Culture

Imperial Family Retreat Photos Offer Rare Glimpse into Their Daily Lives

Rare informal photos from May capture Japan's imperial family at Tochigi's Stock Farm, harvesting crops, and enjoying serene moments together.

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

The imperial family traveled by bicycle while visiting the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture. May 2024 (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency).

On June 6, the Imperial Household Agency released rare candid photos of Their Majesties and their only child, Princess Aiko. They showcase moments of the imperial family relaxing at the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture in May. Pictures of their pet cats are also included. Emperor Naruhito personally shot several of these photos.

The images offer a glimpse into the imperial family's warm and relaxed daily life.

*Princess Aiko struggles with digging up bamboo shoots at the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture. May 2024 (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency).*

Tranquil Moments

Photos taken at the Imperial Stock Farm capture the Imperial family harvesting mini tomatoes and bamboo shoots. Princess Aiko is seen crouching down as she struggles to dig up bamboo shoots in one shot. According to the Imperial Household Agency, the family later enjoyed eating the food they harvested together.

Photos also showed Their Majesties and Princess Aiko wearing helmets as they cycled around the farm. In another snapshot, the imperial family wore protective gear to guard against infection from potential livestock disease. In that particular shot, His Majesty took a commemorative photo of Empress Masako and Princess Aiko.

*The Empress smiles with her daughter Princess Aiko while holding a black lamb. (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

The agency also released several other photos taken by His Majesty. One shows Princess Aiko cradling a lamb while the Empress smiles beside her. In another, Empress Masako can be seen stroking a horse in the stable. Through the lens, His Majesty's warm affection for his family is palpable.

*Princess Aiko makes friends with a horse at the Tochigi Imperial Stock Farm in May. Photo by His Majesty the Emperor. (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency*)

*The Empress pets a horse at the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture, May 2024. Photo by His Majesty the Emperor (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)*

Pet Cats and Memories

Mii and Seven are the family's pet cats. Their photos were also released. Empress Masako exhibited these photos during a spring garden party where she engaged with cat-loving guests. The photos show Princess Aiko with Mii and Seven.

*Seven is one of the imperial family cats. (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency).*

*Princess Aiko's cat Mii. (courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency).*

Mii has been in the care of the Imperial Family since they rescued it in May 2010, That is according to the Imperial Household Agency. Mii, its mother, and other kittens were rescued from the grounds of the Akasaka Estate. Princess Aiko is believed to have named the cat.

Married on June 9, 1993, Their Majesties have just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary.