Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako view award-winning entries for the 76th National Tree-Planting Festival's poster artwork competition on May 16 in Matsuyama.
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Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Ehime Prefecture from May 16 to 17 to attend the 76th National Tree-Planting Festival and carry out other official engagements.
On May 16, they visited the Nagako Aquarium in Ozu City, a facility operated as a club activity by students of Ehime Prefectural Nagahama High School. There, they viewed various exhibits, including a tank featuring clownfish.
Later, they met with people affected by the floods that struck southwestern Japan in 2018. Speaking with a man who had taken part in rescue operations, the Emperor asked, "What was the most difficult part of the rescue efforts?"
Tree-Planting Ceremony
In the evening, in Matsuyama City, they viewed award-winning entries from a poster competition related to the tree-planting festival and spoke with the children whose works had been selected.
On May 17, the couple visited the Tobe Zoological Park in Ehime Prefecture. There, they met Peace, the polar bear who became the first in Japan to be successfully raised through artificial rearing. The Empress reportedly told a zookeeper, "It was my dream to meet Peace."
Afterward, they attended the ceremony for the 76th National Tree-Planting Festival in Matsuyama City. In his address, the Emperor said, "We are sustained within the great cycles of nature, including forests, and live in close relationship with the natural world." The couple then carefully planted saplings of camphor and tachibana trees, and sowed seeds of Japanese chinquapin and other species.
Following the ceremony, they visited the Ceramic Technology Center of the Ehime Industrial Technology Research Institute, where they listened to explanations from artisans about the traditional crafts of Tobe ware and Kikuma roof tiles.
Meeting with UN Secretary-General
On May 20, Emperor Naruhito met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the Imperial Residence within the Imperial Palace grounds. They later moved to another room, where Empress Masako joined them. At their farewell, the Emperor and Empress expressed their gratitude and respect for the Secretary-General's contributions as he approaches the end of his term in December.
Akishino Family Engagements
Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), who serves as president of the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums, visited Chiba Prefecture on the 18th to attend an award ceremony held during the association's FY2026 general meeting. The following day, he visited Ichihara Elephant Kingdom, where he observed elephant care and management practices.
On the 20th, Prince Akishino and Princess Akishino (Kiko) visited Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward to attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Association of Shinto Shrines.
The following day, the couple visited the Kokugakuin University Museum, where they viewed a special exhibition commemorating the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium.
On the same day, their second daughter, Princess Kako, met the 2026 Queen of the National Cherry Blossom Festival at Akasaka Estate in Minato Ward. The goodwill ambassador is selected each year for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.
Hayama Imperial Villa
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko arrived at Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture on the 19th for a period of rest. During their stay, they took walks around the villa grounds and interacted with local residents. The Emperor Emeritus asked a mother holding a baby girl, "How old is she?" After learning that she was nine months old, the Empress Emerita replied warmly, "How delightful."
Princess Hitachi and Princess Takamado
Princess Hitachi (Hanako) attended the 25th Princess Hitachi Prize for Comparative Oncology ceremony in Tokyo on the 19th. Addressing the award recipients, she said, "I hope you will continue your research in good health." Prince Hitachi (Masahito) serves as honorary president of the Cancer Institute, which organizes the award.
Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the opening ceremony of the first Assistance Dogs Japan research forum, held at a venue in Tokyo on the 18th.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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