Highlights of the week included competitions at Japan's largest annual multi-sport amateur event and visits to Aomori's cultural and community sites.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress speak with athletes competing in the 80th Japan Games in Aomori City on October 10. (©Sankei/Kazuya Kamogawa)
Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Aomori Prefecture on October 10 and 11 to attend the 80th Japan Games, formerly known as the National Sports Festival, the country's largest annual domestic multi-sport amateur event.
On October 10, Their Majesties attended the opening ceremony in Aomori City, applauding as the athletes entered the venue.
In his address, the Emperor expressed his hope that the excitement generated by the event, together with a growing appreciation of and love for sports, would inspire hope for the future and carry that spirit forward.
After the ceremony, Their Majesties spoke warmly with tournament officials.
Aomori Tour
The following day, the Emperor and Empress watched table tennis matches in Aomori City before visiting an artificial beach near Aomori Station. The Emperor asked officials whether the beach had experienced any erosion or flooding due to climate change.
They also visited a local welfare facility, where they observed activities bringing together elderly people and children.
Environmental Conference
On October 15, Their Majesties attended the opening ceremony of an international conference at a Tokyo hotel. The conference was organized by the Global Environment Action (GEA), a non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Princess Aiko in Aomori
Princess Aiko, the daughter of Their Majesties, visited Aomori Prefecture on October 12 and 13 to observe events at Japan Games and take part in other engagements.
On October 12, she watched a rubber-ball baseball match in Rokunohe Town. She then visited the Korekawa Jomon Museum in Hachinohe City, where she viewed national treasures, including the Gassho-style Dogu clay figurine. She asked museum staff about the measures taken to preserve the artifacts.
The following day, Princess Aiko watched fencing matches in Mutsu City, applauding the competitors. She also visited a local tourism and community exchange facility, where she observed a presentation by 13 elementary school students about their learning activities focused on marine litter.
Akishino Family
On October 15, Crown Princess Akishino (Kiko) visited the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, a social welfare corporation where she serves as president. She attended a gathering focused on exchanging ideas and experiences related to maternal and child welfare and community development.
On October 11, Princess Kako, the younger daughter of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko, attended Girls' Messe 2026 in Tokyo. Organized by the Girl Scouts of Japan, the event featured presentations on scouting activities and an awards ceremony recognizing young leaders. Princess Kako spoke with high school students and other award recipients.
Princess Hanako of Hitachi
On October 9, Princess Hitachi (Hanako), who serves as honorary vice-president of the Japanese Red Cross Society, attended the 2026 Tokyo Red Cross Convention at Meiji Jingu Kaikan.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa
On October 10, Princess Akiko delivered a lecture at Gakushuin University on the subject of imperial banquets. She serves as a visiting researcher at the Gakushuin Museum.
That evening, the Princess traveled to Okayama Prefecture. The following day, she attended the 38th Okayama Kibi Kogen Wheelchair Friendship Road Race.
On the evening of October 11, she traveled to Niigata Prefecture, where she attended the 35th Prince Tomohito Cup and World Championship Commemorative Tournament, a Grade I (GI) professional Keirin bicycle race, on October 12.
On October 13, Princess Akiko attended the awards ceremony for the 24th Japan Self-Defense Forces of the People Award in Tokyo. She then visited Hokkaido on October 14 and 15 to attend a national convention marking the 70th anniversary of the All Japan Funeral Directors Co-Operation.
Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko
Princess Takamado (Hisako) visited Aomori Prefecture from October 13 to 15, where she watched several events at the National Sports Festival, including jukendo (Japanese bayonet fighting) and soccer. She serves as honorary president of the Japan Football Association.
Her eldest daughter, Princess Tsuguko, also visited Aomori Prefecture on October 14 and 15 to watch Japan Games events, including weightlifting and athletics.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun