An Imperial Week in Photos: Welcoming Sri Lanka's President and Celebrating the Japan Games
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observing the production of Braille envelopes at the Shiga Prefectural School for the Blind. September 29, afternoon.
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On September 28, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Shiga Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the Japan Games (formerly the National Sports Festival).
Encouraging Athletes
At the ceremony held in Hikone City, they joined the audience in clapping along and waving blue towels symbolizing the waters of Lake Biwa. In his opening address, the Emperor encouraged the athletes and expressed his gratitude to the officials and volunteers supporting the event.
The following day, Their Majesties watched the badminton competition in Otsu City. They asked the guides about the techniques and other aspects of the sport. The Emperor commented, "The smashes are really fast," and appeared deeply engaged in the exciting matches.
School for the Blind
Later, they visited the Shiga Prefectural School for the Blind in Hikone City to observe classes and other activities. Smiling, they interacted warmly with students, asking questions such as, "What clubs do you belong to?"
The school has a long history of involvement in guide dog training, and Their Majesties also met with related organizations. They approached the guide dogs and praised them for their work.
Princesses at the Japan Games
At the Japan Games, Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the boxing competition on October 2. Her younger sister, Princess Yoko, watched table tennis, kendo, and wrestling events between September 30 and October 1, while Princess Takamado attended the hockey competition on October 2.
Emperor Meets Sri Lankan President
On September 30, Emperor Naruhito met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka at the Imperial Palace. President Dissanayake was visiting Japan to attend his country's National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where participating countries are honored on a rotating daily basis.
Their discussion touched on Sri Lanka's advanced irrigation systems and its long agricultural history, with the Emperor showing keen interest and asking several questions.
Rituals, Theater, and Art
On October 1, the Emperor attended the "Shunsai" ceremony at the Imperial Palace's three main halls, praying for peace and the well-being of the people.
That same day, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the New National Theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo, to attend the opening performance of the 80th Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA) National Arts Festival, the opera La Bohème.
On October 2, Princess Kiko and her second daughter, Princess Kako, visited Kagawa Prefecture to view artworks from the Setouchi Triennale. They greeted well-wishers and cheerfully exchanged high-fives with children.
At the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, they toured exhibits guided by architect Tadao Ando.
On September 29, Princess Akiko, who is President of the Middle Eastern Culture Center, visited the center in Mitaka, Tokyo, to attend a board meeting.
The Mikasa Family
Following the passing of Princess Yuriko in November 2024, the Mikasa family had been without a head. On September 30, it was announced that her granddaughter, Princess Akiko, would assume this role. Princess Yoko continues her public duties as a member of the Mikasa family. Additionally, Princess Nobuko, widow of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa (who passed away in 2012), has established the “House of Princess Nobuko of Mikasa.”
Princess Hisako and Princess Akiko
On October 1, Princess Hisako attended the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition Japan through Diplomats' Eyes 2025 at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo's Minato Ward. The exhibition features photographs by foreign diplomats, showcasing Japan from their unique perspectives. Princess Hisako has served as honorary president of the event since its launch in 1998.
On the same day, Princess Akiko visited Expo 2025 and toured the Polish Pavilion, where she attended the official ceremony for Poland's National Day.
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Authors: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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