A thread to discuss the Japanese Imperial Family's news not related to official duties.Controversy surrounding the succession to the Imperial Throne of Japan ? Royal Central (http://royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/opinion/controversy-surrounding-the-succession-to-the-imperial-throne-of-japan-96894)
QuoteThe Japanese Monarchy is the oldest monarchy in the world, and that becomes very clear from the moment you come across the succession law that governs it.
We are now in 2018 and women are still not allowed to succeed to the Chrysanthemum Throne which is unacceptable in the world today where the principles of gender equality are so desperately important.
The succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne follows the rules established by the Imperial House Law of 1947 that sets the succession according to the principles of Salic Law, which states that only males have dynastic rights.
A great irony of the Japanese succession law is that it creates an even bigger problem for the Imperial Family due to the lack of male heirs to the throne.
I wish that this had been resolved years ago when it was obvious that the CP couple were not going to have any other children. No males had been born in the family for decades until the birth of Prince Hashito. Allowing women to take the their place in the line of succession should not be an in issue in the 21st century IMHO.
That's right, TLLK, but tell that to the Imperial Household! I think most Japanese, especially the younger generation, think this situation is ridiculous. However, those fossils and other conservative elements within the extended Imperial Family itself won't move on the subject. Perhaps if Hashito has no male heirs? We are looking at another generation before anything enlightened occurs, I think.
Princess Aiko heads to Britain to attend course at Eton College?The Asahi Shimbun (http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201807230035.html)
QuoteThe 16-year-old daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako left for England on July 22 from Tokyo?s Haneda Airport.
During her first solo-stay abroad, the princess will be housed in a student dormitory in the college grounds close to Windsor Castle, one of the residences of Britain's royal family.
Eton, founded in the 15th century by royal decree, is probably England's most renowned school. It has a reputation for educating generations of the aristocracy.
Its summer school program is closely tied to that of the one operated by Gakushuin Girls? Senior High School in Tokyo that Aiko attends.
I'm glad that Aiko is being given the opportunity to travel outside of Japan like her older cousins Mako and Kako did when they were younger. Other royal princesses have also been busy traveling this summer or will do so soon.
Leonor and Sofia of Spain spent a month at an American summer camp to practice their English. Belgium's Elisabeth will be starting school in Wales this September.
In an era of social distancing, does Japan's emperor need social media? (https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/08/18/national/social-issues/emperor-naruhito-socia-media/)
Unlike most of his peers in Europe the Emperor has been seen via social media or in televised addresses.
QuoteWhen Emperor Naruhito attended a nationally televised ceremony this past weekend to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Japan?s surrender in World War II, it was practically his first major public appearance in six months ? and possibly his last this year.
The pandemic has forced the cancellation of ceremonies, parties and international trips that otherwise would have raised the profile of the nation?s emperor, who took the helm of the world?s oldest continuous monarchy last year. Instead, his absence from the public spotlight has created an impression of him fading from view, prompting many to wonder, ?Where is the emperor??
COVID-19 presents the question of how the emperor can live up to his constitutionally defined role as the ?symbol? of the people when circumstances prevent him from adhering to the precedents set by former Emperor Akihito, his tremendously popular father.
During his 30-year reign, Akihito famously carved out a new interpretation of the vaguely worded concept of a ?symbolic? emperor.
The now-emperor emeritus sought to personify this role by taking an unprecedentedly intimate approach to the people. For example, he and his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, frequently visited disaster evacuees in person and comforted them on the same eye level, sometimes even kneeling down.
Quotehe roundabout way Emperor Naruhito delivered his message on the pandemic, however, raises the question of why he didn?t just speak to the people directly.
His reticence has contrasted sharply with the great lengths to which kings and queens overseas, especially those in Europe, went in the early days of the pandemic to communicate with the public, issuing an array of video messages seeking to allay their fears.
Those include British Queen Elizabeth II, King Harald V of Norway, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Spain?s King Felipe VI.
The difference in attitudes partly stems from the unique role and authority assigned to emperors, who are stripped of political power under the postwar Constitution as the antithesis of their godlike status during the war, which symbolized Imperial Japan?s militarism. As such, they cannot say anything that is even remotely political in public today, with their words often strictly vetted and scripted in advance.
Such is the weight of words of emperors that their direct addresses to the nation are, as a rule, reserved only for very special moments, observers say.
I'd be surprised if they do. I mean as a Japanese martial arts practitioner I Ai Do (Iaido, Iajutsu), I've studied their culture, when one is serious in any of their social and culture arts (and sports, arms into ancient wars) they are silent people, within the bustle and hustle.
@wannable Wow@ That's fascinating.
It's about time that they held these discussions IMHO as limiting male only succession has left the Imperial throne with only three successors: CP Fumihito (55), Prince Hishato (14) and Prince Hitachi (85).
QuoteJapan's imperial house has been shrinking under the 1947 Imperial House Law, which states that only men in the paternal line can ascend the throne. It also requires women marrying commoners to abandon their royal status.
Japan to set up panel on imperial succession as family shrinks (https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/7a5ed0d4d754-japan-to-set-up-panel-on-imperial-succession-as-family-shrinks.html)
QuoteA Kyodo News poll conducted in March and April last year showed 85 percent of respondents were in favor of allowing women to ascend the throne.
However, conservatives in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are reluctant to make significant changes to the imperial succession, with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga saying in January, "Under current circumstances, male-only succession should be given priority."
The panel will likely discuss ways to alleviate the burden of official duties on a shrinking pool of imperial family members, such as delegating duties to women who have lost their royal status after marrying a commoner or allowing them to head their own branches of the imperial family.
Yes, reviewing the process is important as this very small group begins to age.
About time? There is one teenage boy, one male in late middle age and a very old man in the direct line of succession. One of these days reality will bite these conservatives where the sun don?t shine and they?ll be forced to confront the modern world. Surely even they would realise that the pool of IF members will have to include female relatives if it keeps on shrinking.
Quite frankly it would have been useful if the creaking medieval edifice that is the Japanese Imperial Household officialdom had been disassembled some time in 1946 during Occupation, allowing members of the IF to behave more like human beings and less like programmed robots over the last 75 years! !
It's not going to happen, it will be discussed as the PM said, but the majority will keep the monarchy as is.
Is public pressure driving this?
Yes, they have an 'aging population' who still hold the Monarchy very dearly (so they are worried about the future) - Japanese culture pass on (and their offspring take it very seriously and a priority in their lives) their history, because it was the Monarch who made sure there was peace (and a transitional surrender) WWII. The panel to discuss will be recorded for history, but the PM with no public or political opposition said: ?Under current circumstances, male-only succession should be given priority,.
My sensei master is the last generation in the Japanese martial arts I practice. It will die with him, as he never married or has children, he does have a Japanese successor - it's so serious - the communique was sent to all schools worldwide 2020. Since the pandemic, nobody but his students in Japan have seen him. He travels to 12 countries/12 months of the year every year, invited by the local Japanese embassy tied to the Cultural Department of each country he travels. So, I would always travel to the closest country or if/when loads of cash to spare, travel and experience another farther country. The schooling and attendance is exclusive. My point is they keep their tradition very seriously, my sensei is the 12th generation from his family of Samurai's. His father, the father of his father and so on, it's fascinating.
Former Emperor and Empress of Japan among Imperial Family members to be vaccinated ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/former-emperor-and-empress-of-japan-among-imperial-family-members-to-be-vaccinated-161064/)
QuoteEmperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko received Covid-19 vaccinations earlier this week. Aged 87 and 86 respectfully, they are two of six imperial family members who received the vaccine.
Princess Nobuko, Princess Hisako and Prince Hitachi and his wife, Princess Hanako, also got their jabs. Seven Imperial Family members are eligible, but 97-year-old Princess Yuriko has yet to be inoculated.
Japan began vaccinated its elderly population, totaling 36 million, in mid-April. As of now, half a million have their shots and the government plans for their second shots to be done around July. The Imperial Household Agency stated it will work with local government and the health ministry to get vaccines, ?We will follow the government?s policy and conduct vaccinations for them based on their wishes.?
The Emperor has also received his first COVID vaccine as of today.
Emperor of Japan gets first jab as Tokyo declares new state of emergency ahead of Olympics ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/emperor-of-japan-gets-first-jab-as-tokyo-declares-new-state-of-emergency-ahead-of-olympics-162872/)
QuoteThe Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, has received his first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Akasaka Imperial Residence.
The Imperial Household Agency broke with their stance to not share vaccination information on the Imperial Family, revealing Emperor Naruhito received his first shot on 6 July. However, they did not reveal if his wife, Empress Masako, also received a jab.
A spokesman for the Imperial Household explained why they shared the news on the Emperor: ?We deemed it appropriate to make an announcement about the Emperor as he is the symbol of the state.?
It is known that Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Michiko were inoculated in June.
Tokyo has just declared another state of emergency, its fourth, due to the upsurge in coronavirus cases. The Olympics are due to start in Japan in just a couple of weeks; the Opening Ceremony is set for 23 July.
The Emperor of Japan, 61, was said to be concerned about the Olympic Games at the end of last month.
The Emperor is ?extremely worried? that the Olympics and Paralympics will result in the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. In a press conference this week, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency, Yasuhiko Nishimura, said that Naruhito had expressed his concern over the games.
Why is it that some places, the Royal families very old members are only getting vaccinated now? I can understand that they dont want to be seen jumping the queue but it seems like it is taking a long time for quite elderly people to be done... in some places
I think this is an isolated case of overthinking decisions, decisions, decisions.
Japan is top 10 worldwide.
Quote from: wannable on July 09, 2021, 01:51:34 PM
I think this is an isolated case of overthinking decisions, decisions, decisions.
Japan is top 10 worldwide.
Top 10 at what? In the UK.. people of the older royals' age were vaccinated ages ago.. and I think in the US too...
Japan's vaccinated population 60 million and ongoing.
so how come the Imperial family elders who are what 70 at least, have only just been done?
As I said, I think it is an ''isolated'' royals overthinking decisions, decisions, decisions.
I think the Imperial Japanese House Agency, the group of extremely conservative courtiers come civil servants that oversee the Imperial Family?s doings, were probably in charge of this decision as they are with virtually everything else to do with their lives.
As for the Tokyo Olympics, it?s going ahead but not exactly sparking on all cylinders. This Olympics will be one to remember but not exactly in a good sense.
:goodpost:
Conservative = slow. :D
Quote from: Curryong on July 09, 2021, 02:32:07 PM
I think the Imperial Japanese House Agency, the group of extremely conservative courtiers come civil servants that oversee the Imperial Family?s doings, were probably in charge of this decision as they are with virtually everything else to do with their lives.
As for the Tokyo Olympics, it?s going ahead but not exactly sparking on all cylinders. This Olympics will be one to remember but not exactly in a good sense.
I am saddened for those fans who will not be able to watch the athletes. Likewise the athletes will not have the support of the crowds which IMO does impact their performances.
Quote from: Curryong on July 09, 2021, 02:32:07 PM
I think the Imperial Japanese House Agency, the group of extremely conservative courtiers come civil servants that oversee the Imperial Family?s doings, were probably in charge of this decision as they are with virtually everything else to do with their lives.
so are Japanese people of 70 odd vaccinated. Sorry I dont know how old the older Imperials are.. but I assumed that Japan would have done its 70 plus poeple by now. And it seems unfair to leave the older royals unvaccinated if they are of the legal age to be done.
Newsweek report on the vaccination rate of the elderly in Japan. It?s expected that this sector of the population will be 70% fully vaccinated by the end of August.
R Japan Expects 70 Percent of Elderly Population to be COVID Vaccinated by End of August (https://www.newsweek.com/japan-expects-70-elderly-population-covid-vaccinated-end-august-1604217)
Well it's not surprising, Japan is #1 worldwide with the highest aging population. One can translate that their health is remarkable (pre pandemic and to date)
It seems very late in the day for people over 70 to be just having their vaccinations now. In the UK, people of 60 plus were having it in March.... and now they seem to be doing people of 30 plus
If you have the hightest aging population in the world, it pretty much makes sense they are still vaccinating these people.
Japan hit by royal crisis as government advisory panel rules out allowing women to take the throne despite popular support and a shortage of male heirs
Japan hit by succession crisis as advisory panel rules out allowing women to take the throne (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9835221/amp/Japan-hit-succession-crisis-advisory-panel-rules-allowing-women-throne.html?__twitter_impression=true)
Everybody had better hope that Prince Hisahito grows up, marries in his twenties and produces three or four sons for his country then. Otherwise Japan might be re-examining this issue in a couple of decades.
Seriously though, there is a difference between postponing something in the hope it will never happen and making SOME contingency plan as provision for the future, surely? I know the elite surrounding the Imperial Family is extremely cautious, but really?!
3
Japan's imperial family may begin ADOPTING sons with aristocratic heritage to tackle a shortage of male heirs to the throne.
Japan's imperial family may begin ADOPTING sons to tackle a shortage of male heirs to the throne (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9962633/amp/Japans-imperial-family-begin-ADOPTING-sons-tackle-shortage-male-heirs-throne.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline&__twitter_impression=true)
How about instead ending the custom of cutting off female members of the Imperial Japanese family once they marry. Or, better still, take another look at allowing female heirs to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne. After all, they have a perfect example right now in Aiko, Princess ToshI.
Quote from: PrincessOfPeace on September 07, 2021, 02:59:19 PM
Japan's imperial family may begin ADOPTING sons with aristocratic heritage to tackle a shortage of male heirs to the throne.
Japan's imperial family may begin ADOPTING sons to tackle a shortage of male heirs to the throne (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9962633/amp/Japans-imperial-family-begin-ADOPTING-sons-tackle-shortage-male-heirs-throne.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline&__twitter_impression=true)
An interesting solution to this problem.
Quote from: Curryong on September 07, 2021, 03:27:16 PM
How about instead ending the custom of cutting off female members of the Imperial Japanese family once they marry. Or, better still, take another look at allowing female heirs to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne. After all, they have a perfect example right now in Aiko, Princess ToshI.
Yes. I would hope that this is going to be an option for the female members of the Asian, Middle East and Africa will one day consider allowing them to ascend to the throne.
September 12: Princess Hisako attended the WE League match between Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka in Kita, Tokyo.
https://twitter.com/ImperialJPNfan/status/1437082908406075399?s=20
A look back at 2021 for the Imperial Family which saw the Olympics, a milestone birthday for Princess Aiko and a long awaited marriage. :snowflake:
Japan: A look back at the royal year focused on a not so royal wedding and the Olympics ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/japan-a-look-back-at-the-royal-year-focused-on-a-not-so-royal-wedding-and-the-olympics-169961/)
Princess Aiko's first official duties revealed.
Princess Aiko?s first official royal duty revealed ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/princess-aikos-first-official-royal-duty-revealed-170131/)
QuoteThe first official royal duty of Japan?s Princess Aiko has been revealed by the Japanese Imperial Household.
Princess Aiko, 20, will attend the New Year Receptions as her first official royal duty since coming of age in early December. The events will take place on New Year?s Day 2022.
The ceremonies will begin at 10 am local time at the Imperial Palace.
The traditional public greeting of the Emperor and his family will not take place on 2 January at the Imperial Palace due to the global health situation. A video message from Emperor Naruhito will be released instead.
Her first official court duty was also announced. She will attend the memorial ceremony for Emperor Taisho on 25 December.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has handed off the hot potato issue of imperial succession to the Diet, which is expected to divide lawmakers as there is no concrete proposal for the future at present.
More: Parties split on imperial throne succession as report submitted | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis (https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14521209)
Japan?s Princess Yoko leaves hospital after recovering from COVID ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/japans-princess-yoko-leaves-hospital-after-recovering-from-covid-172750/)
QuoteJapan?s Princess Yoko has left hospital after recovering from COVID and pneumonia.
Her Imperial Highness was discharged from hospital on Wednesday, 16 February.
The Imperial Household said the royal?s symptoms improved with treatment and had been released by her doctors. She will recuperate at her family?s home on the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo.
Princess Yoko, 38, was admitted to a hospital inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo early last week after testing positive for COVID-19. At the time, the Imperial Household Agency said she was tested after developing a sore throat the previous day.
A few days later, she developed a moderate form of pneumonia and was transferred to the University of Tokyo Hospital.
Yoko is the first member of the Imperial Family to contract the coronavirus.
She was in close contact with her older sister, Princess Akiko, 40; however, her sister has since tested negative for the virus.
Princess Aiko to hold first press conference ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/princess-aiko-to-hold-first-press-conference-173886/)
QuoteJapan?s Princess Aiko is set to hold her first press conference on 17 March.
This is the press conference for her 20th birthday ? the coming of age in Japan ? that was postponed due to her university education.
Imperial Family members traditionally hold a press conference when they come of age, but the press conference was pushed back to allow the Princess to not interrupt her studies.
Her press conference will take place during her spring break. An Imperial Household Agency official said that this was ?the best period for the Princess to consider answers to questions from the press while feeling that she became an adult.?
Aiko is a student at Gakushuin University studying Japanese language and literature.
Now that she is an adult, Princess Aiko will undertake royal duties, but the Imperial Household has said her studies will come first. Her first public working event was the New Year celebration in 2022.
Princess Akiko of Japan becomes visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/princess-akiko-of-japan-becomes-visiting-professor-at-ritsumeikan-university-175018/)
Don?t know whether this post is in the correct thread or not, but I remember reading about this exhibition and how I?d dearly love to see it. I think Japanese decorative arts are just extraordinary, exquisitely beautiful in many cases, and it?s clear that members of the BRF were very alive to this in the 19th century.
It?s often forgotten that the period from the opening up of Japan to the West right up until the souring of relations in the mid 1930s was a time of a very close relationship between the UK and Japan, including a naval alliance in WW1. (These warm links weren?t really viewed very favourably here in Aus between the Wars, btw.)
From the article.
?Also featured are letters and photographs detailing deepening ties between the two countries during the second half of the 19th century. Among them is a letter from Prince Alfred to his mother, Queen Victoria, reflecting on his 1869 visit to Japan -- the first by a British royal -- and praising the Asian country's "beautiful landscape."
1869 btw was the beginning of the West falling in love with Japanese art and design, Japanoiserie, beginning with an exhibition in Paris and culminating in the Aesthetic Movement of the 1880s. Affie, like his parents did have a liking for drawing and painting and this visit probably caught his imagination.
?Among the exhibition's highlights is a set of silk screens given to Queen Victoria by Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi in 1860. The screens were previously thought to be lost and their provenance was only recently rediscovered by curators.?
Exhibit showcasing U.K.-Japan royal relationship opens in London (https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/04/1bde8e5353fd-exhibit-showcasing-uk-japan-royal-relationship-opens-in-london.html)
@Curryong-I wish that there had been more photos to view, but the objects displayed were lovely. I had no idea that contact between the two nations had occurred as far back as 1610 especially since Japan had been famously isolated (by choice) for centuries.) I can understand why this exhibit would be very appealing. I wonder if the long postponed incoming State Visit between Japan and the UK will be able to take place? QEII would have known both of Emperor Nahurito's predecessors.
Yes I am absolutely sure that the Queen has met the present Emperor?s parents and possibly grandparents. I?m not so sure about Hirohito attending the Coronation in 1953, in spite of the mentioned gift. He may have sent his son in his place. It was also reasonably soon after the war and there was still great resentment in both Britain and the Empire about the awful treatment of British and Aussie and Kiwi prisoners of war by Japanese troops so am not sure what kind of welcome he would have received by the crowds.
Some info about the early part British seamen adventurers played in those early days, though the Dutch were the big movers and shakers in SE Asia then!
1600. William Adams, a seaman from Gillingham, Kent, was the first English adventurer to arrive in Japan. Acting as an advisor to the Tokugawa shōgun, he was renamed Miura Anjin, granted a house and land, and spent the rest of his life in his adopted country. He also became one of the first English samurai.[citation needed]
1605. John Davis, the famous English explorer, was killed by Japanese pirates off the coast of Thailand, thus becoming the first known Englishman to be killed by a Japanese.[3]
The 1613 letter of King James I remitted to Tokugawa Ieyasu (Preserved in the Tokyo University archives)
1613. Following an invitation from William Adams in Japan, the English captain John Saris arrived at Hirado Island in the ship Clove with the intent of establishing a trading factory. Adams and Saris travelled to Suruga Province where they met with Tokugawa Ieyasu at his principal residence in September before moving on to Edo where they met Ieyasu's son Hidetada. During that meeting, Hidetada gave Saris two varnished suits of armour for King James I, today housed in the Tower of London.[4] On their way back, they visited Tokugawa once more, who conferred trading privileges on the English through a Red Seal permit giving them "free licence to abide, buy, sell and barter" in Japan.[5] The English party headed back to Hirado Island on 9 October 1613. However, during the ten-year activity of the company between 1613 and 1623, apart from the first ship (Clove in 1613), only three other English ships brought cargoes directly from London to Japan.
1623. The Amboyna massacre was perpetrated by the Dutch East India Company. After the incident England closed its commercial base at Hirado Island, now in Nagasaki Prefecture, without notifying Japan. After this, the relationship ended for more than two centuries.
1625. A number of documents including the Iaponian Charter, are the first published translated Japanese documents into English by Samuel Purchas
I?m in love Japanese cloisonn? enamels and I hope British royals received some as gifts. Like you, I wish the article linked above had shown more illustrations.
Some of them in the V and A museum are truly lovely and must have taken such patience. The artists? eyesight must have been gone by forty though!
https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/japanese-cloisonne-enamels-an-expression-of-endless-patience
Princess Aiko to continue university studies online ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/princess-aiko-to-continue-university-studies-online-175099/)
QuoteJapan?s Princess Aiko plans to continue her university studies online for the time being.
The only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako is in her third year of university and has said she will study online to prevent her parents from getting sick.
The Princess is said to want to take in-person classes but doesn?t want to risk exposing her parents to COVID-19 as Japan is seeing an uptick in positive cases. An aide said, ?Aiko?s heart was shaken, and after consulting with her doctor, she made this decision.?
Aiko?s classes begin on 12 April at Gakushuin University, where she is majoring in Japanese literature and language.
Taking courses online should not be a problem in the near future for Aiko.
Japan's Emperor Emeritus diagnosed with heart failure | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220726_22/)
QuoteJapan's Imperial Household Agency says Emperor Emeritus Akihito has been diagnosed with heart failure, but that his condition is improving with treatment.
The agency says the Emperor Emeritus, the father of Emperor Naruhito, underwent an MRI scan at the University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday.
Doctors detected a faulty valve on the right side of his heart.
Heart failure was suspected based on several medical evaluations conducted since last month.
The agency says he doesn't feel the effects of the disease, and that his condition is improving since he started taking medication and restricting his fluid intake in late June.
In 2012, the Emperor Emeritus underwent a heart bypass operation after being diagnosed with angina. But his doctors say there's no link between that operation and his current condition.
The agency says for now the Emperor Emeritus has reduced his activities, such as by shortening his morning and evening walks, but that other restrictions aren't necessary. The agency says he will continue to receive treatment at home.
Hopeful that this annual New Year's Greeting will be permitted this year.
Could Japan be reintroducing New Year greeting? ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/could-japan-be-reintroducing-new-year-greeting-182853/)
Emperor Naruhito undergoes MRI for prostate cancer scare ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/emperor-naruhito-undergoes-mri-for-prostate-cancer-scare-183203/)
QuoteEmperor Naruhito has undergone an MRI test following a blood draw result that sparked some concerns for his health.
Shortly before 9:30 am Tokyo time on Monday, 7 November, the Emperor entered the University of Tokyo Hospital to undergo the scheduled check. He came out of the facility after 1 pm and was seen nodding to the people that recognised him.
The Imperial Household Agency had announced on 3 October that the Emperor would have to undergo this procedure, following a ?slightly elevated? PSA marker. The acronym stands for ?Prostate-Specific Antigen,? and, in some instances, it is connected to the presence of prostate cancer in the individual.
His Imperial Majesty, who is now 62-years-old, has not changed his schedule following these results and has continued to carry out his regular daily routine, which also includes some light jogging, according to sources.
It is expected that the results of the MRI will take at least a few days to reach the patient and his staff, but the public can expect to receive news about them as soon as they have been read and analysed by the Emperor?s medical staff.
Empress Masako unable to attend birthday celebrations for daughter due to health ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/empress-masako-unable-to-attend-birthday-celebrations-for-daughter-due-to-health-184200/)
How sad for Empress Masako that she was unable to attend. I hope that she makes a full recovery soon.
Quote
Empress Masako of Japan was unable to attend birthday celebrations for her daughter, Princess Aiko, due to her health.
Princess Aiko turned 21 on 1 December and marked the day by visiting her grandparents, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. She also greeted staff at the Imperial Palace on her special day.
The only child of the Emperor and Empress received congratulations from staff who included the Chief of the Imperial Household Agency, the Deputy Chief, the Chief Chamberlain and the Chamberlain staff. Emperor Naruhito was there to wish his daughter a happy birthday, as well, but Empress Masako could not attend due to health reasons.
All that has been reported in Japanese media is that the Empress was in poor health on the day.
Empress Masako has struggled with health issues for years, and as a result, during her time as Crown Princess of Japan, she spent many years out of the limelight. The Empress has dealt with stress-induced mental health issues for years; she developed an adjustment disorder after the birth of Princess Aiko and the stress of trying to produce a male heir.
Around the time of Emperor Naruhito?s enthronement in 2019 and her 56th birthday that year, her doctors said her condition had improved. However, they added: ?But she has not fully recovered, and her conditions have ups and downs. She gets tired after a major event or after a series of events.
?Having over-expectations could go counter to her recovery.?
They stressed the importance of her continuing treatment with the support of those around her.
Empress Masako appears at events in Japan but has prioritised her health. Princess Aiko is said to be a strong emotional support to her mother.
YEAR IN REVIEW: Threats, health scares, and new beginnings for the Japanese Imperial Family in 2022 ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/year-in-review-threats-health-scares-and-new-beginnings-for-the-japanese-imperial-family-in-2022-184830/)
QuoteThe Japanese Imperial Family has had its share of threats and health scares throughout 2022. However, the year was also one for new beginnings.
The Imperial Family releases New Year's photos of the Emperor, Empress, Princess Aiko, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emeritus and the Crown Prince family: CP, CPss, Princess Kako and Prince Hishahito.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako beam in family portraits | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11589761/Japans-Emperor-Naruhito-Empress-Masako-beam-family-portraits.html)
Princess Aiko finally has the opportunity to attend in person university classes. I'm so sorry that she's been unable to experience normal student life. I hope that she has the chance to go abroad to study like her father and mother did when they were in their twenties.
Japan?s Princess Aiko finally able to attend in-person classes ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/japans-princess-aiko-finally-able-to-attend-in-person-classes-186844/)
Seems like a fragile threesome. I hope Masako recovers soon.
Japanese Prince to undergo surgery ? Royal Central (https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/japanese-prince-to-undergo-surgery-187529/)
QuoteA Japanese royal is set to undergo surgery.
Prince Hitachi, 87, will undergo ureteral stone surgery at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center in Tokyo.
The surgery will take place on 20 March and will consist of breaking apart the stones.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the uncle of Emperor Naruhito is not in any pain from the stones. He is spending his days as usual, and the stones have not caused any interruption in his daily activities.
Prince Hitachi was hospitalised in early March as a precautionary measure after a high fever. The Imperial Household Agency said the royal was hospitalised due to his advanced age.
He suffered from a stuffy and runny nose but tested negative for the flu and COVID-19.
The royal first visited the hospital on 28 February with close to a 37 C fever; he returned home when the fever reduced but was forced to return to the hospital when his fever got to 38 C.
He was discharged on 5 March.
The Imperial Family visited the Imperial Stock Farm to visit the animals.
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Empress Masako attends the Red Cross Convention.
Empress Masako Attends Japanese Red Cross Convention | Nippon.com (https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023051800135/empress-masako-attends-japanese-red-cross-convention.html)