An Imperial Week in Photos: Supporting Paralympians, Students, and Nature Education

On February 11, National Foundation Day, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito visited the Three Palace Sanctuaries at the Imperial Palace, where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the imperial ancestors, past emperors, and the myriad of Shinto deities are enshrined.

Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and his son, Prince Hisahito, visited the Heiseikan at the Tokyo National Museum on February 8. They attended the presentation ceremony of the National School and Kindergarten Biotope Competition.

Engaging With Students and Educators

The contest aims to promote the creation of biotopes in educational settings that foster coexistence with nature. In his remarks, Crown Prince Akishino said, "Wildlife and the diverse natural environments in which they live are irreplaceable — not only for those species, but also for us as humans — and it is essential that we actively work to protect them."

Referring to initiatives around the world, he also noted, "I believe it is important that each and every one of us on this planet understands the benefits we receive from nature and deepens our interest in it."

Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito listened attentively to presentations on biotope initiatives at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and kindergartens. After the ceremony they interacted with the award recipients.

Prince Hisahito has a strong interest in living creatures, particularly dragonflies, and has been involved in creating a biotope at the pond of the Akishino residence within the Akasaka Estate.

When an award recipient asked how many species of dragonflies he had observed, he replied that there were around 10. He also remarked on the rarity of one of the dragonflies mentioned by a kindergarten principal.

Send-Off for the Winter Paralympics Team

On February 12, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended a send-off ceremony for the Japanese team competing in the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Paralympics in March. The ceremony was held at a hotel in Tokyo. The Crown Prince also serves as honorary president of the Asian Para Games, which are scheduled to take place in October in Nagoya and other cities.

In his address, Crown Prince Akishino said, "The Paralympics are one of the highest stages for para-athletes. You have reached this point after years of training and effort, overcoming many challenges."

Wishing the team success, he added, "I hope you will be able to fully demonstrate the results of your daily training and deliver strong performances on the field of competition."

Princess Kiko at Youth Book Essay Awards

On February 10, Princess Kiko attended the awards ceremony of the National Youth Book Essay Contest at a hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. In her remarks, she said, "Each of the award-winning works, written in your own words as you explored questions, sought to learn more, wished to cherish something, or felt a desire to share it with others, truly resonated with me."

The Princess also expressed her appreciation for initiatives that allow children with visual impairments to access a wide range of literary works. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that as many children as possible have opportunities to engage with books.

After the ceremony, a reception was held during which Princess Kiko spoke with the award-winning children and students and conveyed her congratulations. When a schoolgirl with an interest in the Sustainable Development Goals said she wanted to go to the sea to pick up litter in order to help protect marine life, Princess Kiko responded, "It would be wonderful if small actions could add up and lead to efforts that are good for the environment."

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun