Imperial Family
Japan's Imperial couple, along with Princess Aiko, have postponed a visit to Tohoku due to cold symptoms. The trip was planned to inspect recovery efforts in areas hit by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Prince Hisahito of the Japanese imperial family visited the mausoleums of Emperor Meiji and Emperor Komei in Kyoto on February 27, 2026, to report the completion of his coming-of-age ceremony from last September. The visit was private during his university spring break, and he performed rituals in morning dress.
Princess Aiko attended a ceremony on December 14 commemorating the 50th anniversary of Chiba University's School of Nursing, where she delivered a speech wishing for its continued success. She reflected on her May visit to areas hit by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, stressing the growing importance of nursing and support for disaster victims in emergencies. Around 400 people, including students and staff, joined the event.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Empress Masako marked her 62nd birthday on December 9 by reflecting on the importance of lasting peace following visits to World War II memorial sites. Accompanied by Emperor Naruhito, she traveled to Iwoto Island, Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki to honor the war dead. She also shared thoughts on a trip to Mongolia and natural disasters.
Japan's Emperor and Empress visited Mie Prefecture for a two-day trip to attend an annual convention promoting the fishing industry. On Saturday, they toured Toba Aquarium, observing the feeding of protected species like sea otters and dugongs. On Sunday, they participated in the 44th National Festival of Celebration for Maritime Resources in Shima, where the Emperor recalled childhood memories.