Japanese Imperial Family Attend the 2026 New Year Reception

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

On January 1, 2026, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan hosted a New Year reception at the Matsu-no-Ma State Room of the Imperial Palace to receive New Year’s greetings from members of the Imperial Family and heads of government. Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Prince Hisahito, and other members of the Japanese Imperial Family attended the reception.

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako, and Princess Tsuguko also attended the reception. Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, who came of age last year, attended the ceremony for the first time.

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara

Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako tiara
25 Comments
  1. Anonymous1/1/26 10:14

    Very Scripted/Robotic! the oufits, the walk, all the same

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1/1/26 22:08

      Robots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2/1/26 00:52

      They have a time honoured tradition, everything does not have to be modern. Perhaps when the emeritus are no longer around traditions may change. The Brits have their traditional capes and plumage hats, no one complains.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2/1/26 06:43

      Formal events often follow tradition and protocol. What may seem scripted is usually respect for those customs.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous2/1/26 07:15

      What a wonderful sense for cultural differences, @anon10:14 and not one tiny speck of shamefulness because of submitting something so enormously stupid. I would change to the other side of the street to avoid meeting someone having views like this. How good this here is only virtual.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous2/1/26 07:29

      If you are wise, dear commenters, you would think “ah this is another distinct culture, let me learn about it”, rather than assuming your culture is the one through which all others should be viewed. Japan is a country where respect is very important, and traditions are long held. Go learn there and then re-view these scenes, and approach with respect and enjoyment. Meanwhile, I think calling the Japanese royals robots will offend the kindly Japanese who also read this blog and these comments; and yours are not a kind set of comments for them to read.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous2/1/26 07:46

      Have a bit of a read about the Japanese traditions and culture and learn. It’s particularly important in Japan to be respectful so that also applies to our comments about the Japanese royal family.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous1/1/26 10:41

    Prince Hisahito is so dignified

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous1/1/26 12:42

    Does anyone of you know something about the tiaras and jewells of the japanese royal family? Are they old? Do they have a history like some of the jewells of european royals? Thanks and a happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 00:50

      明けましておめでとうございます。
      日本の皇室の第一礼装が洋装に変わったときにティアラやアクセサリーが作られました。今から140年前のことです。

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2/1/26 03:19

      The Empress's tiaras has been passed down from generation to generation, starting with the Empress of Emperor Meiji.
      However, its history is said to be around 130 years old.
      Before that, there was no culture of wearing tiaras in Japan.

      Delete
  4. Des images vues assez souvent ; j’aimerais bien un peu de changement !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 01:03

      私は伝統を守る皇室行事を見て安心し、誇りを感じます。
      多くの日本人は自国の伝統を大切にし、それを守り続けることに価値を感じています。
      日本の家庭でのお正月祝いも同様で、毎年同じことが出来る喜びと満足を家族で共有しているのです。

      Delete
  5. Anonymous1/1/26 15:15

    紀子妃は頻繁に衣装を誂えます。
    しかし皇后陛下や他の皇族たちは、慎ましく何度も同じドレスを着ているのです。
    新年の行事で、それぞれの皇族方の意識の違いを私は感じました。

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 07:31

      Arigato! And sorry for the rude commenters above who do not show respect nor understanding about the importance of tradition in your country.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous1/1/26 18:12

    ...uffah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 07:31

      I do not understand this repeated comment. Please use words to describe your thoughts.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous1/1/26 22:07

    It would be really very very nice and very very fitting for these times (21st century), if this family could present themselve in a very very more modern way in the media...without crowns/diadems...and PLEASE let the “children” develop their own style!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 06:48

      The Japanese Imperial Family represents continuity and tradition. Their role isn’t to follow trends, but to preserve cultural symbols that go back centuries.
      The younger members do have personal styles in private life, but public appearances are guided by protocol to protect them and maintain dignity.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2/1/26 07:33

      Why should a culture who treasures tradition present themselves in a “modern” way and have you considered that their modern can look different from what is modern in your culture?! I for one LOVE that different countries can have different fashion and that we can learn from it … not become one lump of people with only one taste! I really hope that Japan holds onto their culture and their version of style or the works will be very boring and much poorer.,

      Delete
  8. Always the same. And Kako is the winner as always. Because of her blue dress...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2/1/26 07:34

      Indeed! That’s the point! The tradition! Love it.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous1/1/26 23:00

    Very lovely everyone but one Pss in pale standard clothing. Lovely Tiaras.
    css

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Empress looks beautiful, I do love this gown, the sleeves and form fitting shape, really suits her beautifully. Princess Kako, looks stunning. The pale blue gown, with embroidery on the bodice and capped sleeves looks gorgeous, adding interest to an otherwise plain gown. Her diamond necklace fits snug and perfectly, beautiful presentation by the Princess.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Virginia Dogwood2/1/26 03:53

    Very regal family in their attire and stance. However, Princess Kako always stands out beautifully. Notice her hair is pulled to the side with no bangs - a marked improvement and the color is lovely against her complexion. Personally, I think the diamond necklaces along with the tiaras and broaches are overkill. I get the broaches and tiaras. But how about leaving the necklaces at home. But the Brits are guilty of loading up their jewels too. More is not always better, it's just more!!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post