An Imperial Week in Photos: State Visit, University Baseball, and a Landmark Crested Ibis Release

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Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako invited Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who were visiting Japan as state guests, to the Imperial Residence on May 29 to bid them farewell.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, President Marcos also studied at the University of Oxford, where Their Majesties were students. In recognition of this shared connection, His Majesty presented him with an English translation of his memoir, The Thames and I.

Emperor and Princess Aiko Attend University Baseball

On May 31, His Majesty and his daughter, Princess Aiko, visited Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium to watch a spring-season game in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League between Keio University and Waseda University.

According to those present, after the game Emperor Naruhito said the postgame cheering exchange was a wonderful sight. Princess Aiko was quoted as saying, "I saw how a fine play can really change the momentum of the game."

Shunsai Rite at the Imperial Palace

On June 1, His Majesty attended the Shunsai rite, a ritual praying for the peace and well-being of the people, at the Three Palace Sanctuaries within the Imperial Palace.

Visit to Water Management Facilities

Later that day, His Majesty visited the Iwabuchi Watergate and the Arakawa Museum of Aqua in Tokyo's Kita Ward, near the confluence of the Arakawa and Sumida rivers. Water-related research has long been one of the Emperor's interests, and he photographed the rivers and marker posts showing historical water levels.

Sustainable Ocean Conference

On June 3, His Majesty attended the Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands conference at Hotel New Otani Tokyo, where discussions focused on marine environmental conservation. He also listened to keynote speeches delivered by United Nations officials and other participants.

Dinner With Norway's Crown Prince

That evening, Their Majesties hosted Norway's Crown Prince Haakon for dinner at the Imperial Residence. Princess Aiko joined the after-dinner gathering, where guests conversed informally over drinks in a separate room.

Earlier that afternoon, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko received Crown Prince Haakon at the Akishino Residence within the Akasaka Estate. According to the Imperial Household Agency, Crown Prince Akishino recalled his travels in Norway while studying in the United Kingdom and spoke about his first meeting with Crown Prince Haakon.

Crested Ibis Release in Ishikawa

On May 31, Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino visited Hakui in Ishikawa Prefecture to attend a ceremony marking the first release of the crested ibis on Japan's main island. The crested ibis is designated as a Special Natural Monument by the Japanese government.

In his address, Crown Prince Akishino said, "This achievement can be attributed to Noto's rich natural environment and to the many years of effort by people working to return the ibis to the wild."

Following the ceremony, the couple attended the release event and applauded as the birds took flight.

Endocrinology Congress

On June 2, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess visited the Kyoto International Conference Center to attend the opening ceremony of the 22nd International Congress of Endocrinology.

Gourd Convention and Tuberculosis Association Event

On June 4, Crown Prince Akishino, honorary president of a nationwide association of Japanese gourd admirers, viewed exhibits at the association's 51st annual convention in the city of Nantan.

Also on June 4, Crown Princess Kiko attended an appreciation ceremony for donors and supporters of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, of which she serves as president, at a hotel in Tokyo.

Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko's Engagements

Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the opening ceremony of Arctic Frontiers Abroad Tokyo at the United Nations University on June 1.

On June 4, Princess Hisako also attended an orchid exhibition at Sunshine City in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, as well as the award ceremony for the 5th Marie Sklodowska Curie Award for Young Female Researchers, held at the Embassy of Poland in Tokyo.

Her daughter, Princess Tsuguko, attended the Japan–Norway Reception at Meiji Kinenkan on June 2.

RELATED: 

• Crested Ibises Released on Japan's Main Island for First Time
• An Imperial Week in Photos: Tree-Planting and Cultural Visits in Ehime
• Grand Cordon Ceremony, Rice Planting, and Red Cross Convention
• An Imperial Week in Photos: Family Retreat, Paraguay Ties, and Charity Dinner

Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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