Michiko Shōda – the future Empress of Japan – was born on 20 October 1934 at the University of Tokyo Hospital. She was the daughter of Hidesaburō Shōda and Fumiko Soejima and was the second of four children. She received a solid education, a combination of traditional and Western, and learned to speak English. She attended the Futaba Elementary School in Tokyo but was forced to…
Thirtieth anniversary of father’s death commemorated by Emperor Akihito
9th January 2019
Emperor Akihito of Japan has officially commemorated the anniversary of his father, Emperor Showa’s death which occurred thirty years ago this week. A specially planned ceremony was held in the former Emperor’s honour at his tomb in Tokyo.
The current Emperor Akihito is…
Record number of people turn out to hear Emperor of Japan’s last New Year message before abdicating
5th January 2019
Continuing the tradition which began on 1 January 1948, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress opened the gates of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo this week to receive New Year greetings from the people of Japan.
This year’s crowd was record-breaking with 154,800 citizens…
In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, Crown Princess Masako, who turns 55-years-old today, has vowed to make her best effort to serve the people. She is set to become Empress of Japan following her father-in-law’s abdication next year.
“I want to devote myself to the happiness of the people so I will make an effort to that end while gaining more experience,” the Crown…
Crown Prince and Princess of Japan attend tree festival ceremony
21st November 2018
Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan were in the suburban city of Chofu, western Tokyo, this past weekend to attend the 42nd “Zenkoku Ikujusai” national tree festival awards ceremony at Musashino Forest Sport…
Japan’s government to delay discussion on creating female Imperial branches
6th November 2018
The Japanese government is holding off on deciding whether or not to allow female members of the Imperial Family to establish their own branches of the family after marriage, according to sources. They will delay discussions on the matter at least under after Crown Prince…
Her Imperial Highness The Princess Akishino – better known as Princess Kiko, the daughter-in-law of Emperor Akihito – made a visit to the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague this week. The Princess is known for her interest in and promotion of children’s literature and the importance of reading in childhood.
The doors of the Children’s Book Museum were open early for their royal visitor…
Princess Ayako attends final imperial event “Choken-no-Gi” before leaving Imperial Family
28th October 2018
Princess Ayako of Takamado has performed the final two ceremonies to officially mark her leaving the Imperial Family. After her wedding next Monday, she will no longer be a part of the Imperial Family.
On Friday, the Princess informed the divine spirits of the Emperors and…
Princess Ayako of Takamado will receive¥106,75 million (around$951.551,00 or £728.050,70) from the Japanese government after her marriage to commoner Kei Moriya later this month. The lump sum payment will be provided in order to maintain her high standard of…
Emperor Akihito of Japan resumed his official duties on Thursday, 5th July, after three days of treatment for insufficient blood supply to the brain according to a palace spokesperson.
The 84-year-old had cancelled engagements from Monday 2nd July after the palace doctor diagnosed the Emperor with “symptoms of vertigo and nausea due to cerebral anemia, which require a complete rest and…
