Japanese Imperial Family Today

    It was announced that Aiko, the only daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, will attend the New Year's Celebration Ceremony on January 1 next year as her first official duty after coming of age.   On December 23, the Imperial Household Agency announced the events for the year-end and New Year holidays. Next year's New Year's events will begin at 5:30 a.m. on January 1 with the "Shiho-hai," the Emperor's pilgrimage towards the Ise Shrine and other shrines at the Imperial Palace.   From 10:00 a.m. on the 1st, the New Year's Celebration Ceremony will be held at the Imperial Palace, attended by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and other members of the Imperial Family.   Princess Aiko’s attendance at the New Year's Celebration will be the first official duty for her, who celebrated her 20th birthday this month.   It was also announced that Aiko will attend the "Ritual of Emperor Taisho's Rites" at t

Their Majesties to visit the Emperor Emeritus to congratulate his 88th birthday   Recent image of the Emperor Emeritus and his wife  On the 23rd, the Emperor Emeritus, the father of His Majesty the Emperor, celebrated his 88th birthday, and was congratulated by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.   Last year's celebration of the Emperor Emeritus’ birthday was cancelled due to the new coronavirus, but this year's event was held with a limited number of attendees, taking care to prevent infection.   Just before 11:00 a.m., Their Majesties visited the Sento Temporary Palace in Tokyo's Minato Ward, the temporary residence of the Emperor Emeritus and his wife, and offered words of congratulations.   According to his aides, Their Majesties are very happy that the Emperor Emeritus is in good health today and that they were able to have a friendly chat.   Prince Akishino also paid a visit to congratulate the Emperor, and in the afternoon, Prime Minister Kis