An Imperial Week in Photos: Meetings with Foreign Leaders, Memorial Rites, and Exhibitions

On December 19, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito held separate meetings at the Imperial Palace with the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. According to the Imperial Household Agency, His Majesty told Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov that Kyrgyzstan's participation in Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai had been "a good opportunity for Japanese people to learn about Kyrgyzstan."

*Emperor Naruhito meets with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the Imperial Palace on December 19. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

On the same day, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by their daughter Princess Aiko, visited the New National Theatre in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward to attend a ballet performance of The Nutcracker. His Majesty was quoted as saying, "It was a very colorful and enjoyable production." Princess Aiko reportedly asked questions such as, "How does the sleigh move?" and "Which movements are the most difficult?"

*Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko arrive at the New National Theatre in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward for a performance of "The Nutcracker" on December 19.*

War Exhibition

On December 21, the Imperial Family visited the National Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, where they viewed an exhibition featuring photographs of Tokyo after air raids during World War II.

They stood before images depicting the increasingly intense wartime atmosphere, including scenes of people being sent off to the front. His Majesty asked questions such as, "This is a senninbari, isn't it?" A senninbari, or "one thousand stitches," is a belt or strip of cloth stitched 1,000 times and given to soldiers as a talisman by Japanese women.

*Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko view a photo exhibition on Tokyo during World War II at the Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on December 21.*

The Empress also examined the exhibits closely, remarking they were precious historical materials. Afterward, the family attended a gathering with kataribe, storytellers who pass down memories of the past.

Luncheon with the Prime Minister

On December 24, the Emperor hosted a luncheon at the palace's Rensui dining room, inviting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and members of the Cabinet. Crown Prince Akishino, Fumihito, was also in attendance.

*Emperor Naruhito speaks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a luncheon at the Imperial Palace's Rensui dining room on December 24.*

Prior to the meal, the Prime Minister offered her greetings, to which His Majesty responded by expressing his appreciation, saying, "I sincerely commend all of you for your daily efforts in carrying out state affairs." The group then took their seats and enjoyed cordial conversation over lunch.

Memorial Ceremony

On December 25, the anniversary of Emperor Taisho's, death, the Rite of the Emperor Taisho Memorial Festival was held at the Three Palace Sanctuaries within the Imperial Palace. The Emperor, Crown Prince Akishino, and Crown Princess Kiko paid their respects, with other members of the Imperial Family, including Princess Aiko, also in attendance.

On the same day, a memorial ceremony for Emperor Taisho was held at the Tama Imperial Mausoleum in Hachioji City. Princess Takamado, Hisako, attended the ceremony along with her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko.

Science Museum

On December 19, Prince Akishino visited Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo's Koto Ward, where he attended the central awards ceremony of the 69th Japan Students Science Award for junior high and high school students. He applauded the award recipients and later spoke with them.

*Crown Prince Akishino listens as an award recipient explains their work during the awards ceremony of the Japan Students Science Award in Tokyo's Koto Ward on December 19.*

Birthdays and Cultural Events

On December 23, Emperor Emeritus Akihito celebrated his 92nd birthday. Accompanied by Empress Emerita Michiko, he attended celebratory events at their residence on the Akasaka Estate. Members of the Imperial Family, including the Emperor's family and Prince Akishino's family, visited the residence to offer their congratulations.

Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family marked her 44th birthday on December 20. On December 23, she visited the special exhibition "ACN Ramses the Great: Gold of the Pharaohs," currently being held in Tokyo's Koto Ward. The exhibition features artifacts related to Ramesses II, who reigned in the 13th century BCE and is regarded as one of the greatest pharaohs in history.

The Princess serves as president of the Middle Eastern Culture Center and made a private visit to Egypt from October 31 to November 5.

*Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family views the exhibition "ACN Ramses the Great: Gold of the Pharaohs" in Tokyo's Koto Ward on December 23.*

Princess Hisako of Takamado, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, visited Shizuoka Prefecture on December 21 to attend the 39th Amateur Junior Soccer League tournament.

On the same day, Princess Tsuguko visited Saitama Stadium 2002 to attend the 2025 Final of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun