On January 14, 2026, the annual imperial ceremony of Utakai Hajime, or the New Year’s Poetry Reading, was held in the Matsu-no-Ma State Room of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, and other members of the Imperial Family attended the Utakai Hajime ceremony. The theme for this year’s tanka poems was “mei,” which means “bright.”
Poems by the Emperor, the Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family — including Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, Prince Hisahito, Princess Kako, Princess Akiko, Princess Yoko, Princess Hisako, and Princess Tsuguko — were recited in the Matsu-no-Ma room at the palace, along with 10 poems selected from members of the public.
Their postures are out of the world.
ردحذفIndeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
حذفTout de suite, mon regard s’est porté sur la couleur rouge de la princesse Kako surtout au niveau de son bandeau original !
ردحذفSuch beautiful gowns. I do wish the princess would wear a more intense pastel colour. Though the pale pink is pretty it doesn’t appear a good match for her complexion. I can’t put my finger on why she looks washed out most of the time.
ردحذف愛子さまは昨年訪問したラオスの思い出を詩に込めました。
حذف皇族の代表作品として読み上げられた時、彼女の頬は赤く染まりました。
詩の内容と共に、若々しい美しさを私は感じたのです。
I understand that the protocol governing these formal events, especially in the presence of the empress, is so strict that even movements are controlled. I also recollect that the members of the court must follow a sartorial colour code but I have forgotten the details. Their postures are those of ladies, very simple.
ردحذف🌞 Virginia
Nothing new in the Japanese imperial couple. The fabric of the clothes looks stiff and solid. The stiffness and conservatism of their fashion is tiring.
ردحذفThe posture of the people sitting must be terribly uncomfortable. All the men with their hands stretched out on their thighs, the women also in a stiff pose, as if they had swallowed a long sword. I understand that a lady is supposed to have a straight back when sitting, but this stiffness here makes me cold.
Excuse me if my words seem harsh to you. We have already seen photos from various royal courts, from receptions (recently in Denmark) and in comparision with Japanese events they seem warm, full of smiles.
Stephanie
Different countries different cultures, both okay.
حذفStephanie, have you had a chance to visit Japan? To go to experience their customs and history, what’s important to them, their traditions? I think you could then see these photos through that open lens of learning what might be importantly to other cultures and see beauty here. It might be “tiring” to you, but as we have respectful Japanese friends who view these photos and comment for us to help us learn, we also don’t want to offend them!
حذفMy answer TO ANON 3:51
حذفI can respect the customs and traditions of other cultures and nations and I can also say that I don't like a certain element of that culture (for example, clothing etc.) - just freedom of speech.
Stephanie
皇后陛下のローブモンタントは首と袖にスパングルがあしらわれていて上品に輝いています。
ردحذفこの服地は、膨らんだ小さな丸で花模様が描いてあります。
縫い目の部分ではきれいに柄合わせがしてあり、その丁寧な作りに私は感心しました。
Pretty dresses. Is the design on the Empress's dress printed, or woven; is that damask? My inclination is to think these gowns are silk and silk is known to absorb dye well, so the choice of pale colors is intentional and the result of skilled textile people. Understated elegance. Christine
ردحذفTheir Empress is so graceful and her smile is so warming. Even on this very formal and stiff occasions.
ردحذفテレビ中継を見ると、厳粛な中にも穏やかで温かい雰囲気を私はいつも感じます。
حذف日本古来の独特の節回しで男性たちが詩を読み上げます。
途中、行間の静寂で聞く者の心が動き、微笑みや涙を誘います。
これは宮内庁が提供した動画です。
よろしかったらどうぞご覧になってみて。
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaXkXLJ_VOI
Nice outfits, traditional for the Imperial Family. At least we see some color not just pastel.
ردحذفcss
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