An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor Naruhito Welcomes World Leaders

Japan Forward

29-05-2025

In mid to late May, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito deepened international ties by meeting with foreign dignitaries visiting Japan to mark their countries' national days at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
On May 16, he visited the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo, with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. There, they attended a seminar on water issues hosted by Swedish research institutes.
Other visiting leaders included: Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs (May 19)
Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev (May 19)
Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok (May 21)
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen (May 22)
On May 22, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was welcomed to the Imperial Residence for a dinner with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Emperor Naruhito welcomes King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on May 22 at the Imperial Palace. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visited Ishikawa Prefecture on May 18–19 to observe recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
On May 18, she visited a temporary housing complex in Nanao City, where she observed elderly residents participating in exercises. She also spoke with student volunteers from Kanazawa University, asking questions such as, "What kind of system do you think would make volunteering easier?" Princess Aiko converses with students from Kanazawa University's volunteer circle, May 18, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
On May 19, Princess Aiko visited temporary shops in Shika Town and spoke with a female business owner working to rebuild her store on its original site. Princess Aiko speaking with shop owners at the temporary stores of the Togi Kaido roadside station on May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Later that day, at the Togi Administrative Center, she listened to volunteer staff and support counselors explain their ongoing medium- and long-term support efforts, including regular check-ins with residents. Princess Aiko receives an explanation about the activities of the Shika Town Community Support Center on the afternoon of May 19 in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Crown Prince Fumihito visited Aichi Prefecture on May 21–22 to attend the general meeting of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, where he serves as president. Prince Akishino addressing the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums' General Meeting on May 21 in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture.
On the morning of May 22, Crown Princess Kiko attended the 150th anniversary ceremony of the Special Needs Education School for the Deaf, University of Tsukuba, in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. She delivered a speech in sign language. Princess Kiko using sign language at the 150th anniversary ceremony. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency.)
Princess Hisako toured the Expo in Osaka from May 20 to 22, visiting several international pavilions, including those of South Korea and Kuwait. On May 21, she attended the Netherlands' National Day ceremony at the event.
Princess Tsuguko, daughter of Princess Hisako, visited the Expo on May 19. She toured several attractions, including the Grand Ring, and attended a cultural event hosted by Paraguay's First Lady Leticia Ocampos. Princess Hisako visiting the Women's Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 21. (©Sankei by Koji Taito) Princess Hisako visiting the Kuwait Pavilion at the Osaka Expo on May 20. (©Sankei by Koji Taito)
In preparation for her official visit to Brazil in June, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum of Empress Kojun in Hachioji, Tokyo, on May 16.
On May 20, she traveled to Gifu Prefecture and visited sites such as the Gifu Wood Education Center. The next day, she attended the commemorative ceremony for the National Urban Greenery Fair in Kani City. Princess Kako listens to an explanation about Japanese giant salamander conservation efforts at the World Freshwater Aquarium Aquatotto Gifu in Kakamigahara City on May 20. Princess Kako riding a road train at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21 in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano) Princess Kako taking part in a commemorative tree planting at Gifu World Rose Garden on May 21. (©Sankei by Takanobu Sawano)
Princess Hanako attended the Prince Hitachi Prize for Comparative Oncology award ceremony in Tokyo on May 20. The following day, she participated in a certification ceremony for the Japan Ikebana Art Exhibition, organized by the Japan Ikebana Art Association, where she serves as honorary president.
Princess Nobuko, honorary president of the Japan Rose Society, visited Hiroshima Prefecture on May 18–19 to attend the World Rose Convention in Fukuyama.
On May 17, Princess Akiko also attended the opening ceremony of the National Junior Tennis Championships in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture.
( Read the article in Japanese . )
Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun