National Dec 23, 2020
The emperor emeritus spent much of the year quietly at his residence in Tokyo amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Commentary / Japan Nov 6, 2020
by Kenneth Ruoff
Whereby there are presently only two viable heirs to Japan's imperial throne, it's easy to understand the fragility of the imperial line.
National Oct 20, 2020
The former empress has spent much of the past few months at home, suffering with a mild fever since May.
National May 28, 2020
Former Emperor Akihito visits palace for first time since March
The emperor emeritus, who abdicated on April 30 last year, had been refraining from going out due to the coronavirus pandemic.
National / History Mar 31, 2020
Papers reveal plan for Emperor Akihito to visit South Korea on first trip
South Korean diplomatic records declassified Tuesday show the Japanese government told South Korea in 1989 it hoped to make the country the first overseas destination visited by then Emperor Akihito, after he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne that year. Japan is known to have considered a ...
National Mar 19, 2020
Japan's former emperor and empress move out of palace after 26 years
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko on Thursday moved out of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, their home since 1993, in a first step toward swapping residences with the current emperor and his family. The couple will first stay at the Hayama Imperial Villa ...
National Mar 18, 2020
Japanese government cancels crown prince's court banquets over virus concerns
Due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, the government decided Wednesday to cancel court banquets to be held in April for Crown Prince Akishino in celebration of his elevation to first in line to the chrysanthemum throne. The crown prince was scheduled to ...
National Mar 17, 2020
Japan eyes holding crown prince's April ascension rituals as planned
The government is leaning toward holding rituals in April as planned to formally announce Crown Prince Akishino's status as first in line to the throne, with steps taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at the events, according to officials. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide ...
National Mar 7, 2020
Japan's Imperial Household Agency on full alert against coronavirus outbreak
The Imperial Household Agency is taking precautions against the new coronavirus to protect the emperor and other members of the imperial family from infection as concern grows over the outbreak. A number of imperial events have already been canceled or postponed, and more are likely ...
National Jan 30, 2020
Emperor Emeritus Akihito collapses and temporarily loses consciousness
Emperor Emeritus Akihito temporarily lost consciousness and collapsed at his Tokyo residence on Wednesday, but a subsequent medical checkup found no abnormalities, the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday. The 86-year-old's condition is back to normal and he had breakfast as usual on Thursday morning, according ...
National Dec 26, 2019
Emperor, empress console victims in typhoon-hit areas of Japan's northeast
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Thursday visited areas in northeastern Japan that were hit by a powerful typhoon in October and consoled the victims of the deadly storm. The couple visited Marumori in Miyagi Prefecture as well as Motomiya in Fukushima Prefecture. Both areas ...
National Dec 24, 2019
Japan's former emperor and empress likely to celebrate new year with public
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are expected to join other members of the imperial family in greeting New Year's well-wishers, sources at the Imperial Household Agency said Tuesday. If the couple attends the event, at which Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will offer ...