Highlights include an equestrian event, a greening festival, and engagements marking cultural, educational, and commemorative occasions.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko watch the show jumping competition at the Asian Games at Baji Koen Equestrian Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, on October 3.
Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by their daughter, Princess Aiko, visited Baji Koen Equestrian Park in Tokyo on October 3 to watch the show jumping competition at the Asian Games.
The family applauded as riders and horses cleared obstacles 155 centimeters high.
According to officials, the Empress asked, "What's the secret to clearing the obstacles successfully?" while Princess Aiko asked, "How are they able to jump so high?"
National Diet Opening
On October 5, the Emperor attended the opening ceremony of the 222nd session of the National Diet at the Diet Building in Tokyo.
The following day, Their Majesties visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum to see an exhibition titled "Edo in Focus: Japanese Treasures from the British Museum." They viewed a series of sliding-door paintings by the Kano school, whose works are now held in collections in Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
On October 7, Their Majesties sent condolence money through the Imperial Household Agency to Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, which had suffered extensive damage from Typhoon Dujuan.
Asian Games Closing Ceremony
Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko visited Aichi Prefecture on October 4 to attend the closing ceremony of the Asian Games. Prince Akishino served as honorary president of the Games.
On October 7, the couple attended a welcome reception in Tokyo for participants in the 66th Convention of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad.
Urban Greening Festival
Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, visited Kyoto Prefecture on the 6th and 7th to attend events marking the 2026 National Urban Greening Festival.
On the 6th, she toured Tamba Nature Sports Park and Kyoto-Kameoka Hozugawa Park before attending a commemorative reception.
The following day, she attended a ceremony at Kameoka Sports Park. In her speech, she said:
"Flowers and greenery play an important role in mitigating global warming and preventing disasters, while also providing habitats for a wide variety of living creatures. I believe it is deeply meaningful that you cherish, protect, and nurture these irreplaceable natural treasures."
After the ceremony, Princess Kako viewed a garden designed by local high school students.
Other Imperial Engagements
Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko) visited Hyogo Prefecture on the 2nd and 3rd to attend the 75th National Convention of Junior Chamber International Japan, held in Kobe.
On the 7th, she attended the 2026 National Police Judo Tournament at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. The event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Showa era.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa traveled to Aichi Prefecture on the 3rd and 4th to watch the rugby competition at the Asian Games. She serves as honorary president of the Japan Rugby Football Union.
Princess Takamado (Hisako) visited Okayama Prefecture on the 3rd and 4th to attend the 65th International Japanese Speech Contest. She serves as honorary chair of the supporting association of the International Education Center, which organizes the contest.
On the 8th, Princess Hisako visited Roppongi Hills in Tokyo to attend the opening ceremony of "Rhythms of Life in Japan Through Diplomats' Eyes," a photography exhibition featuring images of Japan captured from the perspectives of diplomats, including ambassadors stationed in the country.
The exhibition has been held annually since 1998, and Princess Hisako serves as honorary president of its organizing committee.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun