2019 official portraits of Japanese Imperial Family were released

On the occasion of the new year, The Imperial Household Agency released official portraits of Japanese Imperial Family on January 1, 2019. Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Princess Aiko, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito got together in the reception hall of the Imperial Palace for the traditional new year photoshoot. The photos were taken on December 3. The Imperial Household Agency also released Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko' waka poems.

The Imperial Household Agency released the final five 31-syllable "waka" poems written in 2018 by Emperor Akihito and three poems written by Empress Michiko to celebrate New Year's Day, as the emperor prepares to abdicate on April 30, 2019. The emperor's poem on the 69th National Arbor Day Festival in Fukushima Prefecture in June: Become a forest For disaster prevention That was my wish As I planted black pine trees In the land of Fukushima. His poem on the Opening Ceremony of the 73rd National Sports Festival in Fukui Prefecture in September: Here in Fukui The storm is fast approaching At the stadium Awaiting the opening The people spread out and dance. His poem on the 38th Convention for the Development of an Abundantly Productive Sea in Kochi Prefecture in October: Remembering My childhood days of long ago When I kept this fish The striped beakfish I release Into the sea of Tosa. His poem on the imperial couple's visit to Okinawa Prefecture in March: So many people Waving their paper lanterns Gathered together We waved our lanterns back At night in Okinawa. His poem on the torrential rain that hit western Japan in July: As I watched Images of turbid waters On television Surging through, destroying towns, I mourned the loss of many lives. The empress' poem on the couple's visit to Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture in March: Fondly I recall Our trip to Yonaguni The westernmost isle Where we were shown a huge marlin And native horses as well. Her poem on late summer at the Imperial Palace: Still in bloom I see Some late blooming red clovers Along the moat There goes a state carriage Its duty duly finished. Her poem on the couple's planned moving house: I know I'll recall Even after we leave here How light filled this garden As Your Majesty stood there Still youthful and radiant.