Japanese Imperial Family Today

  On 50th Anniversary of Okinawa's Return to Mainland Japan, Princess Aiko and Prince Hisahito The parent article is here .   Press: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to the mainland. Your Majesty have made a number of visits and have continued to interact with the "small reporters".Please tell us about your memories of Okinawa and your thoughts on the history and people of Okinawa, which suffered a great deal of damage in the last World War.   Emperor: Since I was a child, I have heard many things about Okinawa from Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, who have deep feelings for Okinawa. My relationship with Okinawa as a child was based on my interactions with the Okinawan bean journalists in Karuizawa, where I spent every summer. It was a great opportunity for me as a child to learn about Okinawa. In the middle of the meeting, a student of the bean-counters demonstrated Okinawan karate forms, and I fondly remembered those days w

  On Mako Komuro and History of Imperial Family The parent article is here . Press: In October of last year, Mako Komuro, your niece, left the Imperial Family due to her marriage. What is His Majesty's perception of the unusual course of events, in which no lump-sum payment was made and no ceremony was held, and the impact on the Imperial Family? What are your thoughts on the weekly magazine reports and Internet postings that are said to have affected Mako's physical condition, as well as on the way the Imperial Family disseminates information?   Emperor: I have watched Princess Mako grow up as my niece and nephew since she was a small child, and after she reached adulthood, she was sincerely involved in various official activities until she left the Imperial Family through marriage last autumn.   Based on the circumstances leading up to the marriage, including the various opinions about the marriage, it was decided that the Noh-ai Ceremony and other ceremonies would

  About Empress and Princess Aiko The parent article is here . Press: Her Majesty the Empress has been attending to official duties with His Majesty while continuing her medical treatment. How is her recovery going? Your daughter, Princess Aiko, has turned 20. What did you think when you saw her at the coming-of-age events? Looking back over the past 20 years, please tell us about your most memorable memories, her current student life with its ongoing online classes, your hopes for the future, and your thoughts on her marriage as a father.   Emperor: Although it has been difficult for Masako to keep in shape due to the restrictions on her activities caused by the spread of the new coronavirus infection, she has been fortunate to be able to attend ceremonies in Tokyo, visit various places online, and give New Year's video messages together with us, while making various efforts. With regard to sericulture, last year we were able to engage in more work and I was happy to see tha

  Looking Back on the Past Year   See the parent article here .   　 In the past year, while the effects of the new coronavirus infection continued to be felt, there were various events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the relocation of the Imperial Family to the Imperial Palace, and the U.S. birthday of the Emperor. Could you tell us about the events that left a deep impression on you? In a situation where opportunities for direct contact with the public are limited, what were your impressions of your online visits to various places, and what do you think about the future of your activities in With Corona and Post Corona?   Emperor: The past year has also seen a raging outbreak of a new coronavirus infection. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives and my heartfelt sympathy to the many people who have lost family members, friends and other loved ones. My heart aches for the many people who have lost their jobs, fallen i

  On the 23rd, His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 62nd birthday, and celebratory events were held at the Imperial Palace.   On the morning of the 23rd, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended the "Ceremony of Congratulation" to celebrate the Emperor's birthday at the Imperial Palace. The ceremony started at 11:00 a.m. and was attended by Prime Minister Kishida, the heads of the three branches of government, and representatives of foreign ambassadors. After expressing his gratitude for the celebration, His Majesty said, "I wish for the happiness of the people and the development of the country, and I also wish the heads of state of friendly countries good health and happiness for the people.   According to officials, on the 22nd, His Majesty conveyed his sympathy to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, who was infected with the new coronavirus at the age of 95.   On the 23rd, the Emperor's birthday celebrations and events involv