Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, are reviving an imperial tradition that has not been observed since before the global health crisis. They will host the first garden party of the Emperor’s reign in May.
The Imperial Household Agency, the government agency responsible for managing state matters for the Imperial Family in Japan, has announced that a cornerstone event of the Japanese royal calendar is returning.
On 11 May, the Emperor and Empress will host a Tokyo garden party at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens. Historically, 2,000 guests are invited to the palace grounds to meet the Emperor; these garden parties are held in both the spring and the autumn.
There is often a wide variety of guests. The Speaker and the Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors, are invited to the event. The Prime Minister, cabinet members, as well as Justices of the Supreme Court typically attend, as well as prefectural governors, mayors, and other members of government. Diplomats often attend the parties.
The guest list is not limited to those in public service, though, as leading figures in the arts, sports, culture, and industry are invited to garden parties, as well as their spouses.
Traditionally the Emperor and Empress do not host the party alone. The Crown Prince and Princess often help host the event, as well as other working members of the Imperial Family.
The last imperial garden party was held in the autumn of 2018. The 2019 garden parties were not held, as several enthronement ceremonies were held for the then-new Emperor. With the global health crisis beginning in early 2020, they have been unable to host the event since Naruhito took the throne.
Officials are still working to determine how many guests will be invited to the spring party.
