An Imperial Week in Photos: Honoring the Past, Palace Rituals, and Regional Visits

On October 17, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the Kashikodokoro no Gi ceremony of the Kannamesai at the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. This Shinto ritual involves offering newly harvested rice to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko also participated. Other members of the Imperial Family, including the Emperor's daughter, Princess Aiko, were in attendance.

Attestation Ceremony

On October 20, Their Majesties and Princess Aiko visited the Sento Imperial Residence in the Akasaka Estate to celebrate the 91st birthday of Empress Emerita Michiko. The following day, Emperor Naruhito presided over the attestation ceremony in the "Matsu-no-Ma" hall of the Imperial Palace. During the ceremony, he appointed Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister.

*Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi receiving her appointment from Emperor Naruhito on October 21.*

Tokyo Air Raids

On October 23, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko offered flowers at the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall, which honors the victims of the Tokyo air raids of March 1945. Expressing sympathy to bereaved families, the Emperor said, "You must have gone through great hardship." According to aides, he also prayed in remembrance of all those who perished in the wartime bombings.

Awards, Memorials, and Youth Programs

On October 23, Their Majesties met with the recipient of the International Cosmos Prize. The prize recognizes researchers who have contributed to the harmonious coexistence of nature and humankind.

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended the Autumn Memorial Service at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery for the war dead in Chiyoda Ward on October 17.

Later, they participated in the National Crime Victim Support Forum 2025 in Tokyo, which aims to strengthen assistance for crime victims and their families.

*Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attending the National Crime Victim Support Forum in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on October 17.*

On October 20, the couple visited Kyoto Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the 15th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies. On October 22, they met with the recipients of this year's Japan Foundation Awards at their Akasaka residence.

Princess Kako, their second daughter, attended Girls Messe 2025 in Shibuya Ward on October 19. She observed activity reports and award presentations by Girl Scouts. The Princess encouraged the university students, saying, "You have come up with so many creative ideas. I hope you continue your efforts."

*Princess Kako, second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, delivering a message at Girls Messe 2025 in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on October 19.*

Praemium Imperiale

Princess Hitachi attended a ceremony honoring contributors to Japan's sericulture industry on October 21. The event was hosted by the Japan Sericulture Association, of which Prince Hitachi is President, at the Imperial Hotel in Chiyoda Ward.

The following day, she attended the Praemium Imperiale awards ceremony for outstanding artists worldwide at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward. She read out Prince Hitachi's message on his behalf.

*Princess Hitachi delivering remarks on behalf of Prince Hitachi at the Praemium Imperiale awards ceremony. (©Sankei by Yasuhiro Yajima)*

Regional Visits and Cultural Engagements

Princess Nobuko, widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, attended the National Police Judo Championship at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda Ward on October 20. From October 22 to 23, she visited Kagoshima Prefecture to attend the National Summit for Agricultural Leaders.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa visited Gifu Prefecture from October 17 to 18 for the National Health and Welfare Festival. On October 19 and 20, she traveled to Tottori Prefecture. There, she attended a commemorative lecture at the Tottori Prefectural Museum in Kurayoshi City and held a dialogue with Professor Timon Screech of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies. On October 23, she attended the opening ceremony of the 9th World Tea Festival in Shizuoka Prefecture and toured the venue.

Princess Hisako of Takamado, who had been on a private visit to Iceland to attend the opening session of the Arctic Circle Assembly, returned to Japan on October 19. That same day, she visited the Kashikodokoro at the Imperial Palace to report the safe completion of her trip. On October 21, Princess Hisako attended a joint meeting of Ikebana International at the International House of Japan in Minato Ward. She attended in her capacity as the organization's Honorary President.