An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Meets Peru's President, Princesses Visit Hiroshima
Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, speak with atomic bomb survivors at the Funairi Mutsumi-en care facility in Hiroshima's Naka Ward on the morning of August 11.
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On August 8, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, who was visiting Japan for her country's National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The Expo highlights participating countries on a daily rotation.
The meeting was held at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor received an overview of Peru's ongoing irrigation projects.
As someone who has long studied water issues, His Majesty was particularly interested to learn that the projects draw on studies of ancient Inca irrigation systems. He remarked, "When addressing irrigation challenges, it is extremely important to learn from the approaches taken in the past in that region."
Silent Prayers for Nagasaki Anniversary
On August 9, the 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observed a moment of silent prayer at the Imperial Palace with their daughter, Princess Aiko.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also took part from the Sento Imperial Residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward. They joined through televised coverage of the local ceremonies, observing a moment of silence at the exact time of the bombing.
On August 12, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Sento Imperial Palace to greet the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita and to share details of their recent visit to Mongolia.
Princess Kiko and Princess Kako in Hiroshima
Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, made a private visit to Hiroshima Prefecture on August 10 and 11. On the 10th, they attended a musical in Hiroshima City about Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to the atomic bomb and later died of leukemia at age 12.
They applauded the performers enthusiastically after the performance. Princess Kiko reportedly told the performers from Hawaii in English that she felt the message of the work could be widely shared with the world.
On August 11, the two paid their respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Monument (Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims) in Peace Memorial Park, near the bomb's hypocenter. In the heavy rain, they alternated holding umbrellas for each other while offering white flowers.
They also viewed the Children's Peace Monument, modeled after Sadako Sasaki, and presented one thousand folded paper cranes together with Imperial Household Agency staff.
Later that day, they visited Funairi Mutsumi-en, a care facility for atomic bomb survivors. Princess Kiko spoke with residents about peace education programs for students. Princess Kako added, "I've been looking forward to meeting all of you, and I'm grateful you made the time for us."
Other Engagements
Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the 33rd All-Japan Jukendo Championship (Takamatsu-no-miya Memorial Cup) and the 1st All-Japan Women's Jukendo Championship (Princess Akiko Cup) at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on August 8.
Princess Yoko of Mikasa departed from Haneda Airport on August 11 to attend an event in California showcasing Japanese arts and culture. According to the Imperial Household Agency, she participated privately. The event features works by Kutani porcelain craftsmen affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Princess Hisako visited Aichi Prefecture to attend the 56th National Mamasan Volleyball Tournament, a popular amateur women's competition for players aged 25 and over. She returned to Tokyo on August 9.
She then traveled to Niigata Prefecture on August 11 and 12 to attend the opening ceremony of the 45th All-Japan Elementary School Rubber Baseball Tournament (Takamado Cup). On August 14, she visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum to view the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition and the 2025 Sankei Junior Calligraphy Competition.
Her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, visited Yamaguchi Prefecture on August 8 and 9 to watch the archery events at the National High School Athletic Meet (Inter-High).
RELATED:
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Nasu Retreat, Emperor Emeritus' Health, Crown Prince in Hiroshima
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress Conclude Historic Mongolia Trip
- Moments of Remembrance at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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