Princess Aiko Makes Debut Appearance at Imperial Palace Garden Party

2024-04-24 14:25:52

On April 23, 2024, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan organized one of their traditional garden parties. For the first time, Princess Aiko attended a reception this spring in the gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Also read: Emperor Naruhito hosts the first garden party of his reign in the rain

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako host their first garden party of 2024

For years, as soon as the sunny days arrive, it was customary for the emperor and empress of Japan to organize their first garden party. Emperor Naruhito, who has only ruled since May 2019, was less fortunate than his predecessors. The health crisis affected the organization of the garden parties, so much so that he was unable to organize his first spring garden party in May 2023.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at the garden party with their daughter, the crown couple and princesses of Japan (Photo: Kohei Chibahara/Jiji Press/ABACAPRESS.COM)

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This April 24, the first garden party of the year was also special. For the first time ever, Princess Aiko, 22, also took part in the event. The only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wore a pink dress. In addition to the imperial couple and their daughter, guests were able to meet Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko.

According to The times of Japan, there were 1,400 who responded to the invitation. A number of garden parties will be organized until the fall. They allow deserving citizens to share a moment in the presence of the imperial family. Political figures, from the world of business, from the cultural and associative sector, but also people who have won awards or have achieved fame in their own field are invited.

Princess Aiko attends her first garden party on April 24, 2024 (Photo: Kohei Chibahara/Jiji Press/ABACAPRESS.COM)

Then the Emperor and Empress shook hands with a few hand-picked guests. Emperor Naruhito, for example, met a veteran last Wednesday. He also received the former president of the Japan Football Association, Saburo Kawabuchi. Another great first for this event, it was the first garden party of the Rewa era where guests did not have to wear a protective mask.

Nicolas Fontaine Editor-in-Chief

Nicolas Fontaine was a designer-editor and author for many Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is editor-in-chief. [email protected]