Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, accompanied by their daughter, Princess Aiko, are welcomed upon arriving at the Imperial Stock Farm on May 1. (Pool photo)
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On May 1, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended a Shunsai ritual at the Three Palace Sanctuaries within the Imperial Palace, a ceremonial rite in which prayers are offered for the peace and well-being of the people.
Tochigi Visit
From May 1 to 7, Their Majesties, accompanied by their daughter Princess Aiko, stayed at the Imperial Stock Farm in Takanezawa Town, Tochigi Prefecture, for a period of rest.
On the afternoon of May 1, the family traveled by car from the Imperial Residence to Tochigi Prefecture. At the farm, Tochigi Governor Tomikazu Fukuda and other officials welcomed them. The Emperor expressed his gratitude for their support, while the Empress commented on the vivid greenery. Princess Aiko also exchanged greetings with Governor Fukuda and the other officials.
The Imperial Stock Farm was originally established in Chiba Prefecture in 1875 and was later relocated to its current site due to plans for Narita Airport. Covering approximately 252 hectares, the farm raises horses and livestock for imperial use and also produces milk, eggs, and vegetables. Its products are supplied to members of the Imperial Family and are also used to entertain distinguished guests from Japan and abroad at events such as imperial banquets and garden parties.
Paraguay Anniversary Concert
On May 3, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko, accompanied by their second daughter, Princess Kako, and son, Prince Hisahito, visited the National Art Center in Tokyo. They attended a concert commemorating the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay.
The family enjoyed performances featuring traditional instruments, including the Paraguayan harp and the Japanese koto, as well as Paraguayan folk dances. They clapped along to the lively music and dancing and applauded the performers afterward.
According to the performers, Prince Akishino, who visited Paraguay in 2006, remarked that he listens to the Paraguayan harp in his private time. Princess Kako commented on the beautiful harmony between the harp and the koto, while Prince Hisahito asked questions about playing techniques.
In 2021, Prince Akishino received Paraguay's National Order of Merit, recognized as "a symbol of the deep respect, friendship, and affinity connecting Japan and Paraguay." In 2023, the family further strengthened ties with Paraguay by meeting students from the Colegio Japonés Paraguayo (Japan-Paraguay Institute), who visited Japan for a study tour at the Imperial Akasaka Estate.
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko are scheduled to make an official visit to Paraguay in mid-August.
Charity Dinner
On May 7, Princess Kiko and Princess Kako attended a charity dinner marking the 40th anniversary of Save the Children Japan at a hotel in Tokyo. Before the event, they viewed a panel exhibition showcasing the organization's activities.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa
Also on May 7, Princess Akiko of Mikasa relocated from the East Mikasa Residence, where she had previously lived within the Akasaka Estate, to the Mikasa Residence, also located within the estate.
Since the memorial shrines for Prince Mikasa, who passed away in 2016; Princess Yuriko of Mikasa, who passed away in 2024; and Prince Katsura, the second son of the Mikasa couple, who passed away in 2014, are located at the Mikasa Residence, Princess Akiko will reside there as the head of the Mikasa family.
Her younger sister, Princess Yoko of Mikasa, will continue living at the East Mikasa Residence, as the memorial shrine of her father, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, who passed away in 2012, is located there.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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