An Imperial Week in Photos: Grand Cordon Ceremony, Rice Planting, and Red Cross Convention
After the National Red Cross Convention, Empress Masako speaks with participants who reported on their field activities at the Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on May 12.
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On May 12, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended the Spring Grand Cordon Conferment Ceremony in the Matsu-no-Ma State Room at the Imperial Palace, where he presented decorations to recipients, including those awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest honor conferred on this occasion.
After the ceremony, the Emperor met with the recipients and expressed his appreciation, saying, "I thank you for your service to the country, society, and the people."
Rice Planting at the Imperial Palace
On May 13, the Emperor planted rice seedlings in a paddy field beside the Biological Laboratory on the Imperial Palace grounds.
Dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt, gray trousers, and black rubber boots, he carefully planted seedlings of the non-glutinous rice variety Nihon Masari and the glutinous rice variety Mangetsu Mochi, both grown from seeds sown in April, gently pressing the roots into the soil.
Japanese Red Cross Convention
On May 12, Her Majesty Empress Masako attended the Japanese Red Cross Society's national convention at Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Tokyo, where she serves as honorary president. Also attending were Crown Princess Akishino (Kiko), Princess Hitachi (Hanako), Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), and Princess Takamado (Hisako), who serve as honorary vice presidents of the organization.
During the ceremony, the Empress presented medals to 13 representatives of individuals and organizations recognized for supporting Red Cross activities through donations and other contributions. Field activity reports were also delivered at the event, and the Empress expressed her appreciation to the presenters.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Princess Aiko, the only daughter of the Emperor and Empress, participated in the event as part of the operations staff. She currently works full-time for the Japanese Red Cross Society as a contract employee.
Imperial Cocoonery
That same day, Empress Masako attended a silkworm-raising ceremony at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery on the Imperial Palace grounds, a custom passed down through generations of empresses.
The Emperor and Princess Aiko also took part in feeding mulberry leaves to silkworms and attaching eggs of the native Japanese wild silkworm species to oak branches in a process called "Yamatsuke."
Crown Prince Akishino Visits Fukushima
On May 13, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), president of the Agricultural Society of Japan, visited Fukushima Prefecture, where he inspected farms in Fukushima City and Minamisoma City that had been recognized for their contributions to agricultural development.
Princess Kako Attends Greenery Event
On May 9, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, attended the ceremony for the 35th Midori no Kanshasai (Festival of Appreciation for Greenery) in Tokyo.
In her address, Princess Kako said, "I believe it is highly meaningful that people in various roles continue the cycle of harvesting trees, using them, planting new ones, and nurturing them."
Before the ceremony, Princess Kako met with members of the Green Youth Group, who take part in activities such as cleaning green spaces and participating in tree-planting events. She asked them, "Are there any activities you especially enjoy or devote yourselves to?" and listened attentively to their answers.
National Wild Bird Protection Gathering
Princess Hanako attended the 80th National Wild Bird Protection Gathering, held in Tokyo on May 10. Her husband, Prince Hitachi (Masahito), serves as president of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, which organized the event.
National Junior Tennis Championships
On May 14, Princess Akiko of Mikasa visited Chiba Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the 47th National Junior Tennis Championships.
Japan Through Diplomats' Eyes
On May 8, Princess Hisako attended a reception hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan for the 2025 Japan Through Diplomats' Eyes photo exhibition in Tokyo. Held since 1998, the exhibition features photographs capturing Japan from the perspectives of diplomats from various countries. Princess Hisako serves as honorary president of the exhibition's executive committee.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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