An Imperial Week in Photos: Prayers for Peace and Celebrating the Arts
To mark the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Hiroshima Prefecture. The region was one of the sites devastated by the atomic bombing during the war.
On the 20th, they traveled to the Yagi district in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City. The area was struck by a massive landslide in August 2014 that claimed 77 lives. There, they offered a silent prayer in remembrance of the victims. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bow toward the site where homes once stood, near the Obarayama erosion control dam. Morning of June 20, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City.
Their Majesties then observed the progress of erosion control projects and were briefed on ongoing recovery efforts and mental health support for local residents. They listened attentively and asked many questions, showing deep interest and concern.
At the nearby Hiroshima City Heavy Rain Disaster Memorial Museum, the Emperor reflected on a program that encourages survivors to share their experiences. He remarked, "I see that talking with one another can bring a sense of peace."
During a meeting with bereaved families, Their Majesties offered heartfelt condolences to a couple who had lost their two sons, aged 11 and 2. "It must have been truly difficult," they said with deep compassion. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako view exhibits during a visit to the Hiroshima City Heavy Rain Disaster Memorial Museum. Morning of June 20, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City.
Later that day, they visited Yano Orizuru-en, a care facility for atomic bomb survivors. A woman who had lost her mother due to the bombing's aftereffects expressed her gratitude for the Emperor's commitment to peace. The Empress gently responded, "You must have gone through such hardship. Your mother as well."
That evening, Their Majesties returned to Tokyo from Hiroshima Airport.
On June 23, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, observed a moment of silence at the Imperial Residence in honor of Okinawa Memorial Day. The day commemorates those who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also observed a moment of silence at their home, the Sento Imperial Residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
On June 24, Emperor Naruhito attended the Japan Art Academy Prize ceremony at the Japan Art Academy Hall in Ueno, Tokyo. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts. During the event, the Emperor spoke with the recipients and observed a demonstration by renowned Bunraku puppeteer Kazuo Yoshida. He also handled a puppet's head to learn how it is operated. Emperor Naruhito speaks with recipients of the Japan Art Academy Prize and the Imperial Prize of the Japan Academy. Morning of June 24, Japan Art Academy Hall, Taito Ward, Tokyo.
That afternoon, a tea reception was held at the Imperial Palace for the prize recipients and newly appointed Academy members. Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and their second daughter, Princess Kako, were also in attendance. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with Japan Art Academy Prize recipients during a tea reception at the Imperial Palace's "Rensui" Room. Afternoon of June 24, Imperial Palace.
At the reception, Princess Aiko spoke with new Academy member and animation director Yoshiyuki Tomino about his work, including the iconic anime Mobile Suit Gundam . Princess Kako asked veteran actor Isao Hashizume, "What do you value most when developing a role?" Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and Princess Kako, second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, speak with Japan Art Academy Prize recipients during a tea reception at the Imperial Palace's "Rensui" Room. Afternoon of June 24, Imperial Palace.
Later, Their Majesties and Princess Aiko welcomed Princess Kako, who had returned from her official visit to Brazil on June 17. According to the Imperial Household Agency, she shared her experiences and interactions with the people of Brazil.
On June 23, Princess Kako canceled a planned visit to the Musashino Mausoleum (the resting place of Emperor Hirohito) and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum (the resting place of Empress Nagako) in the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji City, Tokyo. The cancellation was due to symptoms of dizziness and fatigue. She had planned to report the completion of her Brazil visit at the sites.
On June 26, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the family's beloved dog, Yuri, passed away on June 23. Yuri had been adopted in 2009 through an animal hospital. Their Majesties and Princess Aiko said their final goodbyes at the Imperial Residence. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko with their dog Yuri on the grounds of the Nasu Imperial Villa in August 2019.
On June 22, Princess Nobuko, widow of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, returned to Japan following an unofficial visit to Hungary. While there, she attended the World Judo Championships.
That same day, Princess Hisako met with recipients of the Prince Takamado Visiting Student Scholarship at her residence on the Akasaka Estate in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The scholarship was established in memory of her late husband, Prince Norihito, who studied at Queen's University in Canada.
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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