Japan's Imperial Family attended the Utakai Hajime 2024

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

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.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading

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.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Price Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako at New Year's Poetry Reading
16 تعليقات
  1. 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 !

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  2. غير معرف19/1/24 22:52

    Always elegant and understated. Sadly, it is always the same style of gown. The Empress is a beautiful lady. No matter what she wears. css

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  3. غير معرف19/1/24 23:38

    Nothing new fashionwise, but I'd love to listen to or read the poems in English.
    - Anon 9:13

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    1. غير معرف20/1/24 07:11

      Translated poems rarely sound as good as the original.

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  4. غير معرف20/1/24 03:33

    Everyone looks splendid. But I don’t see Aiko! Wah :-(.

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    1. غير معرف20/1/24 13:09

      Aiko 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.

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  5. غير معرف20/1/24 13:47

    Every 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
    are 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

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    1. غير معرف21/1/24 04:04

      You make a valid point. I just think most of us are hoping that one day we will be pleasantly surprised. :-|

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    2. Agree Virginia. Why are we waiting for them to conform with out dress code/fashion?

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  6. California20/1/24 14:13

    I 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.

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  7. غير معرف20/1/24 14:50

    So lovely!!

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  8. غير معرف20/1/24 17:49

    The 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

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    1. غير معرف20/1/24 20:54

      @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.
      - Anon 9:13

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  9. غير معرف20/1/24 21:08

    Empress Masako is the epitome of elegance and grace!That shade of lemon is a lovely colour on her. Bea

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  10. I 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.

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  11. غير معرف22/1/24 09:20

    When I saw the table cloths and the somewhat silly remarks above (no iron etc.),
    I immediately thought of origami, good observation Anonymous, glad you clarified that point. The imperial household is run by perfectionists.
    🌞 Virginia

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