Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and the First Lady at the Imperial Palace on April 2 (pool photo).
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On March 30, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Imperial Palace, where the president was received as an official working guest. A luncheon was also held for the occasion.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, His Majesty expressed gratitude for Indonesia's support following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The two also exchanged views on deepening cooperation between the two countries, which share the common challenge of frequent natural disasters.
Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) also attended the luncheon. According to the Agency, the Emperor recalled meeting Japanese language learners during his 2023 visit to Indonesia, expressing hope that they would "serve as a bridge between our two countries." The Crown Prince spoke about animals and flowers in Indonesia.
On April 1, Emperor Naruhito attended the Shunsai ritual at the Imperial Palace's Three Palace Sanctuaries, a ceremony praying for the peace and well-being of the people.
Luncheon with President Macron
On April 2, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Imperial Residence, where the two couples shared a luncheon.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, His Majesty referred to French literature during the meeting, mentioning The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry and Jean-Christophe by Romain Rolland. Their Majesties also noted the popularity of Japanese manga in France.
The luncheon lasted about an hour and a half and was conducted without an interpreter. Discussions also touched on international cooperation on climate change and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
Fuji Scout Award
On March 31, Crown Prince Akishino and his son, Prince Hisahito, met with representatives of the recipients of the Fuji Scout Award — the highest honor of the Scout Association of Japan — at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo. Both wore neckerchiefs specially made for the Imperial Family by the Association.
According to the Agency, over the course of about 50 minutes, they listened to 47 recipients speak about their individual projects. This was Prince Hisahito's first meeting with Fuji Scout Award recipients.
Other Engagements
On March 31, Crown Princess Kiko visited a hall in Kawasaki City to attend the concert "Orchestra Day ALL STAR!! Concert for Ages 0 and Up."
The next day, Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko) assumed the honorary presidency of the Hanae Cultural Association, which promotes floral art created using petals and other materials.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa visited Mie Prefecture from March 28 to 30, attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix on the 29th. As of April 1, she was also appointed a visiting researcher at the Gakushuin University Museum of History.
Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the 55th Suzuki Method Grand Concert in Tokyo on March 27. On the 29th, she attended a special performance by the Japan Youth Symphony Orchestra at Suntory Hall during the 42nd Toyota Youth Orchestra Camp, as well as its closing ceremony.
On April 2, Princess Hisako and her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, attended a commemorative concert marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore at a hall in Tokyo.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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