An Imperial Week in Photos: Nasu Retreat, Emperor Emeritus' Health, Crown Prince in Hiroshima

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Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, returned to the Imperial Residence at the Imperial Palace on July 23 after staying at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture.

The family traveled from Tokyo to Nasu on July 18. During their stay, they were seen strolling through the lush, green grounds dressed in kariyushi shirts — Okinawa's traditional summer formal wear.

The Emperor told reporters, "I hope the three of us can spend a relaxing time while enjoying Nasu's beautiful nature."

The Empress added with a smile, "It's very cool, the air is refreshing, and we're enjoying ourselves surrounded by greenery."

Princess Aiko also spoke cheerfully, saying, "I hope to discover many things to enjoy."

On July 22, His Majesty reviewed cabinet-related documents and signed and sealed them at the villa.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito's Health

Emperor Emeritus Akihito was discharged from the University of Tokyo Hospital on July 18. He had been hospitalized since the 14th to begin a new course of medication as part of his heart treatment. He returned to the Akasaka Imperial Residence in Minato Ward, where he lives with Empress Emerita Michiko.

*Emperor Emeritus Akihito is discharged from the University of Tokyo Hospital, accompanied by Empress Emerita Michiko — morning of July 18, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

According to the Imperial Household Agency, a pre-admission exam revealed supraventricular arrhythmia, a condition that causes a rapid heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart. The new oral medication is designed to reduce stress on the heart and is also effective in treating arrhythmia.

The medical team has determined that it will not interfere with his daily life. Emperor Emeritus Akihito has experienced no pain or noticeable symptoms and will continue to be monitored.

Crown Prince in Hiroshima

Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attended the 2025 Marine Day Commemorative Event at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Koto Ward on July 21.

*Prince Fumihito delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the "Marine Day Commemorative Event 2025." July 21, Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, Tokyo.*

Later that day, Princess Kiko visited the Memorial Auditorium of Jiyu Gakuen in Higashikurume City to attend a charity concert. The event was hosted by a patient organization supporting those with neuromyelitis optica, a designated intractable disease.

*Princess Kiko applauds as a charity concert performance begins. July 21, Jiyu Gakuen Memorial Auditorium, Higashikurume City, Tokyo.*

From July 23 to 24, the couple visited Hiroshima Prefecture to attend the opening of the All-Japan High School Athletic Meet (Inter-High). On the 23rd, they laid flowers at the Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb.

*Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko lay flowers at the cenotaph. July 23, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.*

*Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko meet with a woman working on colorizing black-and-white photos at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Afternoon of July 23, Hiroshima City.*

The following day, they attended the opening ceremony of the athletic meet at the Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center, where they offered words of encouragement to the high school students involved in the event's organization.

*Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko greet a high school student*.

Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, met with students from Japanese-language schools in Brazil on July 24. The meeting took place at the Akasaka East Residence in the Akasaka Estate, Minato Ward.

*Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend the opening ceremony of the All-Japan High School Athletic Meet — morning of July 24, Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium, Hiroshima City.*

Other Imperial Activities

Princess Hanako, wife of Prince Masahito, the younger brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, celebrated her 85th birthday on July 19.

Princess Nobuko, widow of Prince Tomohito, attended an awards ceremony on the 24th hosted by the Japan Building Maintenance Association, where she serves as Honorary President. The event was held at a hotel in Tokyo.

Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family visited Fukuoka Prefecture from July 19 to 20. She watched a test match between the Japanese and Spanish women's national rugby teams as part of her duties as Honorary President of the Japan Rugby Football Union.

Princess Hisako of the Takamado family attended the awards ceremony for the Japan Open 2025 Badminton Championships on July 20. The event took place at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya Ward. She serves as Honorary President of the Badminton Association of Japan.

On July 23, Princess Hisako visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and toured pavilions from countries including Thailand and Indonesia. On the 24th, she attended a ceremony marking the Czech Republic's National Day.

Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun

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