Poetry and monarchy very often go hand in hand. Whether it is King Edward III offering patronage to Geoffrey Chaucer, or King David of Israel being said to have written a number of Psalms found in the Bible, there is a strong mutual history between the two. Japanese emperors, in their time, were also noteworthy poets forming part of a courtly culture very interested in high arts and literary…
The traditional “Waka” poems, penned by the Imperial Family, and ten selected works from the public, were recited at the annual New Year event in the Matsunoma main hall in the Imperial Palace. The theme of this year’s poems was “no”, which…
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko of Japan is ill. This was announced in an official statement from the Imperial Household Agency yesterday, on Monday, 12 December. Empress Michiko, age 82, was diagnosed with acute bronchitis last Friday after suffering a slight fever and…
In a statement released this week by the Imperial Household Agency Empress Michiko has expressed awe and respect at her husband, Emperor Akihito’s decision to potentially abdicate in a few years because of his advancing years and failing health. She said that the announcement came as a shock to her, and caused a little pain, though she added he had obviously given a lot of thought to the…
Despite confirmation of heart trouble, Empress Michiko along with her husband, Emperor Akihito will attend the national memorial war service honouring those killed in World War II that is to be held on Saturday. This service is to commemorate those lost during the war on the…
