On January 19, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family attended the ceremony Utakai Hajime that took place in the Matsu-no-Ma state room of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The annual and traditional Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) that was held under the theme of "wa (harmony)" this year showcased poems composed by the Emperor, the Empress, and other members of the Imperial family.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Naruhito composed his poem to express his feeling of peace when he saw the smiles of people he met in every place he visited. Empress Masako wrote a poem about the first visit to Hiroshima made by Princess Aiko for her school trip during her third year at junior high school. Princess Aiko composed her poem to express her fascination with old waka poetry.
Sublime Masako dans cette couleur ivoire sans porter de chapeau mais avec des gants ; magnifiques perles surtout la broche que j'aimerais mieux voir. Naruhito est toujours vêtu avec beaucoup d'élégance ; j'adore le style de sa pochette ! Le couple impérial est assis derrière deux énormes emballages ressemblant à des paquets-cadeaux que je vois pas changer depuis un certain temps !
ReplyDeleteAlways elegant and understated. Sadly, it is always the same style of gown. The Empress is a beautiful lady. No matter what she wears. css
ReplyDeleteNothing new fashionwise, but I'd love to listen to or read the poems in English.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
Translated poems rarely sound as good as the original.
DeleteEveryone looks splendid. But I don’t see Aiko! Wah :-(.
ReplyDeleteAiko should graduate in March. She turned in her senior thesis in December, and she is a good student so she should have already earned her credits, but this absence seems to be due to academics. Is there any other reason for her absence? Perhaps she is fed up with boring court events.
DeleteEvery time pictures of the Imperial Family, especially ceremonial ones, are shown, the comments tend to be negative, not all, of course. There is inadequate information on the Internet but enough to understand that the ceremonial gowns
ReplyDeleteare designed according to strict codes right down to colour schemes, gloves, length of sleeves, necklines, everything, based on tradition and rank. Even movements are controlled by protocol. So why criticise? Instead, why not
appreciate the imperial dignity, the exquisite tailoring, and respect what Japan has to offer?
🌞 Virginia
You make a valid point. I just think most of us are hoping that one day we will be pleasantly surprised. :-|
DeleteAgree Virginia. Why are we waiting for them to conform with out dress code/fashion?
DeleteI wish the women were able to dress themselves more individually. The uniform style is elegant but needlessly boring and restrictive. There are many fashion choices that are formal yet modest.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThe ladies look lovely, the gowns are nice. I am curious about the poems, also. It is nice they shared this glimpse of their culture. Maybe if we all sat and wrote poems, we wouldn't have the time to criticize. If you have to criticize, why has no one observed that the fabric cloths covering the tables still have creases, they weren't pressed out. Christine
ReplyDelete@Christine: I agree wholeheartedly with all your comments. We should all write more poetry. And don't forget, creasing things, and creased things (origami?) is a Japanese art form.
Delete- Anon 9:13
Empress Masako is the epitome of elegance and grace!That shade of lemon is a lovely colour on her. Bea
ReplyDeleteI must confess I do love and prefer a bit of color! The pale blue gown is lovely, very pretty pastel. The pearl necklaces, earrings and brooches are always wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the table cloths and the somewhat silly remarks above (no iron etc.),
ReplyDeleteI immediately thought of origami, good observation Anonymous, glad you clarified that point. The imperial household is run by perfectionists.
🌞 Virginia
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