Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on October 20, 2024. (Pool photo)
As we stand at the close of another year, the Imperial Family remains an enduring symbol of Japan's heritage, resilience, and transformation. This photo essay offers a closer look at their journey throughout 2024, with moments both grand and intimate.
February: Emperor Naruhito Turns 64
His Majesty Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 64th birthday on February 23. Ahead of the occasion, His Majesty held a press conference at the Imperial Palace, where he expressed condolences to the victims of the January 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
He also conveyed his "heartfelt gratitude" to those working diligently, especially on medical and health support for the affected individuals.
March: Princess Aiko Graduates
It was a year of many firsts for Japan's young princess. In March, she made her first solo trip to Ise Jingu Shrine, where she worshipped with a tamagushi, a Shinto offering made from a tree branch.
She also dedicated a prayer to her ancestral deity, informing them of her upcoming graduation from Gakushuin University and her employment at the Japan Red Cross, effective April 1.
April: Official Instagram Account Launched
On April 1, the Imperial Household Agency launched its official Instagram account, amassing over 160,000 followers by 2 PM. The account, named "宮内庁/Imperial Household Agency" with the ID "kunaicho_jp," features photos and videos of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
May: Princess Kako Visits Greece
Princess Kako, daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, arrived in Greece on May 26. During her visit, she toured the Parthenon temple at the Acropolis and engaged in discussions with Greek individuals honored in Japan. She also stayed overnight in Athens.
Throughout her visit, Princess Kako participated in commemorative events marking the 125th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Greece. Additionally, she paid a courtesy visit to President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
May: Imperial Family Outing in Tochigi Prefecture
The Imperial Household Agency released rare candid photos of Their Majesties and their only child, Princess Aiko, during a family outing at the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture. Emperor Naruhito took some of the photos himself.
In one shot, the family is harvesting cherry tomatoes. Princess Aiko is also pictured crouching down as she struggles to dig up bamboo shoots.
June: Imperial Visit to the United Kingdom
On June 25, King Charles III hosted a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
In his opening speech, King Charles warmly greeted Their Majesties in Japanese, saying, "Eikoku ni okaeri nasai [Welcome back to Britain]." Both Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had studied separately in the United Kingdom before their marriage.
King Charles also reflected on the 400-year bond between Japan and the UK, mentioning his first trip to Japan in 1970 as Prince of Wales, as well as his visit to the Osaka Expo.
September: Prince Hisahito Turns 18
His Imperial Highness Prince Hisahito turned 18 and reached adulthood on September 6. As the only son of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, he is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Prince Hisahito graduated from Ochanomizu University Elementary School in 2019 and its affiliated junior high school in 2022. Since then, he has been enrolled at the senior high school of the University of Tsukuba.
From a young age, His Imperial Highness has shown a deep interest in nature and biology. In 2023, he co-authored a scholarly paper on dragonflies with external researchers.
October: Empress Emerita Michiko Turns 90
On October 20, Empress Emerita Michiko celebrated her 90th birthday. After undergoing surgery for a fractured right femur earlier that month, she was discharged from the hospital on October 13. Since then, she has been continuing rehabilitation for walking.
As Japan's first commoner to marry into the imperial family, Empress Emerita Michiko broke longstanding traditions, symbolizing a modernizing shift in the monarchy.
Her linguistic skills, fluency in English, and deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture have further solidified her as a figure of national respect and admiration.
December: Princess Aiko Turns 23
Princess Aiko celebrated her 23rd birthday on December 1. Over the past year, she has taken her first steps as a working adult.
In April, Princess Aiko began working as a member of the Japanese Red Cross Society's youth and volunteer division, where her contributions include magazine editing and event planning.
In October, Princess Aiko undertook a solo official visit to Saga Prefecture, where she attended the National Sports Festival and explored local traditions, including a papermaking workshop.
December: Empress Masako Turns 61
On December 9, Empress Masako celebrated her 61st birthday. To mark the occasion, she released a written message through the Imperial Household Agency, reflecting on significant anniversaries approaching in January 2025.
These include the first anniversary of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. In her message, the Empress paid tribute to the victims and emphasized the importance of supporting those affected.
December: Emperor Emeritus Akihito Turns 91
Emperor Emeritus Akihito celebrated his 91st birthday on December 23. His health remains stable, and he continues to lead a quiet life with his wife Empress Emeritus Michiko.
Particularly in 2024, he has been deeply concerned about the situation in the Noto Peninsula, which suffered significant damage from a major earthquake on New Year's Day, and the record-breaking heavy rain in September.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: JAPAN Forward
