Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko will visit Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku to mark 15 years since the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The Imperial Household Agency announced the trip on February 26, 2026, with visits to Iwate and Miyagi on March 25-26 and Fukushima on April 6-7 to inspect reconstruction progress and meet affected residents. This will be Princess Aiko's first visit to the three prefectures.
The Imperial Household Agency announced on February 26, 2026, that Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko will tour three Tohoku prefectures—Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima—hardest hit by the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing tsunami, to commemorate the 15th anniversary. During the visits, the family plans to inspect reconstruction efforts and meet with residents affected by the disaster.
The itinerary begins with a flight to Iwate Prefecture on March 25, where they will lay flowers at Chinkon no Mori, a memorial facility in Otsuchi town. They will then proceed to Ofunato city to engage with people impacted by the 2011 disaster and a forest fire that occurred in February of the previous year. The schedule continues in Miyagi Prefecture on March 26, followed by Fukushima Prefecture from April 6 to 7.
This marks Princess Aiko's first trip to these three prefectures. The 2011 earthquake caused widespread devastation in Tohoku, particularly in these areas, leading to ongoing reconstruction initiatives. The imperial family has previously supported the region through visits and messages of encouragement.
The tour provides an opportunity for the royal family to assess recovery firsthand and connect with local communities.