Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with guests at the spring garden party on April 17 at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Tokyo's Minato Ward.
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Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted an imperial garden party on April 17 at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. The event is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. Members of the Imperial Family attended, including Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), Crown Princess Kiko, and the Emperor's daughter, Princess Aiko.
Among the guests the Emperor spoke with was voice actress Masako Nozawa, known for her role as Son Goku in the Dragon Ball franchise. He said, "I had often wondered what kind of person was behind those voices."
Meanwhile, the Empress spoke with snowboarder Kokomo Murase, who won gold and bronze at the 2026 Winter Olympics, asking about her training.
Princess Aiko spoke with figure skating pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won Japan's first Olympic gold in pairs at the same Games and announced their retirement on April 17. She said, "I was very struck by your remark that you skate for each other—it seems like a wonderful relationship."
Veterinary Forum
On April 21, Their Majesties and Princess Aiko attended the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress at the Tokyo International Forum. In his opening remarks, Emperor Naruhito noted that the family keeps rescue cats at the Imperial Palace and said in English, "We have a deep feeling of appreciation for the work of veterinarians who strive to protect the health and save the lives of animals."
They also attended the keynote lecture. According to the Imperial Household Agency, they later interacted with guide dogs and other service animals, listening attentively to explanations of their work.
Meeting with Montenegro's President
That afternoon, Their Majesties met at the Imperial Palace with President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro and his wife, Milena, who were visiting Japan. The Emperor was quoted as saying, "I hear Montenegro is very beautiful."
Concern Over Iwate Forest Fire
On April 23, the Imperial Household Agency said Their Majesties were concerned about those affected by a forest fire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, and expressed hope for its swift containment.
Charity Concert and Welfare Activities
On April 19, Crown Princess Kiko and her second daughter, Princess Kako, attended a charity concert at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre featuring performances by cancer patients. Prince Masahito serves as honorary president of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, which organized the event.
Crown Princess Kiko also attended the 58th National Aiiku Volunteers Convention at the Meiji Kinenkan on April 21. She serves as president of the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, a social welfare organization dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of mothers and children.
In her remarks, she said, "For many years, Aiiku volunteers and public health nurses have supported daily life in communities, caring for children's growth, parents raising families, and the elderly," and expressed her appreciation for their efforts.
Other Imperial Family Engagements
Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), who is also honorary president of Hanae Japan, attended the "Tokyo Flower Carpet 2026" event in Tokyo on April 18. Hanae is a form of art created on the ground using flower petals, leaves, and other natural materials. The following day, she attended a concert marking 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake in Yokohama.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the 58th prize presentation ceremony organized by the Ichimura Foundation for New Technology at a hotel in Tokyo on April 17.
Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the 48th Asia-Pacific Festival & Charity Bazaar at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on April 22.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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