Latest news with #Aiko
Yomiuri Shimbun
19-07-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese Imperial Family Spends Time at Nasu Villa in Tochigi Prefecture for Vacation
NASU, Tochigi — The Emperor, the Empress and their daughter Princess Aiko arrived at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, for vacation on Friday evening. Dressed in kariyushi wear (traditional Okinawan clothes), the Imperial family, took a walk around the premises. The Emperor told reporters, 'I hope we are able to relax in the rich natural environment.' The Empress added, 'The air is cool and refreshing.' It is the first time for Princess Aiko to visit Nasu in July since she was four years old. 'I hope I can find various interesting things here,' she said. The family is scheduled to stay until around the end of this month.
Black America Web
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Jhené Aiko Drops Soothing 15-Minute Mantra ‘I'm Not Afraid' With Visual
Source: Courtesy / ArtClub/Def Jam Jhené Aiko is back with a soulful healing experience. Over the weekend, the six-time Grammy-nominated artist surprised fans with the release of her long-awaited 15-minute mantra, 'I'm Not Afraid.' Read more and check out the visual inside. The sonic offering, layered with crystal alchemy sound bowls and intentional megahertz frequencies, continues Aiko's artistic mission to use music as a tool for emotional healing and spiritual alignment. Released via ArtClub/Def Jam, the mantra is available on all major streaming platforms. Jhené's latest sonic offering is accompanied by a calming visual: a flickering candle glowing gently in complete darkness, captured through a custom-engineered water basin that turns low-frequency vibrations into mesmerizing light patterns. Created by visual artists Lachlan Turczan and Conner Griffith, the visual evokes the inner stillness Aiko's work often encourages fans to cultivate. Aiko introduced the track with a poetic letter on Instagram, titled 'i am not afraid (creation mantra),' urging listeners to embrace the unknown and lean into fear as a canvas for creativity. 'Darkness is not meant to be feared, but embraced,' she writes. 'When you find yourself in the midst of abyss… You must consider this: You are the light… And right where you are meant to be.' She closes the letter with a call to transform fear into imaginative freedom and spiritual wholeness. This meditative offering follows Aiko's previous healing-centered releases like her 2019 single 'Trigger Protection Mantra,' and 2023's 'Alive & Well Mantra,' along with her groundbreaking Chilombo album, which was the first contemporary studio album to feature therapeutic sound frequencies. The release also comes just after her Go To Heal campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, where she led guided meditations and sparked conversations around mental wellness. Using her platform, Aiko continues to make healing accessible while encouraging her audience to explore mindfulness, sound therapy, and intentional living. 'I'm Not Afraid' is a sanctuary. Whether you're meditating, journaling, or simply seeking a moment of calm, Aiko's latest creation invites you to lean into yourself and let your soul breathe. Plug in your headphones and press play. Jhené is helping the world heal, one vibration at a time. SEE ALSO Jhené Aiko Drops Soothing 15-Minute Mantra 'I'm Not Afraid' With Visual was originally published on
Japan Forward
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Emperor Naruhito's Reflections on Mongolia and International Goodwill
このページを 日本語 で読む Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako departed for their official visit to Mongolia as State Guests on July 6. A few days earlier, on July 2, Emperor Naruhito held a press conference at the Shakkyo-no-Ma drawing room in the Imperial Palace to discuss his hopes. The following is an unofficial English translation of His Majesty's remarks. Subheadings have been added for readability. Part 2 of 2 Read Part 1 I consider international goodwill to be one of the important pillars of the role of the Imperial Family. Personally, whenever I meet with visiting dignitaries or travel abroad, I aim to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen friendly relations by recognizing the historical ties between Japan and the other country. At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, I had the opportunity to reconnect with royal families and presidents I have known from the past. I also met heads of state for the first time. Through those conversations, I was able to deepen my understanding of each country, for which I am very grateful. As for Aiko's planned visit to Laos this November, we are deeply grateful for the invitation extended by the Lao government. Since the trip is still some time away, preparations will proceed gradually. We sincerely hope the visit will enhance friendly relations between Japan and Laos. When I visited Laos in 2012, I was warmly received by its people. I also found cultural similarities, such as their custom of eating sticky rice. Both Masako and I hope to offer Aiko advice based on our past overseas experiences. Also, when Princess Kako returned from her recent trip to Brazil, Aiko was present during the debriefing. She listened carefully to Kako's detailed account of her experiences. I believe opportunities like these have helped Aiko learn more about international visits by members of the Imperial Family. When I visited Mongolia in 2007, I saw that Ulaanbaatar had developed along a tributary of the Tuul River. Ancient cities like Karakorum and Kharkhorin were formed along the Orkhon River. Even in a land of grasslands and deserts, I was deeply moved by how rivers contributed to urban development. I have always believed that enjoying the blessings of water while coping with natural disasters is a common challenge for humanity. Understanding a country's water-related issues can also lead to a deeper understanding of its society and culture. This time, I will have the opportunity to visit the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and the Gachuurt water source. I am pleased that Japan's economic and technical cooperation is contributing there and hope to deepen my understanding of Mongolia's urban development and water issues. Since Mongolia's democratization in the 1990s, Japan has expanded cooperation across a wide range of fields. I have heard that this long-standing cooperation has fostered trust and familiarity among the Mongolian people toward Japan. Hopefully, our visit will further strengthen the friendly ties between our countries. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave to welcoming children upon arriving at Ulaanbaatar's School No. 149 — 1:59 PM, July 9, in Ulaanbaatar. (Pool photo) Masako and I were both born after the war and did not experience it ourselves. However, we have had opportunities to hear about wartime from the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita. We hope to carry on their strong commitment to peace. This year marks 80 years since the end of the war. To never forget the suffering and sorrow people endured, we have visited places such as Iwo Jima, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. Aiko accompanied us to Okinawa, which suffered severe ground battles. We listened to accounts from survivors and bereaved families and were deeply moved by their unimaginable hardships. These experiences reaffirmed the importance of peace. Fewer people remain who lived through the war, so it is extremely important to hear their stories firsthand. We must pass down those memories and lessons to the next generation. As I mentioned earlier, during this visit, I would like to reflect on such history. I plan to offer flowers at the memorial for the deceased Japanese and pay tribute to those who, against their will, lost their lives far from home. I wish to honor their hardships. Since the end of the war, Japan has worked together with countries around the world, including Mongolia, to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the international community. Based on the history of exchanges our two countries have built up over the years, I hope this visit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Mongolia. When I last visited Mongolia, Aiko was still very young. She had a strong interest in sumo at the time. It was during the period when Mongolian wrestlers like Asashoryu were very active. Aiko even remembered that Asashoryu's real name was Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj. I believe that through sumo, she developed a sense of closeness to Mongolia. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako warmly welcomed by a woman in traditional dress upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Mongolia — afternoon of July 6. (Pool photo) Since then, as she has grown older, she seems to have taken more interest in Mongolian society as well. This is especially true now in her role at the Japanese Red Cross Society. On this visit, I hope that Masako and I can share with Aiko various aspects of Mongolia — what kind of country it is, its people's way of life, society, and history — as well as insights into the Mongolia of today. Regarding Laos, the topic of food came up earlier, and what impressed me most was that they also eat sticky rice. I've had sticky rice there several times myself. Overall, I found many similarities between their dietary habits and those of Japan. Visiting a country firsthand allows you to learn so much, and it was a truly meaningful experience. I may have mentioned this before, but the Mekong River flows through Laos, just as it does in Vietnam, and seeing how the river is intertwined with people's daily lives and culture was something I deeply appreciated. I have tried airag [fermented mare's milk] a little. There were also other strong alcoholic drinks, but since I had just undergone surgery at the time, I had to limit my alcohol intake. Regarding food, I recall dishes like buuz — similar to Chinese baozi — which are pan-fried or steamed dumplings. There were also many dishes using mutton. I especially remember dumplings, boiled or steamed, that were quite similar to Japanese food. This left a strong impression. I believe that cuisine reflects a nation's culture. When traveling the world, experiencing local food allows me to connect with that culture. That is something I always enjoy. The last time I visited the memorial [for Japanese internees] in Mongolia, it was my first such experience. Since then, I have aged and also learned more by reading documents about the hardships that Japanese people endured in Mongolia at the time. I believe I now have a deeper understanding than I did back then. However, in terms of the sentiment with which I approach the memorial, I feel it remains the same. I intend to pay my respects with the same heartfelt sincerity. As I mentioned earlier, during my last visit, I had the opportunity to meet Mr Yukio Kasuga, who sadly has since passed away. Hearing his personal account of the immense hardship he endured was truly valuable. I am very grateful I was able to meet and speak with him. Author: The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward このページを 日本語 で読む
Mint
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mint
Add some rizz to your monsoon fashion. Here's how
The monsoon season is well and full upon us. Where the days look gloomy with the skies thick with grey clouds, the night showers ensure you're spending almost all your time indoors. By the looks of it, it's not the season to step out in high fashion but that doesn't mean you need to lounge around in drab clothes either. The key to dressing up for the season is comfort, practicality – rubber boots, yes, suede shoes, no – and some colour to cheer things up. To just play along with the mood, wear clothes rich with monsoon-inspired motifs. Lounge's round-up for the week does just that: it gives you a good pick of fashion that directly draws from the rains along with practical yet stylish accessories you need to survive this wet weather – swimmingly. If you are the kind who goes 'awww' at the thought of petrichor and the first shower of the season, the Aiko bag from Cult Gaia is right up your alley. Made with an acryllic base, the structured mini bag with an open design –perfect for an intimate house party – is adorned with rhinestone embellishments that look like glistening rain drops or dew drops. How pretty is that? Available on ₹ 30,800. Vedika M Waterdrop Drape Dress The simplest way to zhuzh up your wardrobe for the moonsoons is to add a flowy dress that's in theme! This green asymmetric drape dress from label Vedika M made from mushroom satin features a green waterdrop abstract print all over. It comes with a corset belt that cinches at the waist. Yes, go pitter patter with style. Available on ₹ 15,500. Hunter Women's Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots. This one's simple logic, dear reader. If it is raining, deck your feet out in rubber wellies – that's the only way to wade through India's pot-holed and waterlogged roads this time of the year. And our top pick to do the job are these tall Hunter boots. The brand's a British cult classic that's got the stamp of approval by supermodels and English royalty alike. This pair of handcrafted and vulcanised boots are made from natural rubber that's been given a high-gloss finish. And that military red colour… guaranteed to stop traffic. Available on ₹ 16,266. Suket Dhir 'Janbaaz' Bomber Jacket. Greys, moody blues and blacks, are the colours naturally associated with this season. We're not complaining if it looks like the 'Janbaaz' bomber jacket from label Suket Dhir. Made in a unique cloud monsoon colour, the men's jacket is crafted in silk damask and features a lively rainforest-inspired print that is oh-so-cheerful. A good way to liven up muted colours is to pair them up with bright hues like reds, yellows and bright greens. Available on ₹ 54,650. Suhani Pittie Sun Beam and Pearl Cloud Stud Earrings. Jewellery designers have always found inspiration from nature during the monsoon, whether its the rain's crystalline form, sun rays or rainbows. This bold Suhani Pittie design, with sunbeams emerging from pearl streamlets, rubies and emeralds, instantly conjures the image of sun's rays shining through a puffy clouds. Available on ₹ 26,500. Countrymade Ivory Chanderi Rain Embroidered Kurta Set. With embroidery that evokes sharp drops of rain, this kurta set from label Countrymade makes for a great addition to your monsoon-wear moodboard. The embroidered kurta is stitched in soft Chanderi silk and is paired with a matching churidar. Available on ₹ 22,990. Prada Lightweight Re-Nylon Raincoat. Does your all-season tote have a raincoat packed in? A season must-have, opt for a roomy raincoat that's made with only the best material. We've got our eyes on this cork beige-toned oversized raincoat from Prada. Made with regenerated nylon, it's lightweight, features a hood, wide welt pockets, long sleeves and elasticized cuffs among other features to keep you dry and cosy. Available on ₹ 1.86 lakh. Moschino Dessert-Patterned Umbrella. Umbrellas are functional accessories, we agree, but when did that mean you had to pick conventional patterns? Use your umbrella to make a statement about yourself. Or just add some humour to the grey environs. This black Moschino umbrella with it's teapot and cake motifs all over screams quirkiness that everyone would love to have a bite of. Available on ₹ 14,289.
The Mainichi
28-06-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Japan Imperial Family's beloved dog Yuri dies due to old age
TOKYO -- The Imperial Family's beloved dog Yuri has died due to old age at 16 years and 4 months, a close aide to the Imperial Household announced on June 26. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko were all present when Yuri passed away on the evening of June 23 at the Imperial Residence within the Imperial Palace. Yuri was a female mixed breed dog with Shiba Inu traits, rescued at a veterinary hospital. The Imperial Couple adopted her in the spring of 2009 when she was about 2 months old, and Princess Aiko named her Yuri. She appeared frequently in family photographs released by the Imperial Household Agency to mark the family's birthdays and other occasions. Yuri had received training as a therapy dog and reportedly participated in animal therapy activities until the COVID-19 pandemic began. She interacted with children hospitalized in pediatric wards and took walks with them in hospital hallways. According to the aide, the Imperial Family stayed by Yuri's side in her final moments, recalling how deeply she had been loved by many people.
