News On Japan

Imperial Couple Takes Rare Break Alone for First Time in 23 Years

TOKYO, Aug 22 (News On Japan) - The Emperor and Empress recently arrived at their summer residence in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, marking their first private retreat in 23 years without Princess Aiko.

Their Majesties strolled through the estate, enjoying the natural beauty. The Emperor remarked on the various plants and the refreshing weather, expressing his hope to relax and appreciate the area's rich nature. When asked about the possibility of hiking, he replied that it wasn't in their plans for this visit.

This year's visit to the Nasu Imperial Villa is different from their usual summer retreats. Since Princess Aiko's birth in December 2001, the Imperial family has always spent their summer vacations together. However, this year, Princess Aiko, who joined the Japanese Red Cross Society in April as a first-year working adult, did not accompany her parents due to her work commitments.

The Emperor confirmed that this is their first private retreat since 2001, with the Empress adding that it feels like a long time since they've had such a break together.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed relevant ministers to draft economic measures focused on addressing rising prices, strengthening growth, and ensuring safety and security.

A man who was placed on the public wanted list Thursday is suspected of playing a key role in a series of robberies in Tokyo and Saitama.

The prestigious American magazine 'TIME' has selected actress Anna Sawai as one of this year’s '100 Next.'

Osaka City has handed over land for the Integrated Resort (IR) project, which will include a casino, after signing a contract to lease the land to the developer for 35 years at a monthly rent of 2.1 billion yen.

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is set to introduce new mobile phone numbers starting with '060,' possibly as early as December, marking the first addition of a new number in 11 years.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

The first court hearing was held for a 53-year-old woman accused of throwing raw eggs at her neighbor's house in Kawabe, Gifu.

A veteran zookeeper at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka has been caught allegedly stealing animal feed that was stored in the kitchen, following the mysterious disappearance of apples, oranges, and other foods.

It has been 18 years since Princess Nori made the stunning decision to renounce her royal status and leave the Imperial family behind, a bold move that sent shockwaves through the country and sparked a fierce debate about the role of tradition and modernity in Japanese society. (The Ultimate Expedition)

A new method of romance scamming, where money is extracted through sweet talk, is leaving hapless victims with a bitter taste.

Two sisters in the Philippines who were separated from their Japanese father during World War II and recently had their Japanese citizenship restored expressed their joy, telling TV Asahi, ‘We want to visit our father’s hometown, Okinawa.’

A violent home invasion occurred in a quiet neighborhood near Tokyo's Nishi-Kokubunji Station early Monday morning. A female resident, awakened by noises at her front door, encountered two men, who struck her with a hammer and bound her with adhesive tape.

Illustrator and satirical artist Shōji Yamatō passed away on Monday morning due to natural causes. He was 87 years old. In his renowned column for the Weekly Asahi, which started in 1976, he became famous for his distinctive caricatures of politicians and public figures, gaining popularity through his sharp social satire.

In the trial of Mai Watanabe, also known as 'Sugar Baby Riri' or 'Itadakijoshi Riri-chan,' the Nagoya High Court has handed the defendant a sentence of 8 years and 6 months in prison, six months less than the initial trial's verdict, along with a fine.