Japanese Imperial Family attended the postponed annual poetry reading ceremony

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

On March 26 Friday, this year’s New Year Poetry Reading Ceremony which was postponed for over two months due to the pandemic took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in the presence of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. The Imperial couple expressed their hope for the end of the coronavirus pandemic in poems recited on their behalf at the annual New Year Poetry Reading Ceremony.

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

The couple's poems, as well as works composed by other members of the imperial family and 10 pieces chosen from 13,657 entries submitted by the public, were recited in the traditional style at the reading ceremony. The theme of this year's "waka" poems at the reading ceremony held at the Imperial Palace was "jitsu," meaning "fruit.". Waka poetry was developed by the court aristocracy in the sixth century. The ceremony is normally held in mid-January.

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako

11 Comments

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  1. Superbe Masako dans cette toilette dont le col volanté descendant sur sa poitrine est très élégant – Adorable, la princesse Kako avec ce bandeau de couleur coquille d’œuf agrémenté d'une grosse fleur ; elle me fait penser à une porcelaine !

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  2. Anonymous26/3/21 14:16

    Empress Masako looking glam. This is way better than the conservative look that other members of the imperial family have.

    W.

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  3. Anonymous26/3/21 14:34

    Again, the same boring outfits. No inspiration. I noticed the strange tablecloths on the tables. I don't know if it's a Japanese tradition, but the tablecloths are strange - they look unironed, as if you can see the traces where they were folded for a long time. It would be more aesthetic without tablecloths.
    Stephanie

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    Replies
    1. Well, this is Japan and Japanese culture and my guess is that they are doing correctly according to their culture...

      Delete
  4. Empress Masako's gown is beautiful. I don't think I've seen it before. The collar draped at the neck is very nice, and her necklace with pendant is pretty, from what I can see. I note that of all the Imperial ladies, the Empress appears to be the only one who is not wearing a hat. The Crown Princess and her daughters are dressed appropriately. I wish the other ladies of the royal family were photographed more closely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous27/3/21 15:32

      At the imperial events, irrespective of official and private, the hat of imperial lady is a symbol of etiquette for the emperor and empress.

      The empress wears a hat when she attend Shinto rituals, as etiquette for deities.

      Sometimes the empress and other imperial ladies wear hats when they attend public duties. I think they have a list of rank of events, and they wear hats when they attend the "upper" events, for example, memorial services, national agricultural events, national sports events.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous26/3/21 20:10

    Of course the clothes of the imperial members are all according the tradition. But still so boring for a fashion blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It may be boring from an inspirational point of view but I really admire and love seeing the impeccable tailoring and fabrics.

      Delete
    2. They may be predictable, but I love seeing these beautifully coloured traditional gowns and hats. They have a timeless elegance

      Delete
  6. Warum tragen sie immer so altmodische Kleider? Ja, sie sind absolut gut geschneidert aber so *old fashion". Und warum immer so westlich altmodisch? Kann mir das jemand erklären?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Once again Empress Masako looks incredible. I love the draped collar on her gown. Beautiful color as well.
    Chel

    ReplyDelete

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