Emperor and Empress Delight in Viewing Shosoin Treasure Replicas

Jan 24, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The Emperor and Empress of Japan recently visited an exhibition featuring replicas of the treasures from the Shosoin Repository.

Their Majesties arrived at the Meiji Jingu Museum in Shibuya, Tokyo, around 4:30 PM on the 23rd, where they were warmly received by the officials present.

During their visit, the Emperor and Empress admired replicas of the Shosoin treasures, including a biwa (a traditional Japanese lute) intricately recreated with mother-of-pearl inlay, a project that took eight years to complete.

The Emperor expressed his admiration for the beautifully adorned biwa, saying, "This is incredible." The biwa strings were made from silk threads obtained from 'Goyosan,' a sericulture process conducted at the Imperial Palace. The Empress remarked, "It's gratifying to see them being used in such a manner."

Their Majesties spent over two hours at the exhibition, engaging in discussions with the attendees. As they prepared to leave, the Emperor shared his profound impression of the exhibit, commenting, "I am deeply moved by this wonderful display."

This exhibition not only showcases Japan’s rich cultural history but also highlights the dedication to preserving and celebrating the nation's artistic heritage. The visit of the Emperor and Empress underscores the significance of these cultural treasures and the ongoing efforts to keep Japan’s historical legacy alive.

The Shōsō-in (正倉院) is the treasure house of Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara. It currently safeguards approximately 9,000 artifacts, excluding yet-to-be-classified items. Initially established through donations from Empress Komyo, the repository's Northern section, known as the Hoku So, has been under the strict custodianship of the imperial family since its inception. Access to this segment of the Shosoin has historically been restricted, with entry granted only under the explicit permission of the imperial household.

A remarkable 95% of the Shosoin's collection, encompassing a wide array of fine arts and crafts, originates from Japan's 8th century.

Source: ANN

Martinelli Breaks Japan Hearts as Brazil Win 2-1 in World Cup Thriller

Japan’s World Cup campaign ended in the cruelest possible fashion on June 29, as Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over the Samurai Blue in their knockout match in Houston. Japan had led in the first half and were still level at 1-1 in the final moments, but Martinelli’s late strike sent Brazil into the Round of 16 and eliminated Japan from the tournament.

Strong Quakes Strike Japan 11 Times Since April

Strong earthquakes have continued to shake parts of Japan in recent weeks, with 11 temblors measuring lower 5 or above on the Japanese seismic intensity scale recorded across the country since April 2026.

First Train of the Day Derails at Kintetsu Kyoto Station

A Kintetsu Railway train derailed inside Kyoto Station on the morning of June 29, forcing partial suspensions on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line for the rest of the day and causing long delays that hit commuters, students and tourists.

Hikone Castle Stone Wall Collapses After Typhoon Deluge

A section of stone wall at Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original Edo-period castles and a National Treasure whose main keep remains intact more than 400 years after its construction, collapsed after heavy rain caused by Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8, Hikone city officials said.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Yakuza Boss Denies Killing Gyoza President

Prosecutors sought life imprisonment for Yukio Tanaka, a senior member of a gang affiliated with the Kudo-kai crime syndicate, as his trial over the 2013 fatal shooting of Osho Food Service president Takayuki Ohigashi concluded at the Kyoto District Court, with a verdict scheduled to be handed down on October 16.

Police Set Up Kabukicho Council To Protect Toyoko Kids

Shinjuku Ward, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department have jointly established a Kabukicho measures council to strengthen efforts to prevent young people known as "Toyoko Kids" from being drawn into crime in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district.

Chinese Man Arrested After Speeding Porsche Hits Two Cars In Tokyo

A 23-year-old Chinese man has been arrested and sent to prosecutors on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in injury after allegedly crashing a Porsche into two vehicles at an intersection in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward on June 9, leaving three people with minor injuries.

17,345 People With Dementia Go Missing in Japan Last Year

The number of people with dementia or suspected dementia who were reported missing to police totaled 17,345 in 2025, down by nearly 800 from the previous year but still at a high level, according to a National Police Agency summary.

Mystery 300-Ton Giant Hose Removal Begins Six Months After Washing Ashore

Removal work has finally begun on a massive hose that washed ashore on the coast of Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture, six months ago, but crews are already facing difficulties because the structure is filled with a large volume of water.

Ex-Wife Arrested After Leaving Husband’s Body in Freezer for 14 Years

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested in Kobe on suspicion of abandoning the dismembered body of her former husband in a large freezer at a condominium unit, where she allegedly continued paying rent for more than 14 years while hiding his death.

Wanted Yakuza Arrested in 2017 Kobe Gangland Killing

A 50-year-old member of an organization affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate has been arrested in Yamaguchi Prefecture after nearly nine years on the run over the 2017 fatal shooting of a bodyguard for the leader of a rival group in Kobe.

Iranian Man Busted Smuggling 40kg Stimulants in Naan Machine

An Iranian national has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than 40 kilograms of stimulants from the United Arab Emirates into Japan in March, after customs officers found the drugs hidden in the bottom section of a machine used in the process of making naan bread.

< 2 3 4 5 >