An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Meets Peru's President, Princesses Visit Hiroshima
The meeting was held at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor received an overview of Peru's ongoing irrigation projects.
As someone who has long studied water issues, His Majesty was particularly interested to learn that the projects draw on studies of ancient Inca irrigation systems. He remarked, "When addressing irrigation challenges, it is extremely important to learn from the approaches taken in the past in that region." His Majesty Emperor Naruhito meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte at the Imperial Palace on the afternoon of August 8.
On August 9, the 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observed a moment of silent prayer at the Imperial Palace with their daughter, Princess Aiko.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also took part from the Sento Imperial Residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward. They joined through televised coverage of the local ceremonies, observing a moment of silence at the exact time of the bombing.
On August 12, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Sento Imperial Palace to greet the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita and to share details of their recent visit to Mongolia. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress enter the Sento Imperial Palace in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on the afternoon of August 12.
Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, made a private visit to Hiroshima Prefecture on August 10 and 11. On the 10th, they attended a musical in Hiroshima City about Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to the atomic bomb and later died of leukemia at age 12. Princess Kiko and Princess Kako arrive at JMS Aster Plaza in Hiroshima on August 10 to attend the musical.
They applauded the performers enthusiastically after the performance. Princess Kiko reportedly told the performers from Hawaii in English that she felt the message of the work could be widely shared with the world. After watching a musical, Princess Kiko and Princess Kako speak with the performers on the afternoon of August 10 in Hiroshima.
On August 11, the two paid their respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Monument (Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims) in Peace Memorial Park, near the bomb's hypocenter. In the heavy rain, they alternated holding umbrellas for each other while offering white flowers. Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, visit Peace Memorial Park and lay flowers at the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims on the morning of August 11 in Hiroshima's Naka Ward.
They also viewed the Children's Peace Monument, modeled after Sadako Sasaki, and presented one thousand folded paper cranes together with Imperial Household Agency staff.
Later that day, they visited Funairi Mutsumi-en, a care facility for atomic bomb survivors. Princess Kiko spoke with residents about peace education programs for students. Princess Kako added, "I've been looking forward to meeting all of you, and I'm grateful you made the time for us."
Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the 33rd All-Japan Jukendo Championship (Takamatsu-no-miya Memorial Cup) and the 1st All-Japan Women's Jukendo Championship (Princess Akiko Cup) at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on August 8.
Princess Yoko of Mikasa departed from Haneda Airport on August 11 to attend an event in California showcasing Japanese arts and culture. According to the Imperial Household Agency, she participated privately. The event features works by Kutani porcelain craftsmen affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Princess Hisako visited Aichi Prefecture to attend the 56th National Mamasan Volleyball Tournament, a popular amateur women's competition for players aged 25 and over. She returned to Tokyo on August 9. Princess Hisako of Takamado views the exhibits at the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo, on the afternoon of August 14. (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki)
She then traveled to Niigata Prefecture on August 11 and 12 to attend the opening ceremony of the 45th All-Japan Elementary School Rubber Baseball Tournament (Takamado Cup). On August 14, she visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum to view the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition and the 2025 Sankei Junior Calligraphy Competition. Princess Hisako speaks with a child at the venue displaying works from the Junior Calligraphy Competition on August 14. (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki)
Her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, visited Yamaguchi Prefecture on August 8 and 9 to watch the archery events at the National High School Athletic Meet (Inter-High).
( Read the article in Japanese. )
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Forward
13 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Beautiful Nights at Expo 2025: Why Visitors Stay After Sunset
The sun had blazed down on Osaka all day, and as it sank beyond the horizon, only a faint crimson lingered in the sky. About 20 minutes after sunset, the pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, began to glow against the deepening dusk. Transformed from their daytime appearance, the grounds invited visitors to explore and enjoy their nighttime charm. Visitors stop to watch the fireworks. At the heart of the site, the Expo's iconic Grand Ring looked even more striking after dark. The roof ring is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wooden structure in the world. As the surroundings faded into shadow, its endless lattice of beams stood out in sharp relief. A nighttime view of the Belgium Pavilion (left) and the spheres of the Singapore Pavilion. When the Water Plaza's fountain show ended, the calm surface of the water mirrored the Grand Ring, creating an enchanting scene. A gentle sea breeze made the atmosphere even more mesmerizing. The large roof ring is reflected in the waters of the Water Plaza. Near the East Gate, the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion's outdoor dining area, Reborn Terrace, glowed with paper lanterns. Its Future Food zone keeps some stalls open until 9:30 PM, extending the evening experience. On the opposite side of the venue, Sunset Beer Terrace opened in late July near the West Gate. There, visitors can enjoy a meal in the open air while watching the sun sink below the horizon. MYAKU-MYAKU lanterns illuminate the Reborn Terrace at night. For one Tokyo-based IT worker, the nighttime atmosphere was an unexpected delight. On her first visit during a business trip in late June, she enjoyed it so much that she purchased a summer pass. Now, since her work takes her to Osaka almost every week, she heads straight to the Expo grounds after finishing her day. The sphere of the Netherlands Pavilion seems to float as it lights up. "You can catch the sunset right away. As you walk around, it gets cooler — it's really nice. Plus, there are fewer people at night, so you can enter pavilions without waiting in line." She has never made a reservation, yet her stamp book already holds 47 pavilion stamps. The Iida Group × Osaka Metropolitan University pavilion, covered in specially processed Nishijin brocade fabric, shifts colors under the lights | Visitors pose with the illuminated MYAKU-MYAKU statue. Previously, night tickets allowed entry only after 5 PM. Under the current Twilight Campaign, however, visitors can enter from 4 PM. "We want people to enjoy the appeal of the Expo in the cooler evenings and at night," said an official from the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Meets Peru's President, Princesses Visit Hiroshima
On August 8, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, who was visiting Japan for her country's National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The Expo highlights participating countries on a daily rotation. The meeting was held at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor received an overview of Peru's ongoing irrigation projects. As someone who has long studied water issues, His Majesty was particularly interested to learn that the projects draw on studies of ancient Inca irrigation systems. He remarked, "When addressing irrigation challenges, it is extremely important to learn from the approaches taken in the past in that region." His Majesty Emperor Naruhito meets with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte at the Imperial Palace on the afternoon of August 8. On August 9, the 80th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observed a moment of silent prayer at the Imperial Palace with their daughter, Princess Aiko. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also took part from the Sento Imperial Residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward. They joined through televised coverage of the local ceremonies, observing a moment of silence at the exact time of the bombing. On August 12, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited the Sento Imperial Palace to greet the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita and to share details of their recent visit to Mongolia. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress enter the Sento Imperial Palace in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on the afternoon of August 12. Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, made a private visit to Hiroshima Prefecture on August 10 and 11. On the 10th, they attended a musical in Hiroshima City about Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to the atomic bomb and later died of leukemia at age 12. Princess Kiko and Princess Kako arrive at JMS Aster Plaza in Hiroshima on August 10 to attend the musical. They applauded the performers enthusiastically after the performance. Princess Kiko reportedly told the performers from Hawaii in English that she felt the message of the work could be widely shared with the world. After watching a musical, Princess Kiko and Princess Kako speak with the performers on the afternoon of August 10 in Hiroshima. On August 11, the two paid their respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Monument (Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims) in Peace Memorial Park, near the bomb's hypocenter. In the heavy rain, they alternated holding umbrellas for each other while offering white flowers. Princess Kiko of Akishino and her second daughter, Princess Kako, visit Peace Memorial Park and lay flowers at the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims on the morning of August 11 in Hiroshima's Naka Ward. They also viewed the Children's Peace Monument, modeled after Sadako Sasaki, and presented one thousand folded paper cranes together with Imperial Household Agency staff. Later that day, they visited Funairi Mutsumi-en, a care facility for atomic bomb survivors. Princess Kiko spoke with residents about peace education programs for students. Princess Kako added, "I've been looking forward to meeting all of you, and I'm grateful you made the time for us." Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the 33rd All-Japan Jukendo Championship (Takamatsu-no-miya Memorial Cup) and the 1st All-Japan Women's Jukendo Championship (Princess Akiko Cup) at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on August 8. Princess Yoko of Mikasa departed from Haneda Airport on August 11 to attend an event in California showcasing Japanese arts and culture. According to the Imperial Household Agency, she participated privately. The event features works by Kutani porcelain craftsmen affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Princess Hisako visited Aichi Prefecture to attend the 56th National Mamasan Volleyball Tournament, a popular amateur women's competition for players aged 25 and over. She returned to Tokyo on August 9. Princess Hisako of Takamado views the exhibits at the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo, on the afternoon of August 14. (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki) She then traveled to Niigata Prefecture on August 11 and 12 to attend the opening ceremony of the 45th All-Japan Elementary School Rubber Baseball Tournament (Takamado Cup). On August 14, she visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum to view the 42nd Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition and the 2025 Sankei Junior Calligraphy Competition. Princess Hisako speaks with a child at the venue displaying works from the Junior Calligraphy Competition on August 14. (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki) Her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, visited Yamaguchi Prefecture on August 8 and 9 to watch the archery events at the National High School Athletic Meet (Inter-High). ( Read the article in Japanese. ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Japan Forward
We TAIWAN: Identity Through Art Beyond Expo
A visual art exhibition is underway at the VS. event space in Osaka's Kita Ward. Holographic projection mapping casts scenes of the sky, the ocean, and whales onto a 15-meter-high wall, drawing viewers into a dreamlike, painterly world. Titled We TAIWAN, the same technology is used inside the TECH WORLD pavilion at the Expo. Visitors step into the world of paintings through immersive projection. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Also featured is "The Mother Rivers of Taiwan," a newly unveiled indigo-dyed piece by dyeing and weaving expert Chen Jinglin. He used traditional tie-dye techniques rooted in natural methods. Photos of dye plants from Taiwan and real fabric samples are displayed alongside the exhibit. Together, they create a hands-on learning experience. "Taiwan has high mountains. So, it not only uses its own tropical plants, but also uses the same plant dyes as Japan, such as persimmon and indigo." I've even invited Japanese teachers to Taiwan to teach Nishijin -style techniques.' Chen spoke warmly about dyeing as a form of cultural exchange. Chen Jinglin explains his work. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) We TAIWAN is organized by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Cultural Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan. The event runs through August 20 at four locations across Osaka City, with 545 participating artists. Display of Taiwanese plant-based dyeing. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Taiwan is not a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), and cannot join the Expo as a country. Instead, it participates through a Japan-registered company, Tamayama Digital Tech. The word 'Taiwan' is absent from official Expo maps. From the outside, the pavilion's identity is unclear — but inside, it highlights Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors, art, nature, and tourism. In contrast, We TAIWAN places Taiwan's identity front and center through art. The event runs for about 20 days in Osaka, outside the Expo venue. Deputy Minister Sue Wang of Taiwan's Ministry of Culture traveled to Japan for the launch. 'Taiwan is excluded from many international events,' she said. 'Although this is not part of the official Expo venue, we want to express Taiwan through art. Through friendship with the people of Japan, we hope to show that no one in the world should be left out.' Sue Wang shares her thoughts at the We TAIWAN venue. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Chen Tien Long, chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Support Association, shared his thoughts. 'It's unfortunate that We TAIWAN could not be officially featured at Expo 2025. Still, the effort to showcase Taiwan through art carries strategic value and cultural meaning.' He added, 'The Expo is a global stage where countries highlight their unique appeal. Even in a private pavilion format, if you present cultural creativity and originality, it can still attract international attention.' Art, design, and technology — both inside and outside the Expo — can rise above politics. They offer a strong way to express Taiwan's spirit and diversity.' Speaking as a member of the Taiwanese community in Japan, Chen said, 'Japan has deep respect for art and design. Cultural exchange that avoids political overtones is often more warmly received. Efforts rooted in everyday life and human connection can sometimes speak louder than rigid, state-driven narratives. For those of us living here, this kind of cultural diplomacy carries deep meaning.' Through art, We TAIWAN has become a resonating voice for Taiwan on the international stage. Author: Mika Sugiura
