Masashi Nakamura 
Princess Aiko, the daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, attends the opening ceremony of the 23rd World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine on May 3, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)
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On May 2, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito welcomed M Denise Bronzetti and HE Mr Italo Righi, the Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino, at the Imperial Palace. The Captains Regent were on an official visit to Japan.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, His Majesty shared a photograph taken during his 1984 visit to San Marino and expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he had received at the time. He also expressed concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on San Marino, a country heavily reliant on tourism.
Princess Aiko's First Official Address
On May 3, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, attended the opening ceremony of the 23rd Biennial World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine. The event was held at a hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
There, Princess Aiko delivered her first official address at a public ceremony, addressing researchers and medical professionals from Japan and abroad. During her speech, she expressed deep respect for the attendees, stating:
"You have played a significant role in advancing both academic and practical fields — through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge in research, and through efforts such as strengthening the medical system during disasters."
She also remarked, "The importance of disaster medical care and emergency medicine has grown even more due to the increasing severity and frequency of disasters."
Osaka Expo
On May 8, Princess Aiko visited Osaka for a two-day trip to visit the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai. Upon her arrival, she greeted Expo staff, saying, "I've been looking forward to coming to Osaka," and responded warmly to greetings from visitors.
At the Japan Pavilion, which focuses on the importance of recycling, she viewed exhibits related to the role of microorganisms in natural cycles.
She commented, "It was impressive that small algae and microorganisms have enormous potential. I hope children will come to see the pavilion."
At the Electric Power Pavilion, which explores various energy innovations, she experienced exhibits on emerging energy sources, including nuclear fusion and hydrogen utilization.
According to staff, Princess Aiko remarked, "I learned about the importance of electricity as demand continues to grow."
Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako, the wife of the late Prince Takamado, also visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 6 and 7. On the first day, she toured the Grand Ring, the symbolic structure of Expo 2025, and the Sumitomo Pavilion.
On the following day, she visited the Jordan Pavilion and attended the ceremony for Jordan's National Day. Princess Hisako had previously visited Jordan with Prince Takamado in 1996, and again with their daughter, Princess Akiko, in 2023.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito's Health Concerns
On May 6, His Majesty Emperor Emeritus Akihito was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital for further examination due to suspected ischemic heart disease. Her Majesty Empress Emerita Michiko visited him at the hospital the following day.
The Imperial Household Agency reported that during a routine check-up in mid-April, ischemic heart disease was suspected due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Further tests and observation confirmed a higher likelihood of the condition, prompting more detailed examinations at the University of Tokyo Hospital.
In February 2012, Emperor Emeritus Akihito underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. In July 2022, he was diagnosed with right heart failure caused by tricuspid valve insufficiency. He continues to receive treatment, including medication and fluid intake restrictions.
The couple had planned to rest at the Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture from May 8, but the visit has been postponed.
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Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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