Japan

Emperor Naruhito and family to move palaces

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are set to move palaces on Monday with their daughter, Princess Aiko. The Imperial Household has announced the family will begin moving into their new residence at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo at the beginning of the week. The family currently resides at Akasaka Imperial Residence in the Minato Ward of the capital but will now reside at the former Fukiage…
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Japan

Japan's Princess Mako set to wed this year

Japan’s Princess Mako is reportedly set to marry her fiancé, Kei Komuro, by the end of the year, according to Japanese media. Sources close to the couple have said the Princess and Komuro’s marriage will be registered by the end of 2021. They added that the…
Bhutan

King of Bhutan attends parade for recruits of army

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar, attended the Attestation Parade of the 77th group of recruits to the Royal Bhutan Army at the Military Training Centre on Thursday. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, and their eldest child, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel, in…
Japan

Emperor Naruhito expresses "deep remorse" for Japan's actions in World War Two

Emperor Naruhito of Japan has expressed “deep remorse” over the actions of the Japanese during World War Two. The Emperor made the remarks on the 76th anniversary of the Japanese surrender at an annual memorial service. His Imperial Majesty said: “Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I…
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Thailand

Royal Olympians: Prince Bira of Siam

Unknown to many today, Prince Bira of Siam was an Olympian who represented Siam (now called Thailand) in sailing. Bira’s full title was Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, and he was the son of Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse and grandson of King King Mongkut…
Japan

No empress for Japan despite a lack of heirs

Despite a shrinking Imperial Family and only three people in the line of succession, Japan has decided that it will not allow women to reign in their own right. The possibility of a female empress in Japan has popular support, but the more conservative members of the…
Japan

Emperor Naruhito of Japan to open Olympic Games

Emperor Naruhito is set to open the Olympic Games in Tokyo at the Opening Ceremony on 23 July, according to various Japanese media reports. An official with knowledge of the situation spoke anonymously to the Japan Times, saying the Emperor is likely to attend the Opening Ceremony and declare the Games open next week. There are also plans in place for him to meet with foreign dignitaries at…
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Bhutan

Queen of Bhutan launches national actions for the environment

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan launched four national actions on Saturday to mark World Environment Day, which this year has the them of Ecosystem Restoration.” The four significant national actions are Bhutan’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Third National Communication (TNC) of Bhutan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Low Emission…
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