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

First Day of Extreme Heat Expected in Central Tokyo

Central Tokyo could experience its first extremely hot day of the year on the final day of the three-day weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach at least 35 C as dangerous heat spreads across eastern and northeastern Japan.

Apple Hikes iPhone Prices in Japan

Apple has raised prices for iPhones sold in Japan, with the top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max now costing more than 210,000 yen, as the prolonged weakness of the yen increases the local cost of products priced and managed in US dollars.

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

New Typhoon Likely to Form Far South of Japan

A tropical depression near the Truk Islands is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours, but forecasters say it is unlikely to have any direct impact on Japan.

Protest Held Against Japan Flag Protection Bill

A protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district on July 16 as public concern grew over a bill that would impose criminal penalties for damaging the Japanese flag.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Bacteria on Nurse's Uniform Match Those Found in Slain Patient's Blood

Bacteria found in excrement on the uniform of a former nurse arrested on suspicion of killing a hospital patient by contaminating his intravenous drip matched bacteria detected in the victim's blood, investigators have found.

Alleged Ringleader in Student's Death Claims Distorted Sense of Justice

A man accused of leading a group assault that killed a university student apologized to the victim and his family in court, saying he had acted out of what he described as a "distorted sense of justice."

Yakuza Gang Accused of Illegally Clearing Hiroshima Forest

Police are investigating a yakuza gang in Hiroshima after its members allegedly cleared about 3,000 square meters of privately owned forest and used heavy machinery to build an unauthorized access road.

Nurse Searched Whether Feces Injection Could Kill

A former nurse accused of killing a hospitalized patient by mixing human waste into his intravenous drip had searched online for whether injecting feces could cause death, investigators have found.

Woman in Nightgown Found Dead on Barge at Sea

A woman believed to be in her 40s to 60s was found bleeding and unconscious on a barge moored off Osaka and was later confirmed dead, prompting police to investigate the possibility that she was the victim of a crime.

Imperial Family Strolls Through Nasu Retreat

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko began a period of rest at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture on July 16, taking an evening stroll through the grounds in traditional Okinawan kariyushi shirts.

Beauty Influencer Reika Miyazaki Sentenced to 2 Years and Six Months Prison

Beauty influencer and businesswoman Reika Miyazaki was sentenced on July 15 to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, for evading about 157 million yen in taxes, while her company was fined 40 million yen.

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.

< 2 3 4 5 >