Princess Aiko Arrives at Osaka Museum to View Girl With a Pearl Earring

Aug 20, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, arrived at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka on the afternoon of August 20, where she was scheduled to view Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece Girl With a Pearl Earring during a two-day visit to Osaka and Shiga prefectures.

Princess Aiko arrived at Itami Airport shortly after 11 a.m. and exchanged greetings with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, who was among those welcoming her.

She is visiting Osaka and Shiga on a one-night, two-day itinerary and traveled to the Osaka museum later on August 20.

At the museum, she was scheduled to view Girl With a Pearl Earring, the celebrated Vermeer painting currently on display in Osaka.

Emperor Naruhito also viewed the painting during a visit to the Netherlands in June.

Crowds gathered along the route to catch a glimpse of Princess Aiko, with some people waiting for around five hours before her arrival.

One woman said she was extremely happy after seeing the princess, while another said the excitement had not worn off even after the visit had passed.

Princess Aiko arrived at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art shortly after 2 p.m.

She wore a light blue dress and jewelry that appeared to include pearls, drawing attention from onlookers because of the visual connection with Vermeer's painting and its distinctive blue head covering.

Princess Aiko has maintained ties with the Dutch royal family since childhood and previously visited the Netherlands with her family.

Her visit to Shiga Prefecture had originally been planned for last year but was canceled after she contracted COVID-19.

She is scheduled to visit a medical and welfare facility in Shiga on August 21.

Source: KTV NEWS

Typhoon No. 24 Drenches Okinawa Before Expected Turn East

Typhoon No. 24 (Krovahn) was moving south near Okinawa's main island as of 9 p.m. on September 5, bringing extremely heavy rain exceeding 50 millimeters per hour in some areas north of the storm's center, which the Japan Meteorological Agency estimated to be over waters about 100 kilometers southeast of Naha with a central atmospheric pressure of 992 hectopascals.

Tokyo Unveils Design for Symbol Tree at Shinjuku Station

Tokyo has unveiled the design for a major redevelopment of the plaza outside Shinjuku Station's west exit, with a landmark tree, water-play area and event space planned as part of a transformation centered on "greenery, light and people" that is scheduled for completion in 2035.

Japanese Researcher Wins Ig Nobel Prize

A late former professor at Asahikawa Medical University has won the Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine for scientifically examining the proper way to blow the nose, extending Japan's streak of Ig Nobel winners to 20 consecutive years.

Shinkansen Takes on Overnight Travel

Night trains are making a comeback across Japan, with railway operators introducing new overnight services and even experimenting with overnight Shinkansen trains as demand grows for alternatives that combine transportation, accommodation and the experience of traveling through the night.

Bear Attacks Continue as Peak Season Looms

Bear sightings and attacks have been reported across Japan throughout the summer, with animals damaging sheds, attacking livestock and injuring people, while experts warn that autumn is the most dangerous season as bears expand their range in search of food.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Prince Hisahito Turns 20, Pursuing Interest in Maps

Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, turned 20 on September 6, as he continues to take part in a growing range of official duties as an adult member of Japan's Imperial Family.

How Teens Get Pulled Into Dark Jobs

Young people recruited into illegal "dark part-time jobs" through social media and friends are increasingly becoming involved in fraud and violent robberies across Japan, with interviews at a juvenile training school revealing how the promise of easy money, a desire for recognition and fear of criminal groups can gradually leave them feeling unable to escape.

Serial Arsonist Targets Tokyo's Adachi Ward

Tokyo police are investigating the possibility of a serial arson spree after six suspicious fires were reported within about two weeks in the same neighborhood of Adachi Ward, leaving an 81-year-old woman with burns and damaging homes, political party posters, a vending machine and a bicycle.

Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Stabbing Girlfriend to Death

A 52-year-old restaurant operator was sentenced to 17 years in prison on September 4 for killing his former girlfriend by repeatedly stabbing her in the abdomen and back with two kitchen knives at his home in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture.

Drunk Chinese Man Who Ran Over Four Kids Admits Driving Without License

A Chinese man who received a suspended prison sentence and had his driver's license revoked after striking four elementary school students while driving drunk in 2025 admitted at his first trial on September 3 that he repeatedly drove without a license while still on probation.

Former Emperor's Funeral to Be Significantly Scaled Back

The Imperial Household Agency is considering holding a significantly scaled-down funeral for former Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, reflecting his wishes to minimize disruption to the lives of the public.

17-Year-Old Girl Arrested After Father Fatally Stabbed With Scissors

A 17-year-old high school girl was arrested in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, on September 2 after allegedly stabbing her 49-year-old father in the neck with scissors during an altercation at their home, with the father later dying at a hospital.

Scammers Exploit Disaster Victims

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to defraud a flood victim in Chiba Prefecture of 3.2 million yen by falsely claiming that his electrical breaker panel and flooring needed urgent repairs, in a type of scam that has surged nationwide in recent years.

< 2 3 4 5 >