An Imperial Week in Photos: Empress Masako at the National Red Cross Convention
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On May 9, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito attended the Spring Conferment Ceremony of the Grand Cordon, held in the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (State Room) of the Imperial Palace. Following the ceremony, he shook hands with the recipients, personally offering his congratulations to each one.
On May 14, the Emperor carried out the annual rice planting at a rice field near the Biological Research Institute within the Imperial Palace grounds. He planted a total of 20 rice seedlings, grown from seeds sown in April, gently pressing each one into the soil by hand. Emperor Naruhito participates in rice planting at the Imperial Palace's rice field, May 14, in Chiyoda, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) Emperor Naruhito participates in rice planting at the Imperial Palace's rice field, May 14, in Chiyoda, Tokyo. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
On May 13, Her Majesty Empress Masako attended the National Red Cross Convention at the Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward. The event, organized by the Japanese Red Cross Society where she serves as Honorary President, recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Red Cross activities. Empress Masako, Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko, and Princess Hisako attend the National Red Cross Convention, May 13, at Meiji Jingu Kaikan in Shibuya, Tokyo.
During the ceremony, the Empress presented the Order of Merit to several honorees. Also in attendance were Honorary Vice Presidents Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko, and Princess Hisako.
After the award presentation, Empress Masako spoke with doctors who had provided medical support following the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The conversation focused on psychological care for victims and the importance of mental health support.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Her Highness Princess Aiko, daughter of the Emperor and Empress, helped guide and assist attendees at the venue. She is currently working as a non-regular employee at the Japanese Red Cross.
On the same day, Empress Masako also participated in the Imperial Sericulture Ceremony (Goyosan Hajime no Gi) at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery, continuing a tradition that has been passed down by successive empresses.
On May 9, Princess Aiko continued her tour of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, spending a second day exploring the site. At an event celebrating traditional Osaka festivals, she was especially drawn to a danjiri festival float, remarking, "They turn corners at incredible speed, don't they?"
At EARTH MART, an exhibit that invites reflection on the meaning of life through food, she viewed displays on global food issues. Princess Aiko visits the EARTH MART pavilion at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai.
Looking back on a previous visit to the site before construction began, she noted, "I saw it when it was still just a field, so I'm amazed at how far things have come." Princess Aiko visits the Singapore Pavilion on May 9. Princess Aiko visits the Kenya exhibit at the Commons-A Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 9.
On May 14, Her Highness Princess Akiko also toured the Expo. She visited several pavilions, including the Nordic Pavilion, and took part in a parade celebrating Sweden's National Day. Princess Akiko with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during a parade at the Osaka Expo on May 14. (©Sankei by Nagumo Miyako)
His Majesty Emperor Emeritus Akihito was discharged from the University of Tokyo Hospital on May 10, after being admitted on May 6 for tests. Her Majesty Empress Emerita Michiko accompanied him as they returned to the Akasaka Imperial Residence.
The Imperial Household Agency reported that he had been diagnosed with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia. Moving forward, his exercise routine will be carefully adjusted, and he will begin taking new medication to improve blood circulation.
On May 10, Her Highness Princess Kako attended the 34th "Green Gratitude Festival" ceremony, which celebrates forests and flowers, at Iino Hall in Chiyoda Ward. She is the second daughter of His Highness Crown Prince Fumihito and Her Highness Crown Princess Kiko. Princess Kako at the Green Gratitude Festival on May 10, in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
On May 11, Her Highness Princess Hanako participated in the "National Wild Bird Protection Gathering," hosted by the Wild Bird Society of Japan in Tokyo. Her husband, His Highness Prince Masahito, serves as the president of the society.
On May 10, Her Highness Princess Nobuko visited Aichi Prefecture to attend the general assembly of the support association for "AJU Jiritsu-no-Ie," a social welfare organization her late husband, Prince Tomohito, had supported.
Then, on May 14 and 15, she traveled to Kagawa Prefecture to tour the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival held on Naoshima and other islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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