Emperor And Empress Join Photo Shoot With Belgian Royal Family

Jun 22, 2026 | News On Japan

BELGUIM - Japan's Emperor and Empress appeared before the press with the Belgian royal family during their official visit to Belgium, joining King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their children for a commemorative photograph at the royal residence of Ciergnon Castle.

On the evening of June 21 local time, the Emperor and Empress posed for photographs on the grounds of Ciergnon Castle with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The Belgian royal couple's four children, including Princess Elisabeth, 24, also gathered for the occasion, smiling alongside the Imperial couple.

The Emperor and Empress had been on an official visit to the Netherlands from June 13 to June 20 local time before traveling to neighboring Belgium on June 20.

Since arriving in Belgium, the couple have been staying at the royal residence about 100 kilometers from the capital, Brussels, at the invitation of the Belgian royal family, spending time with King Philippe's family.

It is the first time in 24 years that the Emperor and Empress have visited multiple countries together. Their visit to Belgium is their first in 27 years, since they attended the wedding of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in 1999.

After deepening their friendship with the Belgian royal family, with whom they have long-standing ties, the Emperor and Empress are scheduled to attend a welcome ceremony beginning June 23.

Source: TBS

Heatstroke Alerts Issued for Record 19 Prefectures

Japan's environment and weather authorities have issued heatstroke alerts for a record 19 prefectures for July 15, warning that dangerous heat is expected to create an extremely high risk of heatstroke, including the first such alerts this year for the Kanto region.

Russian Spy Base In Japan?

Japan has become an unexpected base of operations for Russian intelligence agents since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, with spies allegedly using the country to procure and smuggle high-tech equipment and other goods to Russia, The New York Times reported on July 12.

Convenience Stores Tackle Bear Crisis

Convenience store operators in Japan are strengthening safety measures as bear-related damage grows more serious, with Lawson expanding the use of bear repellent spray and considering drone-based remote monitoring.

Osaka’s Minami Rebuilt Into Tourist Hub

Osaka’s Minami district, now entering another period of major change with the planned opening of the Naniwasuji Line, the redevelopment of Midosuji and improvements around Nankai Namba Station, has transformed from an area once described as "scary" and "dirty" into one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations.

Crowds Join First Pull of 10-Ton Gion Festival Float

A 10-ton hoko float was pulled through central Kyoto on July 12 in a trial run ahead of the Yamahoko Junko procession during the Gion Festival's early parade.

MEDIA CHANNELS