Society

Emperor greets visiting foreign dignitaries

Jul 24 (NHK) - Emperor Naruhito has welcomed foreign dignitaries visiting Japan to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

French President Emmanuel Macron and US first lady Jill Biden were among the 12 dignitaries from 11 countries who visited the Imperial Palace on Friday.

The Emperor addressed the guests in English at the Shunju-no-Ma Grand Hall.

The Emperor said he has "a lasting memory of the closing ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where athletes from different countries paraded together shoulder to shoulder, not divided by country." He said "this became the source of my wish for world peace."

The Emperor expressed the hope that the "Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will remind us of the spirit of Olympism, peace and harmony, and that we will relay the torch of that spirit to the future."

Imperial household officials say the Emperor later chatted with each of the guests at the Matsukaze-no-Ma Drawing Room.

The event was brief and held without food or drink because of the coronavirus pandemic. When Japan hosted the Olympics previously, the Imperial couple hosted parties for the visiting dignitaries.

Emperor Naruhito is the honorary patron of the Tokyo Games. He is due to attend the opening ceremony on Friday evening, and declare the start of the Olympics.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Tokyo Police Launch Specialized Unit for Lone Offenders

A special unit dedicated to investigating "lone offenders"—individuals who commit acts of terrorism without belonging to any specific organization—has been established for the first time in Japan within the Public Security Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Comedy Duo Ends Role Supporting 2025 Expo

Downtown, the popular comedy duo, has stepped down as official ambassadors for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to an announcement by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

Tour Bus Carrying Over 20 Foreign Tourists Crashes in Hokkaido Tunnel

A tour bus carrying over 20 foreign tourists collided with a van inside the Tokiwa Tunnel on the Dōō Expressway on March 31st, sending several people to the hospital.

This Small Japanese Town Has Been a UFO Hotspot for 50 Years

In August 1990, two men hiking in the Scottish Highlands captured a striking photo of a silent, diamond-shaped object hovering in the sky—later dubbed "the greatest UFO photo ever taken." A Harrier jet was seen circling the object before it suddenly shot straight up and vanished. (Abroad in Japan)

Police Ease Recruitment Requirements to Attract Mature Applicants

The Fukuoka Prefectural Police will introduce a new recruitment track for working adults starting next fiscal year, easing both age and physical fitness requirements as part of broader efforts to combat a worsening manpower shortage.

Spring Break Meditation Teaches Kids Discipline and Focus

Children on spring break took part in a zazen meditation session at Toshoji Temple in Kiho, Mie Prefecture, on March 28th to help reset their daily routines.

Surge in Japanese Women Wearing Men's Suits

A growing number of women in Japan are choosing men’s-style suits for both comfort and practicality, reflecting a broader shift toward genderless fashion. From school uniforms to police attire, traditional dress codes are evolving as functionality and diversity take center stage in work and daily life.

Barrier Installed Under Glico Sign in Osaka to Prevent Loitering

A temporary barrier has been installed under the iconic Glico sign in Osaka's bustling Minami district, commonly referred to as "Guri-shita," to prevent people from sitting and loitering in the area.

< 2 3 4 5 >