An Imperial Week in Photos: Water Research, Festival in Akita, and British Museum Treasures
Emperor Naruhito attends an international symposium on water in Koto Ward, Tokyo, on July 28.
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Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako returned to Tokyo on July 27 after staying at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture. Their daughter, Princess Aiko, who had stayed with them, returned to Tokyo on July 24.
On July 28, Emperor Naruhito visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo to attend an international symposium on water. Water-related issues have been a lifelong research interest of the Emperor, who listened to keynote speeches for about two hours.
Annual Rite for Emperor Meiji
On July 30, the anniversary of Emperor Meiji's (Mutsuhito) death, the Ceremony of the Annual Rite for Emperor Meiji was held at the Three Palace Sanctuaries.
Emperor Naruhito, along with Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko, paid their respects at the ceremony. Princess Aiko and other members of the Imperial Family also attended.
On the same day, Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the Ceremony of the Annual Rite held at Emperor Meiji's mausoleum in Kyoto.
Concerns Over Kumamoto Earthquake
The Imperial Household Agency announced on July 30 that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had expressed their concern for those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. An aide said the couple were concerned that "those affected may once again be facing difficult living conditions amid great anxiety."
Kumamoto Prefecture was also struck by a major earthquake in 2016, which caused widespread damage.
Akishino Family
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Akita Prefecture on July 26 to attend the opening ceremony of the 50th National High School Cultural Festival (Akita Soubun), a national event featuring cultural competitions and exhibitions by students from across Japan. On July 27, they visited event venues and viewed entries in the photography and calligraphy categories.
On July 28, Crown Princess Kiko visited the Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo to attend a gathering of specially appointed researchers supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The researchers had resumed their careers after taking breaks for childbirth or child-rearing.
Crown Princess Kiko serves as an honorary specially appointed researcher for the organization and listened attentively to research presentations.
During a discussion, Crown Princess Kiko was asked how she finds time to relax while balancing work and raising children. According to participants, she also shared how she plays upbeat music in the morning to start the day on a positive note with her children as she wakes them up.
Princess Kako, the younger daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, attended the opening ceremony of the 60th All Japan High School Equestrian Competition in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, on July 24.
British Museum Collection Exhibition
Princess Akiko visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum on July 24 to view "Edo in Focus: Japanese Treasures from the British Museum."
The exhibition features a reproduction of the Wall Painting from the Main Hall of Horyu-ji Temple, which Princess Akiko discovered while conducting research as a volunteer curator at the British Museum during her studies in the United Kingdom. The work has returned to Japan for the first time and is now on display.
At the exhibition's opening ceremony, Princess Akiko said, "I hope many people will reflect on the history of exchanges between Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as the feelings of the many British people who have loved Japanese art."
Other Engagements
Princess Akiko's younger sister, Princess Yoko of Mikasa, attended the 2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix, part of Season 12 of the Formula E World Championship, at Tokyo Big Sight on July 26.
Princess Yoko visited Nippon Budokan on July 28 to attend the elementary school division of the 60th All Japan Dojo Youth Kendo Tournament. She attended the junior high school division the following day.
Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the 2026 convention of the Japan Sea Cadet Federation on July 25.
RELATED:
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Ishikawa Visit and a Weekend at Fuji Speedway
- An Imperial Week in Photos: Award-Winning Works at the Japan Art Academy
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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