Emperor Naruhito speaks of hopes for pandemic's end in poem at annual ceremony
The imperial family's poems were recited in traditional style at the reading together with 10 works composed by members of the public, selected from 13,830 submissions.
The emperor used a video message to look back on the second year of the pandemic, voicing his wish to meet the public in person again and calling on people to "support each other."
Emperor Emeritus Akihito turns 88 to become Japan's longest living emperor
In good health, he has spent much of the year peacefully with his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, at their temporary home at the Takanawa Imperial Residence.
Japan's Empress Masako turns 58, expresses high hopes for daughter
Empress Masako expressed hopes that her daughter Princess Aiko, who recently came of age, would "grow step by step" to successfully fulfill her official duties.
Japan panel OKs draft proposals for maintaining imperial family line
Japan is looking to address a dwindling number of heirs to the imperial line of succession. A panel has given it two options.
No banquet or tea ceremony is scheduled to be held as a precaution against the coronavirus.
Princess Aiko vows to support parents in official duties as she turns 20
On Sunday, the princess will visit sanctuaries that enshrine the imperial family's ancestors and Japanese gods to offer prayers.
Princess Aiko's 20th birthday ceremonies to be held mainly on Dec. 5
No banquet or similar type of gathering will be held due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Princess Mako's marriage a 'warning sign' for Japan's imperial system
Princess Mako's precedent-setting marriage has highlighted the fact that other imperial family members — including male heirs to the throne — could leave the household in the future.
Japan should look at maternal-line emperors as option, LDP's Seiko Noda says
The current system is difficult to maintain, she said, when only men in the paternal bloodline of the imperial lineage can become emperor.
Emperor Naruhito begins move to palace two years after ascension
Since the emperor was enthroned on May 1, 2019, renovations and other preparations have been underway to prepare for the move.
He is the only heir of his generation as the Imperial House Law states that only males with male lineal descent from emperors can ascend the throne.
