Japan's Imperial Family Watches Equestrian Event in Tokyo

Oct 04, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko attended the Asian Games individual show jumping competition at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on October 3, with the princess showing particular interest in how horses manage to clear high obstacles.

The imperial family arrived at the venue shortly after 1 p.m., exchanging smiles and greetings with Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and representatives of the equestrian community who had gathered to welcome them.

Inside the arena, the family watched the individual show jumping competition, which featured 16 riders representing 10 countries and regions. The event required horses and riders to clear a series of obstacles, including horizontal bars, with the imperial family applauding as competitors completed their rounds.

According to an official of the Japan Equestrian Federation who provided explanations during the event, Empress Masako showed a keen interest in the techniques involved in show jumping, asking, "What is the secret to clearing obstacles successfully?" and "What are the characteristics of that horse?"

Princess Aiko also asked several questions about the horses' jumping abilities, including, "Why are they able to jump so high?"

The imperial family's visit offered an opportunity to observe the skills of the riders and the athletic abilities of their horses, with both the empress and princess taking an active interest in the technical aspects of the competition.

Source: TBS

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