Society

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

Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) Batters Izu Islands

At 5 a.m. on October 9th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong), classified as a very strong system, was located near Aogashima as it moved northeast, bringing violent winds and heavy rainfall to the southern Izu Islands, including Hachijojima. The typhoon is passing directly over the region, with wind gusts exceeding 50 meters per second recorded in several locations.

Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) Forms, Moving Northwest Toward Okinawa

A tropical depression that had been moving northwestward over the Mariana Islands developed into Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) at 3 p.m. on October 8th east of the Philippines. It is the third typhoon to form this month. The system is expected to move northwest along the edge of a high-pressure zone toward the Okinawa and Amami regions.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

Beer Shortages Hit Japan's Izakayas

Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

Magnitude 4.9 Quake Off Fukushima, No Tsunami Warning Issued

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7th, registering a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami caused by this tremor.

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Over 40,000 Sign Petition Against Hotel in Wasabi Fields

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