An Imperial Week in Photos: The Emperor Honors Researchers, Princess Kako Visits Brazil
Masashi Nakamura 
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Crown Princess Kiko spoke with Japan Academy Prize recipients on June 10 at the Imperial Palace. (Handout)
On June 10, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended the Japan Academy Prize award ceremony, held at the Japan Academy Hall in Taito Ward, Tokyo. The prize recognizes researchers for their outstanding achievements.
Promoting Excellence in Research
His Majesty applauded the nine recipients. During a reception following the ceremony, he spoke with Professor Emeritus Seiji Ogawa of Tohoku Fukushi University. Professor Ogawa received the prestigious Imperial Prize and Japan Academy Prize for his groundbreaking research on the brain. The Emperor asked him, "What was the most challenging part of your work?"
That afternoon, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea gathering in the Rensui dining room of the Imperial Palace. The event was held for the recipients of the Japan Academy Prize and newly inducted members of the Japan Academy. It was the first such gathering in six years.
Their daughter, Princess Aiko, also attended, along with Crown Prince Fumihito — the Emperor's younger brother — and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko. The Imperial Family warmly engaged with the guests throughout the gathering.
Welcoming International Leaders
During the week of June 9, Emperor Naruhito met with President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, and President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala. These leaders were visiting Japan to celebrate their countries' National Days at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai.
On June 10, Their Majesties also welcomed Princess Astrid of Belgium and Prince Lorenz for tea and conversation. Princess Aiko was also present at this meeting.
Earlier, on June 6, Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko had received Princess Astrid and her husband at their residence in the Akasaka Estate, located in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
The following day, the couple attended the 36th national "Midori no Aigo" green conservation ceremony in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. There, they applauded individuals recognized for their contributions to environmental conservation.
Princess Kako's Visit to Brazil
Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, is currently on an official visit to Brazil. On June 6 (local time), she visited the Japanese Immigration Museum in São Paulo. During a conversation with leaders of Japanese-Brazilian organizations, she expressed her joy at the visit, saying, "I've always felt a connection to Brazil."
She also attended a welcome event hosted by the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance. On June 7, she visited Ikoi no Sono, a nursing home near São Paulo. She greeted elderly residents of Japanese descent with the words. Brazil is home to the largest ethnic Japanese community outside Japan.
Later that day, Princess Aiko was welcomed with traditional Brazilian dances at Shohaku Taishiman Gakuen, a school attended by Japanese-Brazilians. Smiling, she said, "Thank you for the wonderful reception."
Cultural Exchange and Regional Visits
On June 8, the Princess participated in a commemorative tree planting and welcoming event in Maringá, in the south. She then traveled to Rolândia and Londrina on the 9th, before flying to Campo Grande in the central-west region. On June 10, she laid flowers at a memorial honoring pioneer Japanese settlers.
Princess Kako attended a ceremony at the National Congress in Brasília on the 11th, followed by a government-hosted luncheon. She also paid a courtesy visit to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, conveying messages from Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and expressing her appreciation for the warm hospitality.
Public Engagements by Imperial Princesses
Princess Nobuko departed from Haneda Airport on June 12 aboard a commercial flight for an unofficial visit to Hungary. She will attend the World Judo Championships, serving as an ambassador for the International Judo Federation.
On June 7, Princess Akiko attended the 36th Arinomama Living Welfare Seminar in Sendai. The event features regular lectures by experts on welfare, daily life, and culture. Princess Akiko serves as its chairperson.
Princess Hisako attended the Gala Luncheon and Donation Ceremony of the Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter, held at a Tokyo hotel on June 9. The following day, she welcomed the First Lady of Finland, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, and other guests to her residence at the Akasaka Estate. That evening, she attended a dinner at the Belgian Ambassador's residence in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, held in honor of Princess Astrid's visit to Japan.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
