Japanese Imperial Couple Stroll Around Dutch Royal Villa

Jun 15, 2026 | News On Japan

NETHERLANDS - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who are visiting the Netherlands, took a stroll around the grounds of the Dutch royal family's residence where they are staying, revisiting places connected to a previous visit two decades ago.

On Sunday afternoon, a day after arriving in the Netherlands, the Imperial couple walked around the area surrounding Het Oude Loo, a royal residence where they are being hosted during their stay.

The couple also stayed at the castle during a private visit to the Netherlands 20 years ago. During the walk, they retraced locations associated with that trip, including a building where Princess Aiko, then four years old, stopped to play, and were said to have recalled the memories with fondness.

Their stay at the residence was arranged through the consideration of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, allowing the Emperor and Empress time to relax and renew longstanding ties. The Dutch royal couple visited the residence on the evening of June 14th.

The Emperor and Empress are scheduled to travel to the capital, Amsterdam, on June 16th Japan time.

Source: FNN

Flood Damage Cripples Chiba Transport

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Obon Return Rush Jams Stations, Airports and Expressways

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

Missing British Girl, 12, Found Safe After Staying at Internet Cafe

A 12-year-old British girl who disappeared while visiting Japan with her family was found safe in Yokohama on Saturday night, about 59 hours after leaving their private lodging in Tokyo, with police saying there was no indication that she had been involved in a crime.

Floodwaters Strand 1,200 Cars in Chiba

More than 1,200 vehicles are believed to have been left stranded on roads across Chiba Prefecture after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, with authorities confirming eight deaths and investigating a drainage pump failure at an underpass where a man died.

Aso Volcano Eruption Alert Level Raised to 3 in Kumamoto

Japan's weather agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture from Level 2 to Level 3 on August 14 after volcanic tremors strengthened and gas emissions increased sharply, warning people to stay away from areas within about 2 kilometers of the Nakadake No. 1 crater.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Hunter Takes Shot at Authorities Over Missing Gun

A 77-year-old hunter from Sunagawa, Hokkaido, who won a Supreme Court ruling overturning the revocation of his firearms license, filed a damages lawsuit against the national government and Hokkaido on August 17 after discovering that one of four seized hunting rifles had been destroyed years earlier without being returned to him.

Chinese Investment Reshapes Osaka's Nishinari Neighborhood

Osaka's Nishinari Ward, long known as a working-class neighborhood that accepted people from diverse backgrounds, is being rapidly reshaped by Chinese-led property development and a surge in special-zone private lodgings, bringing new business and tourism while displacing some longtime elderly residents.

Chiba Flood Death Toll Rises to 10 Three Days After Record Rain

The death toll from record-breaking torrential rain in Chiba Prefecture has risen to 10, with 29 people injured, more than 1,500 homes damaged and one person still missing three days after the disaster.

Turkish National Arrested Over Illegal Drifting

A Turkish national has been arrested on suspicion of performing illegal drift driving on a public road in Yatomi, Aichi Prefecture, as police prepare to strengthen enforcement around facilities linked to the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

Fire Engulfs Warehouse at Fishing Port in Hokkaido

A fire that broke out in grassland at a fishing port in Tomamae, northern Hokkaido, spread to an adjacent warehouse and workshop on August 15, burning for about six hours before being brought under control.

Akita Promotion Official Suspended After Online Interview From Love Hotel

An Akita prefectural official has been suspended for six months and demoted two ranks after an investigation found he had joined an online media interview from a love hotel while with a woman who was not his wife, despite initially claiming he was at home because he was unwell.

39-Year-Old Father Drowns While Attempting to Save Two Children

A 39-year-old father was taken to a hospital in cardiac arrest on August 15 after entering the sea to rescue his two young sons who appeared to be in difficulty off the coast of Toyoura, Hokkaido.

Osaka's Gurishita Continues to Attract Troubled Youth

Young people continue to gather at "Gurishita" in Osaka's Minami entertainment district despite persistent risks of drug abuse, prostitution and violent crime, while a nearby support center is operating around the clock during the summer vacation period to help those with nowhere else to turn.

< 2 3 4 5 >