Imperial Family
On January 2, Emperor Naruhito and his family greeted crowds of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo during the annual New Year's event. The emperor expressed concern over last year's natural disasters and wished for a peaceful year. Meanwhile, a man in his 20s stripped naked during the event and was quickly restrained by security.
Reported by AI
The Emperor and Empress attended the New Year's greetings ceremony at the Imperial Palace, receiving greetings from Imperial Family members and heads of the three branches of government. Prince Hisahito, aged 19, participated for the first time following his coming-of-age ceremony. The Emperor expressed prayers for the people's happiness and the nation's development.
Princess Aiko returned home on November 22 from her first official overseas visit to Laos. She arrived in the Southeast Asian nation on Monday amid the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Laos. In a statement after her return, the princess expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and hoped for deeper friendship between the two countries.
Reported by AI
Princess Aiko, daughter of Japan's Emperor, continued her official visit to Laos by touring an education center on unexploded ordnance in Vientiane. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to address wartime remnants from the Vietnam War era. Earlier, she met with Laotian leaders to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic ties.