News On Japan

Princess Aiko Engages in English Conversation with Kenyan Minister at Palace Luncheon

TOKYO, Feb 09 (News On Japan) - In a significant first, Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, attended a luncheon hosted by their Majesties for the President of Kenya and his spouse at the Imperial Palace. This marks the first occasion Princess Aiko has participated in a palace luncheon with foreign dignitaries.

This morning, the Emperor and Empress warmly welcomed President Ruto and his wife at the palace driveway, exchanging pleasantries and handshakes.

During the luncheon, Princess Aiko took the opportunity to converse in English with a Kenyan minister seated next to her, inquiring about his previous visits to Japan among other topics.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, before the luncheon commenced, Princess Aiko greeted President Ruto and his wife in Swahili, eliciting compliments from the President on her proficiency. Furthermore, when the President extended an invitation to visit Kenya in English, Princess Aiko responded with a gracious "Thank you."

This interaction not only highlights Princess Aiko's diplomatic skills but also signifies a momentous step in her public duties, showcasing the Imperial Family's commitment to fostering international relations.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris officially commenced with an opening ceremony held on the Seine River in the city center on the 26th (27th Japan time).

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has initiated the creation of guidelines for taking home leftovers as part of its efforts to reduce food waste. Restaurants are hopeful for clear directions on preventing food poisoning.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have announced the average life expectancy for Japanese people last year, with women having an average life expectancy of 87.14 years, and men 81.09 years, both about half a month higher than the previous year.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

As power harassment allegations against the governor of Hyogo Prefecture continue to swirl, it has been revealed that another prefectural employee has passed away, with the prefecture delaying a formal announcement of the death by 3 months.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A manager of a men's concept cafe in Tokyo's Akihabara district has been arrested on suspicion of violating the Employment Security Act by introducing female customers to illegal men's massage parlors to pay off high bills.

Theft of air conditioner outdoor units has surged as Japan's heatwave continues, leaving some businesses unable to run critical cooling systems.

A Japanese man has been detained at a Thai airport for attempting to smuggle over 200 more scorpions, spiders, and other insects than he declared.

Osaka has topped the 'Japan Urban Power Rankings' for the fourth consecutive year. Conducted by Mori Building's think tank, the ranking evaluates 136 cities across Japan in six categories, including economy, culture, and environment.

Osaka's Minami district, a prominent entertainment area in western Japan, is experiencing a significant shift in its host club industry. Every night, patrons and hosts engage in strategic interactions, but recently, a noticeable change has emerged: an influx of host clubs from Tokyo's Kabukicho district.

Japan's total population stood at 124.88 million as of January 1 this year, a decrease of over 530,000 from the previous year, further accelerating the trend of a declining birthrate and aging population.

The number of raccoons captured in Tokyo is on the rise. These animals, increasingly making homes in residential areas, have even been found raising their young in attics.

The last three 'UFO-style' traffic lights in Japan, which appear to hover like UFOs, will be removed by the end of this month due to aging.