Masashi Nakamura 
Emperor Naruhito at a meeting with President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria on May 19 at the Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
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In mid to late May, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito deepened international ties by meeting with foreign dignitaries visiting Japan to mark their countries' national days at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
On May 16, he visited the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo, with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. There, they attended a seminar on water issues hosted by Swedish research institutes.
Other visiting leaders included:
- Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs (May 19)
- Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev (May 19)
- Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok (May 21)
- Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen (May 22)
On May 22, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was welcomed to the Imperial Residence for a dinner with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
Princess Aiko's Week
Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visited Ishikawa Prefecture on May 18–19 to observe recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
On May 18, she visited a temporary housing complex in Nanao City, where she observed elderly residents participating in exercises. She also spoke with student volunteers from Kanazawa University, asking questions such as, "What kind of system do you think would make volunteering easier?"
On May 19, Princess Aiko visited temporary shops in Shika Town and spoke with a female business owner working to rebuild her store on its original site.
Later that day, at the Togi Administrative Center, she listened to volunteer staff and support counselors explain their ongoing medium- and long-term support efforts, including regular check-ins with residents.
Regional Duties
Crown Prince Fumihito visited Aichi Prefecture on May 21–22 to attend the general meeting of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, where he serves as president.
On the morning of May 22, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 150th anniversary ceremony of the Special Needs Education School for the Deaf, University of Tsukuba, in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. She delivered a speech in sign language.
Expo Visit
Princess Hisako toured the Expo in Osaka from May 20 to 22, visiting several international pavilions, including those of South Korea and Kuwait. On May 21, she attended the Netherlands' National Day ceremony at the event.
Princess Tsuguko, daughter of Princess Hisako, visited the Expo on May 19. She toured several attractions, including the Grand Ring, and attended a cultural event hosted by Paraguay's First Lady Leticia Ocampos.
Princess Kako
In preparation for her official visit to Brazil in June, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum of Empress Kojun in Hachioji, Tokyo, on May 16.
On May 20, she traveled to Gifu Prefecture and visited sites such as the Gifu Wood Education Center. The next day, she attended the commemorative ceremony for the National Urban Greenery Fair in Kani City.
Ceremonial Events
Princess Hanako attended the Prince Hitachi Prize for Comparative Oncology award ceremony in Tokyo on May 20. The following day, she participated in a certification ceremony for the Japan Ikebana Art Exhibition, organized by the Japan Ikebana Art Association, where she serves as honorary president.
Princess Nobuko, honorary president of the Japan Rose Society, visited Hiroshima Prefecture on May 18–19 to attend the World Rose Convention in Fukuyama.
On May 17, Princess Akiko also attended the opening ceremony of the National Junior Tennis Championships in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture.
RELATED:
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- An Imperial Week in Photos: Princess Aiko Delivers First Official Address
- Japanese Imperial Family to Launch YouTube Account
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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