September 9 to 10. She attended the closing ceremony of the 80th All-Japan Softball Baseball Tournament, which awards the Emperor's Cup.
Princess Tsuguko, the eldest daughter of Princess Hisako, took part in a Vietnam National Day ceremony at Expo 2025 on September 9. She also visited various pavilions and facilities, including the Mitsubishi Pavilion.
RELATED:
- Princess Kiko Turns 59: Gratitude for Family and Reflections on Duty
- Prince Hisahito, Second in Line to the Throne, Marks Coming-of-Age at Imperial Palace
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Shizuoka Trip and Boccia High School Tournament
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Authors: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
