Society

Princess Aiko Joins Emperor's Birthday Celebration

TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Ahead of her upcoming role at the Japanese Red Cross Society starting in April, Princess Aiko joined the public festivities to honor the Emperor's birthday, making a notable appearance standing in the second row and waving with a smile.

A visitor expressed their admiration, saying, "Seeing Princess Aiko for the first time was moving and wonderful. She looked splendid, and we look forward to her future endeavors."

Crowds had gathered at the Imperial Palace since before the gates opened, forming long lines.

The public celebration on Friday saw nearly 15,000 people braving the harsh cold and sleet to pay their respects. Many were eager to see Princess Aiko, with one visitor stating, "I came to see Princess Aiko. I'm very happy to have met her. I've been looking forward to this moment," and another adding, "I came to see Princess Aiko and the Emperor. I haven't been able to come recently, so I came despite the rain."

This year marked the first time in four years that the event was held without prior applications due to the pandemic, leading to a large turnout.

By 6:30 AM, four hours before the event, people were already lining up near the Imperial Palace with their umbrellas. The line grew steadily, swelling to several thousand by 9:00 AM.

At around 10:30 AM, Princess Aiko appeared on the palace balcony with the Emperor, the Empress, the Akishino couple, and Princess Kako.

The Emperor expressed his gratitude, saying, "In the cold rain, I am truly grateful that you have come to celebrate my birthday. I would like to express my condolences to those who lost their lives in the Noto Peninsula earthquake last month and extend my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those affected."

Princess Aiko was dressed in a pale lavender outfit, with a matching hat, and waved continuously with a smile.

The public celebration was held three times, with the Emperor and the royal family responding to the blessings of the attendees.

Source: FNN

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Man Arrested for Forcing Thai Girl to Work Illegally at Massage Parlor

A 51-year-old man has been arrested for forcing a 12-year-old Thai girl to work illegally at a private massage parlor in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, in what police believe may be part of a human trafficking operation.

How a Tiny Osaka Town Became One of Kansai’s Happiest Places

Tajiri, a town of just about 8,300 residents, has surged from 10th to 3rd place in the Kansai Happiness Ranking thanks to its strong community ties and family-focused support funded by Kansai Airport taxes.

Ikebukuro Bar Manager Re-Arrested for Forcing Female Staff Into Sex Work

A bar manager and his female employee in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district were re-arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of forcing a female staff member to work under threat and violence, after previously being detained for compelling her to engage in prostitution.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

13 Japanese Among 57 Foreigners Detained in Cambodia Fraud Base Raid

Thirteen Japanese nationals are among 57 foreigners detained in a police raid on a special fraud base in southeastern Cambodia, according to local reports. Footage captured by JNN showed Cambodian authorities raiding a facility believed to be used for large-scale international scams.

Police Officer Dies After Falling From Bridge in Nishinomiya

A police officer responding to a traffic accident in Hyogo Prefecture died after falling from a bridge on November 3rd in Nishinomiya City, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

< 2 3 4 5 >