An Imperial Week in Photos: Prime Minister's Attestation, Bonsai, and Craftsmanship

On the morning of February 17, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended the Kinensai, a court ritual held to pray for an abundant harvest in the coming year, at the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) also offered prayers.

Bonsai Exhibition

Later that afternoon, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by their daughter Princess Aiko, visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum to view the 100th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition. They were guided by Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), honorary president of the Nippon Bonsai Association.

The family viewed a wide variety of bonsai trees at the exhibition. Emperor Naruhito praised a Japanese white pine bonsai estimated to be about 400 years old. Empress Masako remarked, "It feels very different from seeing it in photographs."

*Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, with their daughter Princess Aiko and Princess Nobuko, view exhibits at the 100th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition on February 17 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.*

According to staff members who gave explanations, Princess Aiko commented on the pots used for the bonsai, saying, "I see that the combination is also important when displaying pieces at the Kokufu Exhibition."

Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko) also shared memories of bonsai from her childhood with the family. Earlier, on February 13, Princess Nobuko attended the 100th anniversary commemorative ceremony of the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition in Tokyo.

*Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko view the 100th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition on February 17 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.*

Attestation Ceremony

On February 18, Emperor Naruhito formally reappointed Sanae Takaichi, president of the Liberal Democratic Party, as prime minister. The attestation ceremony was held in the Matsu-no-Ma state room of the Imperial Palace.

A separate attestation ceremony was also held for 21 officials, including cabinet members. During the event, the Emperor addressed each of them, including Prime Minister Takaichi, saying, "I appreciate your continued service."

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Imperial Gift Foundation

On February 15, Crown Prince Akishino visited Shiga Prefecture to attend the general assembly of the Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, a social welfare organization over which he serves as president.

Saiseikai was established in 1911 by an imperial rescript of Emperor Meiji to provide assistance to people facing financial hardship.

In his remarks at the assembly, the Crown Prince referred to a medical clinic established in Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture as part of post–Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction efforts, noting that it will mark its 10th anniversary in 2025.

"I am pleased that the clinic has continued to support regional recovery through medical care and has now become a source of reassurance for local residents, with more than 11,000 registered patients," he said.

Akishino Family

On February 16, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers of the Japan International Cooperation Agency at the Akasaka East Residence on the Imperial Akasaka Estate in Tokyo.

Their second daughter Princess Kako met six traditional crafts artisans at the Akishino residence on the Akasaka Estate on February 13. She listened attentively as they explained their techniques while showing craftworks and tools. Princess Kako serves as president of the Japan Art Crafts Association.

*Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, speaks with traditional crafts artisans on February 13 at the Akishino residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward.*

Sports Events

Princess Akiko of Mikasa visited Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture from February 14 to 17.

In Hokkaido, she attended the opening and awards ceremonies of the 49th Miyasama International Ski Marathon. In Aomori, she watched cross-country skiing competitions at the National Sports Festival Winter Games.

Princess Takamado (Hisako), honorary president of the Japan Hockey Association, attended the annual awards ceremony of the Takamado Cup Japan Hockey League in Tokyo on February 17.

On February 18, she also attended events at a Tokyo hotel, including the awards ceremony for the Japan Foundation Global Citizenship Prize.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun