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RM 118944913

雅子さま56歳に

Japan's Empress Masako turns 56 Date:RECENT, FILE Japanese Empress Masako celebrated her birthday and turned 56 years old on Monday (December 9, 2019). It is her first birthday since officially becoming empress. In a video recently shot by the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) and published on her birthday, Masako is seen sitting with Emperor Naruhito and having a lively conversation. Masako also published a statement on her birthday, expressing her gratitude towards the many people who celebrated and welcomed the newly enthroned emperor and empress this year. The empress is a Harvard-educated former diplomat who has struggled for years with what palace officials term an "adjustment disorder". Her medical team in a statement on Monday said Masako is still in the middle of the recovery process, and "her conditions have ups and downs", noting that she gets tired after a series engagements or major appearances. (Production: Hideto Sakai) (Caption:1012LI-JAPAN-ROYALS_EMPRESS)

日付：2019年12月9日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 116349644

両陛下、沿道の歓声に笑顔で応え　即位パレード

天皇陛下の即位を披露するパレード「祝賀御列（しゅくがおんれつ）の儀」が10日午後3時ごろから、皇居・宮殿から赤坂御所（東京都港区）までの約4・6キロのコースで国の儀式として行われた。

日付：2019年11月10日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 115883672

Japanese emperor to proclaim his enthronement to the world in ancient ceremony

Date:OCTOBER 22, 2019 Japanese Emperor Naruhito is poised to officially proclaim his enthronement on Tuesday (October 22) in a centuries-old ceremony attended by dignitaries, including heads of state and other royals, from more than 180 countries. Naruhito, 59, and Empress Masako, a 55-year-old Harvard-educated former diplomat, took over in May in a brief, tradition-filled ceremony but Tuesday's "Sokui no Rei" is a more elaborate ritual in which he officially announces his change in status to the world. Small groups of people waited at the Imperial Palace gate despite pouring rain and waved Japanese flags and cheered Naruhito as he entered by car in the morning, waving and smiling at them from an open window. The celebratory mood for what has been proclaimed a special holiday has been tempered by Typhoon Hagibis, which tore through Japan 10 days ago. The typhoon killed at least 80 people and prompted the postponement of a planned celebratory parade. (Production: Akira Tomoshige, Kwiyeon Ha) (Caption:2003EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_ENTHRONEMENT_MORNING)

日付：2019年10月22日

人物：徳仁 天皇

RM 113572307

佳子さま、鳥取砂丘など視察　鳥取入り

秋篠宮家の次女佳子さまは28日、第6回全国高校生手話パフォーマンス甲子園に臨席するため鳥取市を訪れ、鳥取砂丘や砂の美術館などを視察した。

日付：2019年9月28日

人物：佳子 さま

RM 110901486

眞子さま手話であいさつ　高校生スピーチコンテスト

秋篠宮家の長女眞子さまは24日、東京・有楽町のホールで行われた「第36回全国高校生の手話によるスピーチコンテスト」に出席し、手話を使ってあいさつされた

日付：2019年8月24日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 114861474

File footage of Japan's Emperor Naruhito ahead of enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22

Date:FILE , RECENT Japan's new Emperor Naruhito will proclaim his enthronement in a ceremony on October 22, when dignitaries from nearly 200 countries will be in attendance. Naruhito became the new emperor of Japan on May 1, 2019, a day after the abdication of his 85-year-old father, Emperor Akihito. Empress Masako and Naruhito's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne marked the start of the Reiwa era. Like his father, the new emperor is expected to wear a traditional robe and headdress. At the ceremony, Naruhito will step into the "Takamikura" - a 6.5 meter (21 ft) high pavilion that weighs about 8 tonnes - and briefly sit on a cushioned chair with a seat made from tatami straw. He then stands as the pavilion curtains are drawn open and declares his succession to the world. Naruhito has brought to the job of emperor an unusually broad range of experience for Japanese royalty, who have long had more cloistered lives than their overseas counterparts. He is the first Japanese emperor to have a university degree. Some conservatives favour Naruhito's younger brother Prince Akishino and his family, partly because of his wife Kiko, who has never had a career and fulfils all her public duties. The couple also have a son, Hisahito, who is third in line to the throne. (Production: Kwiyeon Ha) (Caption:8659EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_PROFILE)

日付：2019年8月15日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 110832119

全国戦没者追悼式に天皇陛下、雅子さまが参加

Japan's new emperor echoes father, expresses deep remorse over war Date:AUGUST 14, 2019 Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, expressed deep remorse over the country's wartime past and prayed for global peace on Thursday (August 15), echoing his father's words in remarks at an annual ceremony marking Tokyo's surrender in World War Two. Naruhito, 59, became Japan's first monarch born after the war when he inherited the throne in May. His father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. "Together with all of our people, I pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war ... and pray for world peace and the further development of our country," Naruhito said, echoing his father's message a year ago. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also spoke at the same ceremony, vowing that Japan will "never repeat the battle of war". Abe has long sought to revise the constitution's pacifist Article 9 to further legitimise the military, but public opinion is divided. (Production: Masashi Kato, Akiko Okamoto) (Caption:4005EV-WW2-ANNIVERSARY_JAPAN)

日付：2019年8月14日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 110832127

全国戦没者追悼式に天皇陛下、雅子さまが参加

Japan's new emperor echoes father, expresses deep remorse over war Date:AUGUST 14, 2019 Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, expressed deep remorse over the country's wartime past and prayed for global peace on Thursday (August 15), echoing his father's words in remarks at an annual ceremony marking Tokyo's surrender in World War Two. Naruhito, 59, became Japan's first monarch born after the war when he inherited the throne in May. His father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. "Together with all of our people, I pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war ... and pray for world peace and the further development of our country," Naruhito said, echoing his father's message a year ago. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also spoke at the same ceremony, vowing that Japan will "never repeat the battle of war". Abe has long sought to revise the constitution's pacifist Article 9 to further legitimise the military, but public opinion is divided. (Production: Masashi Kato, Akiko Okamoto) (Caption:4005EV-WW2-ANNIVERSARY_JAPAN)

日付：2019年8月14日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 110832120

全国戦没者追悼式に天皇陛下、雅子さまが参加

Japan's new emperor echoes father, expresses deep remorse over war Date:AUGUST 14, 2019 Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, expressed deep remorse over the country's wartime past and prayed for global peace on Thursday (August 15), echoing his father's words in remarks at an annual ceremony marking Tokyo's surrender in World War Two. Naruhito, 59, became Japan's first monarch born after the war when he inherited the throne in May. His father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. "Together with all of our people, I pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war ... and pray for world peace and the further development of our country," Naruhito said, echoing his father's message a year ago. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also spoke at the same ceremony, vowing that Japan will "never repeat the battle of war". Abe has long sought to revise the constitution's pacifist Article 9 to further legitimise the military, but public opinion is divided. (Production: Masashi Kato, Akiko Okamoto) (Caption:4005EV-WW2-ANNIVERSARY_JAPAN)

日付：2019年8月14日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 102646599

御即位一般参賀_Japan Emperor

Japan’s new emperor makes first public speech

日付：2019年5月4日

人物：徳仁 天皇, 雅子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 103700823

新天皇陛下、即位後初の一般参賀＝東京都（2019年５月４日）

Cheers and screams as new Japan emperor greets the people for the first time Date:MAY 4, 2019 Cheers and screams filled the air in Tokyo on Saturday (May 4) as new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako made their first greetings to an ecstatic public three days after acceding to the throne. Naruhito's father Akihito, 85, abdicated on Tuesday (April 30) in a brief, simple ceremony, nearly three years after he first expressed fears that advancing age might make it difficult for him to perform his duties, thanking the people and praying for peace. It was the first abdication in 200 years. Pledging to work as a symbol of the people, Naruhito, 59, was formally invested as emperor the day after. Thousands of people had queued for hours to get places ahead of the greetings, in which the emperor and his family stand on a palace balcony and wave to the gathered crowds. (Production: Kwiyeon Ha) (Caption:6002EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_)

日付：2019年5月4日

人物：徳仁 天皇, 雅子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 102795501

天皇陛下の即位を祝う一般参賀 皇居

天皇陛下の即位を祝う一般参賀が4日午前10時、皇居で始まった。

日付：2019年5月4日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 103701677

新天皇陛下、即位後初の一般参賀＝東京都（2019年５月４日）

Japanese queue to have a glimpse of the new Emperor Date:MAY 4, 2019 Thousands of well-wishers queued at the Imperial Palace on Saturday (May 4) as the new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako made their first greetings to an ecstatic public three days after acceding to the throne following the first abdication in two centuries. Naruhito's father, Akihito, 85, abdicated on Tuesday (April 30) in a simple ceremony, nearly three years after he first expressed fears that advancing age might make it difficult for him to perform his duties. It was the first abdication in 200 years. People from all over Japan started to queue for hours to have a glimpse of the new Emperor. Hiroyo Kato, who made a day trip with her 16-year-old daughter, said it was touching to be able to see and hear the Emperor's voice and to be at the historic moment. The new Emperor and Empress greeted the crowds six times on Saturday, along with other imperial family members. (Kim Kyung-Hoon, Yoko Kono, Kwiyeon Ha) (Caption:6007EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_REACTION)

日付：2019年5月4日

人物：雅子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣, 徳仁 天皇

RM 102265867

天皇陛下の退位儀式　皇居で始まる

天皇陛下は30日午前、皇居・宮中三殿で、退位に伴う儀式「退位礼当日賢所（かしこどころ）大前（おおまえ）の儀」に臨まれた。同日をもって退位することを広く国民に伝える国事行為「退位礼正殿の儀」を夕刻に行うことを、皇室が祖とする天照大神（あまてらすおおみかみ）に報告した。皇太子さまも専用の装束「黄丹袍（おうにのほう）」を着て参列した。

日付：2019年4月30日

人物：徳仁 天皇

RM 102274132

皇居・宮殿で「退位礼正殿の儀」　皇太子ご夫妻ら皇族方が出席

皇居・宮殿で30日夕、憲政史上初となる「退位礼正殿の儀」が行われ、皇后さまや皇太子ご夫妻ら皇族方、三権の長や閣僚ら計約300人が出席した。千代田区の半蔵門周辺には皇居に入る皇族方を一目見ようと大勢の人が集まった。

日付：2019年4月30日

人物：徳仁 天皇, 佳子 さま, 眞子 さま

RM 103033862

Japan faces a dwindling number of heirs with Emperor Akihito's abdication

Date:APRIL 26, 2019, APRIL 28, 2019, FILE Japan is counting down to the end of the era of Emperor Akihito who is due to abdicate on April 30. But the enthronement of his son Crown Prince Naruhito brings the number of heirs to three - Prince Akishino, 53, who will become the new crown prince and first in line, his son, Prince Hisahito, 12, and the brother of the retiring emperor, Prince Hitachi, who is 83, because the Imperial House Law stipulates that the heir must be males born to the paternal line. Hisahito is the only male family member of his generation and if the succession rules established in the Meiji Era in 1889 remain as is, it may pose a threat to the succession in years to come. The Crown Prince had a daughter, Princess Aiko in 2001 and in 2005, an advisory panel to the then-prime minister compiled a report suggesting changes to the succession rules to ensure stability, including measures such as allowing an empress to reign, maternal line succession and allowing the first-regardless of gender to succeed. But the proposals were met with strong resistance from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party as conservative lawmakers said paternal lineage was a core element of the tradition and besides, all past reigning empresses were of paternal lineage. Then Hisahito was born in 2006. Lawmakers sighed with relief and the discussion died down and hasn't been revisited seriously, even when a once-off legislation was passed to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate. A resolution attached to the 2017 legislation calls for the government to look into measures to ensure a stable succession and to take into account the possibility of maternal lineage. This should be done soon after the abdication and that the government should report its findings to the parliament. "I believe that there is a need to think of this thoroughly and carefully because of the significance and weight of the fact that the paternal lineage has long been upheld," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Friday (April 26) when asked about the possibility of revisiting the success law debate. On the streets, people were ready to accept change. "I think it's a good thing," said palace visitor Hiroto Hata, 13. "We live in a time when both men and women can do what they like so I think it is fine for a woman to ascend to the throne." "I am all for a change to a new system as long as there it can be discussed and there is a consensus among the people and I hope such an environment will develop (so a discussion can take place)," said Katsunori Hashimoto, 49. Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement will take place on May 1 and he is set to make his public appearance on May 4. (Production: Kwiyeon Ha, Ronn Bautista, Masako Iijima) (Caption:7002EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_HEIRS)

日付：2019年4月

人物：明仁 上皇, 秋篠宮 皇嗣, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 97978510

Japan commemorates 30 years of Emperor Akihito's reign

Japan held a ceremony commemorating 30 years of Emperor Akihito's reign on Sunday as the emperor is about to abdicate on April 30. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who attended the ceremony held in Tokyo, said in a speech that the Japanese will "never forget" how the imperial couple have "always stood by the people for 30 years." Abe said that since the emperor ascended the throne, the imperial couple have paid official visits to many countries, which strengthened bilateral relations. "The people of Fukushima were given the courage to move forward as they tried to recover from the globally unprecedented triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in 2011," Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori said, expressing gratitude to the imperial couple for their support to the prefecture. It is "fortunate that I have been able to undertake duties with the help of people," Emperor Akihito said. He said he thanked "the people, in whom I take pride and for whom I feel joy in being 'the symbol of the state' and the civilization of this country built over the long period." The emperor also expressed gratitude to foreign nations and international organizations for their support when Japan was "in the middle of suffering and sorrow" because of the natural disasters. Emperor Akihito, 85, in a rare nationally-televised address in August 2016, expressed his desire to relinquish his duties as emperor owing to concerns about his age, health and ability to carry out his formal duties. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tokyo. (XHTV)

日付：2019年2月25日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 98050863

両陛下が「顔真卿展」を鑑賞

天皇、皇后両陛下は20日、東京都台東区の東京国立博物館で開催されている特別展「顔真卿（がんしんけい）　王羲之（おうぎし）を超えた名筆」を鑑賞された。

日付：2019年2月20日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 100016899

「考える読書、脈々と」感想文コンクール　皇太子ご夫妻、表彰式に

第64回青少年読書感想文全国コンクールの表彰式が8日、皇太子ご夫妻を迎えて東京・大手町の経団連会館で開かれた。

日付：2019年2月8日

人物：雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 94546327

【平成最後の新年一般参賀】Japan Emperor

Japanese Emperor makes his last New Year’s speech

日付：2019年1月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 114861473

File footage of Japan's Emperor Naruhito ahead of enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22

Date:FILE , RECENT Japan's new Emperor Naruhito will proclaim his enthronement in a ceremony on October 22, when dignitaries from nearly 200 countries will be in attendance. Naruhito became the new emperor of Japan on May 1, 2019, a day after the abdication of his 85-year-old father, Emperor Akihito. Empress Masako and Naruhito's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne marked the start of the Reiwa era. Like his father, the new emperor is expected to wear a traditional robe and headdress. At the ceremony, Naruhito will step into the "Takamikura" - a 6.5 meter (21 ft) high pavilion that weighs about 8 tonnes - and briefly sit on a cushioned chair with a seat made from tatami straw. He then stands as the pavilion curtains are drawn open and declares his succession to the world. Naruhito has brought to the job of emperor an unusually broad range of experience for Japanese royalty, who have long had more cloistered lives than their overseas counterparts. He is the first Japanese emperor to have a university degree. Some conservatives favour Naruhito's younger brother Prince Akishino and his family, partly because of his wife Kiko, who has never had a career and fulfils all her public duties. The couple also have a son, Hisahito, who is third in line to the throne. (Production: Kwiyeon Ha) (Caption:8659EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_PROFILE)

日付：2019年1月2日

人物：秋篠宮 皇嗣, 徳仁 天皇

RM 94403266

【平成最後の新年一般参賀】Japan's Emperor gives final New Year's address

Japanese Emperor Akihito gives his last New Year's address before abdicating. IMAGES (-)

日付：2019年1月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 94403268

【平成最後の新年一般参賀】Japanese emperor gives his final New Year's address (2)

Japan's Emperor Akihito delivers his final New Year's address before his abdication later this year,greeting thousands of well-wishers who gathered to see him at the Imperial Palace. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES from Emperor Akihito+ COMPLETES VID1283757EN +REFILE TO ADD EXTRA SOUNDBITES AND UPDATE TEXT STORY - Japanese Emperor Akihito

日付：2019年1月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 100016898

平成最後の新年一般参賀　天皇陛下「良い年となるよう願う」

平成最後の新年一般参賀が2日午前、皇居で始まった。4月末に退位される陛下が、在位中に一般参賀に出席するのは最後となり、大勢の人が皇居を訪れた。

日付：2019年1月2日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 94082921

天皇陛下の85歳祝い一般参賀

天皇陛下の85歳の誕生日を祝う一般参賀が23日、皇居で行われた。来年4月30日に退位する陛下にとって、誕生日の一般参賀は最後。陛下は「祝意を受けることを誠にうれしく思います」と述べた上で「今年も残念なことに各地で災害が起こり、これにより家族や親しい人を失い、あるいは被害を受け、今も不自由な生活を送っている人々のことを思い、深く案じています」と気遣われた。

日付：2018年12月23日

人物：紀子 さま, 明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇, 佳子 さま, 美智子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣, 眞子 さま

RM 94056357

退位前の天皇陛下の誕生日を祝う人々＝日本

Japanese Emperor Akihito celebrated his 85th birthday on Sunday and delivered a speech to those who gathered outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to wish him well ahead of his abdication next year. Akihito is set to stand down next April after reigning for 30 years. "I feel so grateful to be celebrated by every one of you," Akihito said. "Once again this year sadly lots of disasters happened in lots of places (in Japan.) Lots of people passed away and were troubled because of these disasters. I’m thinking about these people who have lost family members and friends and people who are in a difficult condition themselves," he added. (Original Title: Japan celebrates Emperor Akihito's birthday before his abdication)

日付：2018年12月23日

人物：明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 86720049

ヴェルサイユ宮殿で日本の皇太子殿下と会うマクロン大統領＝フランス

Date:SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Crown Prince of Japan Naruhito to a glittering reception at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday (September 12). The visit to the vast 17th century chateau once home to France's Sun King Louis XIV included a bilateral meeting, a theatre performance in the palace's royal theatre and an official dinner. Naruhito is on a week-long visit to France, likely to be his last foreign trip before he replaces his father Akihito as emperor after his abdication which is expected to take place in the spring. The visit is officially organised to celebrate 160 years of Franco-Japanese diplomatic relations and a special light show will be held at the Eiffel Tower on Thursday (September 13) in Naruhito's honour. (Caption:3206WD-FRANCE-JAPAN_VERSAILLES)

日付：2018年9月12日

人物：エマニュエル・マクロン, 徳仁 天皇

RM 86720019

徳仁さまを出迎えるマクロン大統領＝フランス

Date:SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: A COMPLETE EDIT OF NARUHITO'S VISIT TO VERSAILLES WILL FOLLOW AS 3206-FRANCE-JAPAN/VERSAILLES French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Crown Prince of Japan Naruhito to a glittering reception at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday (September 12). Naruhito is on a week-long visit to France, likely to be his last foreign trip before he replaces his father Akihito as emperor after his abdication which is expected to take place in the spring. The visit to the vast 17th century chateau once home to France's Sun King Louis XIV will include a traditional Japanese theatrical performance and a banquet. The visit is officially organised to celebrate 160 years of Franco-Japanese diplomatic relations and a special light show will be held at the Eiffel Tower on Thursday in Naruhito's honour. (Caption:3203EV-FRANCE-JAPAN_VERSAILLES_ARRIVAL)

日付：2018年9月12日

人物：エマニュエル・マクロン, 徳仁 天皇

RM 84457971

「いつもご苦労さま」とお声をかけてくださった天皇皇后両陛下

8/25日夕方18時前。 1000メートル林道軽井沢。 止まれるくらいにスピードを落とし窓を開けられ 「いつもご苦労さま」とお声をかけてくださった皇后陛下と手を降る天皇陛下

日付：2018年8月25日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 100016897

両陛下：思い出のテニスコート訪問　「出会いの場」軽井沢

長野県軽井沢町で静養中の天皇、皇后両陛下は２５日、お二人の出会いの場となった「軽井沢会テニスコート」を訪問された。両陛下は、観光客らに笑顔で手を振ってからベンチに座り、同世代のプレーヤーに「いいショットですね」などと声を掛けていた。

日付：2018年8月25日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 83149463

眞子さまブラジル訪問

Japan's Princess Mako visits Brazil to mark Japanese migration anniversary Date:JULY 18, 2018 Japan's Princess Mako, the eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, visited the "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday (July 18). Princess Mako, in her fourth official trip abroad, will attend ceremonies marking the 110th anniversary of the first arrival of Japanese immigrants in Brazil, during a two-week visit. She plans to visit 14 cities in five states and meet with local people of Japanese descent and will return home on July 31. In February this year, Japan's Princess Mako announced she would postpone her wedding to commoner Kei Komuro to 2020 until after her grandfather Emperor Akihito abdicates next year. (Caption:3166EV-BRAZIL-JAPAN_ROYAL)

日付：2018年7月18日

人物：眞子

RM 74658421

ブラジルで「世界水フォーラム」　皇太子参加

World leaders address water challenges in Brazil forum World leaders gathered in Brazil's capital Monday for the 8th World Water Forum where the main focus is on how the world can avert disastrous loss of water supplies. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES - Michel Temer,president of Brazil- Audrey Azoulay,director general of UNESCO- Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan

日付：2018年3月19日

人物：徳仁 天皇

RM 74658253

徳仁皇太子、ブラジル農業研究センター訪問

Japan's crown prince tours Brazilian research facility Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito,in Brazil to attend an international conference on global water supply problems,toured the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Sunday with the company's chief executive Mauricio Lopes,and also its gardens which are named after a Japanese worker. IMAGES

日付：2018年3月18日

RM 74952422

東日本大震災追悼式2018年

Japan marks seven years since the March 11 quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster Date:MARCH 11, 2018 Japan on Sunday (March 11) marked the seventh anniversary of a deadly earthquake and tsunami that killed almost 15,000 people, and triggered an unprecedented nuclear meltdown rendering some lands uninhabitable. At around 2:46 p.m. (0546 GMT) that day, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, the biggest ever recorded in the nation's history and one of the five most powerful ever recorded in the world, struck off the coast of the northeastern Miyagi prefecture. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prince and Princess Akishino took part in the anniversary ceremony held in central Tokyo. Visitors offered flowers for the victims, hoping that the memories of the disaster will not fade. Though reconstruction have steadily progressed, more than 70,000 people still remain displaced and continue to live in temporary housing. Some areas surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which suffered a meltdown in three reactors, continue to be uninhabitable due to high radiation, and the decommissioning of crippled reactors still remain a struggle for operators - a task likely to take decades and cost tens of billions of dollars. (Caption:7089EV-JAPAN-DISASTER_ANNIVERSARY_UPDATE)

日付：2018年3月11日

人物：安倍 晋三, 紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 71682714

平昌五輪日本選手団結団式　

Thousands of fans send off Japan’s national team to Pyeongchang Winter Games Date:JANUARY 24, 2018 Over 3000 fans gathered at a gymnasium in downtown Tokyo on Wednesday (January 24) to send off Japan's national team to next month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea. Lee Su Hoon, South Korean ambassador to Japan, said he hoped Pyeongchang Olympics and Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic games would be an opportunity for two countries to enhance their friendship once again. 123 athletes and 144 officials registered to the Pyeongchang Games took part in the ceremony, where Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko made an appearance. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier on Wednesday said he would attend the Pyeongchang Olympics, after reports he would not attend due to a dispute over "comfort women" forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels. (Caption:3115EV-OLYMPICS-2018_JAPAN_DEPARTURE)

日付：2018年1月24日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 67923213

新年一般参賀2018年

Japan's Emperor Akihito extends New Year's greetings Japan's Emperor Akihito delivered his traditional New Year address with big crowds flocking to the Imperial Palace for one of only a few such occasions before he abdicates in 2019. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES

日付：2018年1月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 99957234

皇室：天皇陛下「穏やかで心豊かな年に」　新年一般参賀

新年恒例の一般参賀が２日、皇居であり、天皇陛下は「新年おめでとう。皆さんと共に新年を祝うことを誠に喜ばしく思います。本年が少しでも多くの人にとり、穏やかで心豊かな年となるよう願っております。年の初めにあたり、我が国と世界の人々の幸せを祈ります」とあいさつされた。

日付：2018年1月2日

RM 67339207

天皇誕生日一般参賀2017年

Record crowds celebrate Japan emperor's 84th birthday Record crowds flock to Japan's Imperial Palace to celebrate the 84th birthday of Emperor Akihito as he prepares to abdicate in April 2019. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES

日付：2017年12月23日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 99957233

皇室：天皇陛下８４歳　一般参賀に５万２３００人

天皇陛下の８４歳の誕生日を祝う一般参賀が２３日、皇居で行われた。陛下はあいさつで「来る年が国民皆にとり、少しでも穏やかな年となるよう願っています」と述べた。宮内庁によると記帳を含めて５万２３００人が訪れ、平成に入って最多となった。

日付：2017年12月23日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 67178895

徳仁皇太子夫妻、障がい者週間表彰式出席

Japan Crown Prince honours contributions to welcome disabled to society Date:DECEMBER 5, 2017 Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended an awards ceremony on Tuesday (December 5) to honour contributions to the welfare of people with disabilities. It was the first time the two stood together before the media for a public event, after the Imperial Household Council announced last week that Emperor Akihito would abdicate on April 30, 2019. The event, held in downtown Tokyo, marks the country's annual "National Week of Person with Disabilities." 28 people and four organisations were recognised by the Prime Minister for their writings, posters and contributions to helping people with physical disabilities. Naruhito, 57, is set to succeed his father who has spent much of his nearly three decades on Japan's throne seeking to soothe the wounds of World War Two. A government committee is preparing his enthronement, scheduled on May 1, 2019. (Caption:2101EV-JAPAN-ROYALS_CROWN_PRINCE)

日付：2017年12月5日

人物：安倍 晋三, 雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 62964675

秋篠宮ご夫妻　チリ訪問

Chile’s Bachelet slams North Korean aggression during Japanese royal visit Date:SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday (September 27) said Chile "repudiates" North Korea's "threatening acts of force" toward Japan, during a visit to the South American family by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. The Chilean leader made the comments shortly after welcoming the Japanese Royals to the presidential palace in Santiago for a ceremony celebrating "120 years of friendship" between the two countries. Pyongyang has fired ballistic missiles over Japan twice in the last month and conducted its sixth and biggest nuclear test on September 3. Tensions in the region have only escalated since then. In intensifying rhetoric between the United States and North Korea during the past week, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would "destroy" the country if it threatened the U.S. or its allies, including Japan. Pyongyang's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho responded that Trump had "declared war" and North Korea reserved the right to take countermeasures, including shooting down U.S. bombers, even if they were not in its air space. (Caption:3203EV-CHILE-JAPAN_ROYALS)

日付：2017年9月27日

人物：ミシェル・バチェレ, 紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 62964670

秋篠宮ご夫妻　チリ訪問

Chile’s Bachelet slams North Korean aggression during Japanese royal visit Date:SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday (September 27) said Chile "repudiates" North Korea's "threatening acts of force" toward Japan, during a visit to the South American family by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. The Chilean leader made the comments shortly after welcoming the Japanese Royals to the presidential palace in Santiago for a ceremony celebrating "120 years of friendship" between the two countries. Pyongyang has fired ballistic missiles over Japan twice in the last month and conducted its sixth and biggest nuclear test on September 3. Tensions in the region have only escalated since then. In intensifying rhetoric between the United States and North Korea during the past week, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would "destroy" the country if it threatened the U.S. or its allies, including Japan. Pyongyang's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho responded that Trump had "declared war" and North Korea reserved the right to take countermeasures, including shooting down U.S. bombers, even if they were not in its air space. (Caption:3203EV-CHILE-JAPAN_ROYALS)

日付：2017年9月27日

人物：ミシェル・バチェレ, 紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 62964611

秋篠宮ご夫妻　チリ訪問

Chile’s Bachelet slams North Korean aggression during Japanese royal visit Date:SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday (September 27) said Chile "repudiates" North Korea's "threatening acts of force" toward Japan, during a visit to the South American family by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. The Chilean leader made the comments shortly after welcoming the Japanese Royals to the presidential palace in Santiago for a ceremony celebrating "120 years of friendship" between the two countries. Pyongyang has fired ballistic missiles over Japan twice in the last month and conducted its sixth and biggest nuclear test on September 3. Tensions in the region have only escalated since then. In intensifying rhetoric between the United States and North Korea during the past week, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would "destroy" the country if it threatened the U.S. or its allies, including Japan. Pyongyang's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho responded that Trump had "declared war" and North Korea reserved the right to take countermeasures, including shooting down U.S. bombers, even if they were not in its air space. (Caption:3203EV-CHILE-JAPAN_ROYALS)

日付：2017年9月27日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 62964609

秋篠宮ご夫妻　チリ訪問

Chile’s Bachelet slams North Korean aggression during Japanese royal visit Date:SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday (September 27) said Chile "repudiates" North Korea's "threatening acts of force" toward Japan, during a visit to the South American family by Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. The Chilean leader made the comments shortly after welcoming the Japanese Royals to the presidential palace in Santiago for a ceremony celebrating "120 years of friendship" between the two countries. Pyongyang has fired ballistic missiles over Japan twice in the last month and conducted its sixth and biggest nuclear test on September 3. Tensions in the region have only escalated since then. In intensifying rhetoric between the United States and North Korea during the past week, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would "destroy" the country if it threatened the U.S. or its allies, including Japan. Pyongyang's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho responded that Trump had "declared war" and North Korea reserved the right to take countermeasures, including shooting down U.S. bombers, even if they were not in its air space. (Caption:3203EV-CHILE-JAPAN_ROYALS)

日付：2017年9月27日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 61364184

眞子さま婚約記者会見

The Japanese Imperial Palace announces engagement of Princess Mako to commoner Date:SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 The Imperial Palace officially announced on Sunday (September 3) Japan's Princess Mako, the eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, is to wed a former college classmate. The wedding is likely to heat up debate on the ever-shrinking royal family since she must become a commoner after marriage next summer and there are only four heirs to the throne. Many Japanese welcomed Mako's engagement to Kei Komuro, 25. (Caption:7062SB-JAPAN-ROYALS_PRINCESS_MAKO)

日付：2017年9月3日

人物：眞子 さま, 小室 圭

RM 51869251

Spain's King and Queen meet with Japanese Emperor and Empress

Date:APRIL 5, 2017 Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Wednesday (April 5) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The four-day visit is King Felipe's first visit to Japan as king and the royal couple's first visit to Asia since Felipe ascended the throne. The King and Queen will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife on Thursday (April 6). (Caption:3101SB-SPAIN-ROYALS_JAPAN)

日付：2017年4月5日

人物：明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 51869250

Spain's King and Queen meet with Japanese Emperor and Empress

Date:APRIL 5, 2017 Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Wednesday (April 5) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The four-day visit is King Felipe's first visit to Japan as king and the royal couple's first visit to Asia since Felipe ascended the throne. The King and Queen will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife on Thursday (April 6). (Caption:3101SB-SPAIN-ROYALS_JAPAN)

日付：2017年4月5日

人物：明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 51869249

スペイン国王夫妻来日　皇居表敬訪問

Spain's King and Queen meet with Japanese Emperor and Empress Date:APRIL 5, 2017 Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Wednesday (April 5) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The four-day visit is King Felipe's first visit to Japan as king and the royal couple's first visit to Asia since Felipe ascended the throne. The King and Queen will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife on Thursday (April 6). (Caption:3101SB-SPAIN-ROYALS_JAPAN)

日付：2017年4月5日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま, フェリペ 6世, レティシア 王妃

RM 66907215

天皇皇后ベトナム訪問

File of Japanese Emperor Akihito as special panel to discuss timing of abdication Date:FILE The timing of Japanese Emperor Akihito's abdication, Japan's first in nearly two centuries, is to be discussed by a special panel that will meet from December 1 (Friday). A law adopted in June that allows him to step down and be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, left details, such as timing, to be worked out. Akihito, born December 23, 1933, has spent much of his reign working to heal the wounds of a war waged across Asia in his father's name and bringing the monarchy closer to ordinary citizens. In August 2016, he gave a rare public message saying that he feared his age would prevent him from carrying out his duties, drawing sympathy from many ordinary Japanese. The emperor was once considered divine, but is currently defined in the constitution as a symbol of the "unity of the people" with no political power. His ceremonial duties range from tree-plantings to hosting banquets for visiting foreign leaders and greeting new ambassadors. Akihito and Empress Michiko are warmly regarded for their role in comforting the public in tough times, as when they knelt to talk to people at shelters after disasters, an action seen as bringing them closer to the people. The government had proposed the emperor retire at the end of 2018 but Imperial Household Agency officials demurred, media have said, citing a cluster of rituals and other events around that time. Some in government, however, now worry an alternate proposal of March 31, 2019, would be complicated by nationwide local elections set for that spring, media said. Once Akihito steps down, a new "imperial era" will begin, replacing the current "Heisei", or "achieving peace" period, which began on Jan. 8, 1989, the day he took the throne. Japan uses the Western-style Gregorian calendar but has also preserved the ancient custom in which the reign of a new emperor ushers in a new era. (Caption:8018EV-JAPAN-EMPEROR_AKIHITO_PROFILE)

日付：2017年3月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 99957231

新年一般参賀：9万6700人…平成で2番目に多く

新年恒例の一般参賀が2日、皇居・宮殿で行われ、平成に入って2番目に多い約9万6700人が集まった。昨年8月に天皇陛下が退位の意向がにじむおことばを公表され、皇室への関心が高まったためとみられる。

日付：2017年1月2日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 99957230

天皇陛下83歳：一般参賀　皇居訪問者数が平成最多

天皇陛下は23日、83歳の誕生日を迎えられた。皇居では一般参賀があり、陛下は午前中に3回、宮殿のベランダに立ち、集まった人々に手を振って応えた。宮内庁によると、記帳を含めて3万8588人が皇居を訪れ、即位20年を迎えた2009年の3万560人を上回り、平成では最多となった。宮内庁幹部は「陛下が8月に象徴としてのお務めについておことばを公表されたため、関心が高まったのではないか」とみている。

日付：2016年12月23日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 38701659

三笠宮さま葬儀「斂葬の儀」

Japanese royals and public attend funeral for Prince Mikasa Date:NOVEMBER 4, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito's uncle, Prince Mikasa, who served in China during World War Two and criticized the war waged in his older brother's name, was laid to rest on Friday (November 4) in solemn ceremonies attended by royals, the premier and other mourners. Mikasa's death at the age of 100 - the oldest Japanese royal in recorded history - leaves just four heirs to the Chrysanthemum throne. His death comes amid renewed attention to the future of a monarchy whose past traditionalists say stretches back 2,600 years and whose future currently rests with one 10-year-old boy. Women cannot ascend to the throne. A Shinto priest in white robes walked slowly ahead of the hearse at Tokyo's Toshimagaoka cemetery under bright blue skies to the sound of classical imperial flute music. Mikasa's 93-year-old widow, Princess Yuriko, followed in a wheelchair. Akihito's heir, Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, were in attendance along with dignitaries including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy. In line with tradition, Akihito and Empress Michiko did not attend. After a reading by a priest, chief mourners laid offerings of ritual greenery at an alter after which others approached and bowed to pay their respects. "He has lived through 100 years during a dynamic time in Japan, so I gave him my sincere condolences," Masaki Shinomiya, who attended the funeral as part of the general public, said. Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito, who until Japan's defeat was worshipped as a god, served in the military and was posted to Nanjing for about a year from 1943. China says Japanese troops killed 300,000 people in 1937 in its then capital of Nanjing. A postwar Allied tribunal put the death toll at 142,000, but some conservative Japanese politicians and scholars deny a massacre took place at all. In a 1994 interview with the Yomiuri newspaper, Mikasa was quoted saying "I was really shocked when an officer told me that the best way to train new soldiers was to use living prisoners of war for bayonet practice because it gave them willpower." An Oriental History scholar, Mikasa eschewed royal honorifics, preferring to be addressed "Mikasa-san" like ordinary Japanese. He was also a folk dancing aficionado and enthusiastic ice skater, and enjoyed karaoke. The remaining four male heirs include 10-year-old Prince Hisahito, the emperor's only grandson, raising concerns about the monarchy's future unless reforms to allow women to inherit and pass on the throne are enacted. Mikasa's body will be cremated and interred at the cemetery later in the day, public broadcaster NHK said. (Caption:5114EV-JAPAN-ROYALS_FUNERAL_UPDATE)

日付：2016年11月4日

人物：キャロライン・ケネディ, 安倍 晋三, 雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇, 百合子 さま

RM 38701658

三笠宮さま葬儀「斂葬の儀」

Japanese royals and public attend funeral for Prince Mikasa Date:NOVEMBER 4, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito's uncle, Prince Mikasa, who served in China during World War Two and criticized the war waged in his older brother's name, was laid to rest on Friday (November 4) in solemn ceremonies attended by royals, the premier and other mourners. Mikasa's death at the age of 100 - the oldest Japanese royal in recorded history - leaves just four heirs to the Chrysanthemum throne. His death comes amid renewed attention to the future of a monarchy whose past traditionalists say stretches back 2,600 years and whose future currently rests with one 10-year-old boy. Women cannot ascend to the throne. A Shinto priest in white robes walked slowly ahead of the hearse at Tokyo's Toshimagaoka cemetery under bright blue skies to the sound of classical imperial flute music. Mikasa's 93-year-old widow, Princess Yuriko, followed in a wheelchair. Akihito's heir, Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, were in attendance along with dignitaries including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy. In line with tradition, Akihito and Empress Michiko did not attend. After a reading by a priest, chief mourners laid offerings of ritual greenery at an alter after which others approached and bowed to pay their respects. "He has lived through 100 years during a dynamic time in Japan, so I gave him my sincere condolences," Masaki Shinomiya, who attended the funeral as part of the general public, said. Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito, who until Japan's defeat was worshipped as a god, served in the military and was posted to Nanjing for about a year from 1943. China says Japanese troops killed 300,000 people in 1937 in its then capital of Nanjing. A postwar Allied tribunal put the death toll at 142,000, but some conservative Japanese politicians and scholars deny a massacre took place at all. In a 1994 interview with the Yomiuri newspaper, Mikasa was quoted saying "I was really shocked when an officer told me that the best way to train new soldiers was to use living prisoners of war for bayonet practice because it gave them willpower." An Oriental History scholar, Mikasa eschewed royal honorifics, preferring to be addressed "Mikasa-san" like ordinary Japanese. He was also a folk dancing aficionado and enthusiastic ice skater, and enjoyed karaoke. The remaining four male heirs include 10-year-old Prince Hisahito, the emperor's only grandson, raising concerns about the monarchy's future unless reforms to allow women to inherit and pass on the throne are enacted. Mikasa's body will be cremated and interred at the cemetery later in the day, public broadcaster NHK said. (Caption:5114EV-JAPAN-ROYALS_FUNERAL_UPDATE)

日付：2016年11月4日

人物：安倍 晋三, 雅子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 38701660

三笠宮さま葬儀「斂葬の儀」

Japanese royals and public attend funeral for Prince Mikasa Date:NOVEMBER 4, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito's uncle, Prince Mikasa, who served in China during World War Two and criticized the war waged in his older brother's name, was laid to rest on Friday (November 4) in solemn ceremonies attended by royals, the premier and other mourners. Mikasa's death at the age of 100 - the oldest Japanese royal in recorded history - leaves just four heirs to the Chrysanthemum throne. His death comes amid renewed attention to the future of a monarchy whose past traditionalists say stretches back 2,600 years and whose future currently rests with one 10-year-old boy. Women cannot ascend to the throne. A Shinto priest in white robes walked slowly ahead of the hearse at Tokyo's Toshimagaoka cemetery under bright blue skies to the sound of classical imperial flute music. Mikasa's 93-year-old widow, Princess Yuriko, followed in a wheelchair. Akihito's heir, Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, were in attendance along with dignitaries including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy. In line with tradition, Akihito and Empress Michiko did not attend. After a reading by a priest, chief mourners laid offerings of ritual greenery at an alter after which others approached and bowed to pay their respects. "He has lived through 100 years during a dynamic time in Japan, so I gave him my sincere condolences," Masaki Shinomiya, who attended the funeral as part of the general public, said. Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito, who until Japan's defeat was worshipped as a god, served in the military and was posted to Nanjing for about a year from 1943. China says Japanese troops killed 300,000 people in 1937 in its then capital of Nanjing. A postwar Allied tribunal put the death toll at 142,000, but some conservative Japanese politicians and scholars deny a massacre took place at all. In a 1994 interview with the Yomiuri newspaper, Mikasa was quoted saying "I was really shocked when an officer told me that the best way to train new soldiers was to use living prisoners of war for bayonet practice because it gave them willpower." An Oriental History scholar, Mikasa eschewed royal honorifics, preferring to be addressed "Mikasa-san" like ordinary Japanese. He was also a folk dancing aficionado and enthusiastic ice skater, and enjoyed karaoke. The remaining four male heirs include 10-year-old Prince Hisahito, the emperor's only grandson, raising concerns about the monarchy's future unless reforms to allow women to inherit and pass on the throne are enacted. Mikasa's body will be cremated and interred at the cemetery later in the day, public broadcaster NHK said. (Caption:5114EV-JAPAN-ROYALS_FUNERAL_UPDATE)

日付：2016年11月4日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 38717007

美智子皇后（1990年資料映像）

Profile of Japanese Empress Michiko who is turning 82 years old on October 20. Date:RECENT, FILE When Japan's Empress Michiko turns 82 years old on Thursday (October 20), the much beloved wife of Japan's second post-war Emperor will have had been together for over half a century with Emperor Akihito. The first commoner to marry into Japan's imperial family, Michiko, was hailed as a Cinderella figure after she met Akihito, then crown prince, on a tennis court and broke centuries of royal tradition to marry him in 1959. Though she came from a wealthy background, Michiko played an integral role in crafting the postwar image of a family who tried to come as close as they could to ordinary Japanese. She insisted on breastfeeding and raising her children herself rather than having them cared for by wet nurses and tutors, and sent them off to school with packed lunches she made. In later years she became known for chatting to people she met at public events, even embracing women who had lost their homes in the 1995 Kobe earthquake and following the tsunami in northern Japan - a huge break from tradition in a nation where the emperor was considered divine until the end of World War Two. On many of these expeditions, she has worn trousers. (Caption:2114EV-JAPAN-ROYALS_EMPRESS_PROFILE)

日付：2016年10月18日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38698600

ベルギー国王夫妻来日　皇居訪問

Belgian royals welcomed by Japanese Imperial family Date:OCTOBER 11, 2016 Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were greeted on Tuesday (October 11) by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in downtown Tokyo. Tuesday marked the first of their four-day stay in Japan to celebrate the two nations' 150 years of diplomatic relations. King Philippe is scheduled to have lunch with business executives from top Japanese companies including Sony Corporation and All Nippon Airlines. Queen Mathilde will visit Toho Gakuen School of Music, have lunch at Waseda University, and meet with representatives from top Japanese universities including Tokyo University and Keio University, according to the Belgian Embassy in Japan. The Belgian royals will also join a banquet with the Japanese Imperial family to round off their first day of their visit later this evening. (Caption:2101EV-BELGIUM-ROYALS_JAPAN)

日付：2016年10月11日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま, フィリップ 国王, マチルド 王妃

RM 35110734

全国戦没者追悼式2016年

Japan marks 71st anniversary of end of World War II Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito mark the anniversary of the end of World War II at a memorial service for war victims. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito mark the anniversary of the end of World War II at a memorial service for war victims. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES -Emperor Akihito,Japanese Emperor-Shinzo Abe,Japanese Prime Minister

日付：2016年8月15日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38692660

全国戦没者追悼式2016年

Hundreds attend Japan memorial marking end of WW2 Date:AUGUST 15, 2016 Hundreds of people attended a memorial service in Japan on Monday (August 15), marking 71 years since the end of World War Two. Japanese Emperor Akihito and Japanese Empress Michiko led a moment of silence with the attendees, paying their respects for those who lost their lives in the war. Afterwards Akihito gave a speech in which he touched upon the peace and prosperity Japan was able to attain today due to the hard work of its citizens. "Seventy-one years have already passed since the end of the war, and our country today enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the ceaseless effort made by the people of Japan, but when I look back on the sufferings and tribulations of the past, I cannot help but be overcome with deep emotion," he said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also attended the ceremony at which he laid a single flower in tribute to the dead. "I will do my best to never repeat the atrocities of war again, and to reflect on history, and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world, and so that people can live with a peace of mind," Abe said. "I'm speechless," 79 year old Sho Oonaka said, trying to hold back tears as he remembered his father who died during the war. "I can only pray for peace. I hate war, and it should never happen again," said his wife, Toshiko Oonaka. The ceremony closed with relatives of war dead laying flower offerings on the stage. (Caption:1101EV-WW2-ANNIVERSARY_JAPAN)

日付：2016年8月15日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 78320165

明仁皇太子、小学校初登校（資料映像）　

Some Japanese surprised by report on Japanese Emperor's intention to abdicate Some Tokyo residents expressed surprise on Thursday (July 14) after they heard reports that Japanese Emperor Akihito intends to abdicate in a few years. Public broadcaster NHK, followed by other domestic media, reported the news on Wednesday (July 13) evening and Thursday morning. Akihito is well known for spending much of his time on the throne trying to heal the wounds of World War Two. His abdication would be a step that's unprecedented in modern Japan. The 82-year-old monarch, who has had heart surgery and undergone treatment for prostate cancer in recent years, expressed his intention to the Imperial Household Agency, NHK said. It did not cite a reason. "The Imperial Household Agency (IHA) will deal with the situation appropriately. Because the IHA is denying the report, we decline to comment," Japanese government Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. The Japanese Imperial Palace is accessible to a large number of visitors year round. Large numbers of joggers also run laps around the palace. "It'll most likely be before the Olympics and it'll be Japan's fresh new start, so it's good timing. I thought it's great news for the people in the Imperial Household and Japanese citizens," said Kaoru Kukino, a Tokyo resident who was among the joggers running around the Palace. "If he's quitting in the middle of it, then does the era change? And who will take the throne, as the crown princess is a girl, and there are no female emperors," said another jogger around the palace, Ai Suzuki. Kyodo news agency, quoting a government source, said Akihito had been expressing to people around him his intention to abdicate for about a year, although in a separate report Kyodo quoted a senior Imperial Household Agency official as denying that the reports were correct. Akihito has been cutting back on his official duties, handing over some of the burden to his heir, Crown Prince Naruhito, 56. Born in 1933, Akihito was heir to Emperor Hirohito, in whose name Japan fought World War Two. The soft-spoken Akihito marked the 70th anniversary of World War Two's end last year with an expression of "deep remorse", a departure from his previous remarks seen by some as an effort to cement a legacy of pacifism under threat from conservative Japanese nationalists. Akihito has sought to deepen Japan's ties with the world through visits abroad. In 1992 he became the first Japanese monarch in living memory to visit China, where bitter memories of Japan's past military aggression run deep. Emperor Kokaku, who gave up the throne in 1817, was the last Japanese emperor to abdicate, NHK said. A scientist by vocation, Akihito is the first royal heir to have married a commoner, Michiko Shoda, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist. Under the U.S.-drafted, postwar constitution, Japan's emperor is "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People", with no political power. Akihito's efforts to draw the imperial family closer to the people in image, if not in fact, have played into a carefully crafted picture of a "middle-class monarchy" that has helped shield it from the harsh criticism suffered by flashier royals abroad.

日付：2016年7月14日

人物：明仁 上皇

RM 33212905

東日本大震災追悼式2016年

Japan marks 5th anniversary of quake, tsunami disaster Japan pauses to mark five years since an offshore earthquake spawned a monster tsunami that left about 18,500 people dead or missing along its northeastern coast and sparked the worst nuclear disaster in a quarter century. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Japan pauses to mark five years since an offshore earthquake spawned a monster tsunami that left about 18,500 people dead or missing along its northeastern coast and sparked the worst nuclear disaster in a quarter century. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Upsot x 2

日付：2016年3月11日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38345296

天皇皇后両陛下、フィリピン出発

Japanese royals depart the Philippines after official visit Date:JANUARY 30, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko left Manila on Saturday (January 30), wrapping up an official visit to the Philippines that celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Philippine President Benigno Aquino accompanied the royal couple as they shook hands one last time before boarding a Japanese-flagged Boeing 747 jetliner. The royal couple's four-day official visit, the first by Japanese reigning royals to Southeast Asia, included a meeting with Aquino, visits to shrines and war memorials honouring Filipino heroes and fallen Japanese soldiers during World War Two. At a state dinner hosted by Aquino on Wednesday (January 27), Akihito expressed remorse over Japanese aggression in the region 70 years ago, and thanked Aquino for the warm welcome and the strong relationship between the nations. Japan and the Philippines have enjoyed one of the longest post-war partnerships in the region, with thriving cooperative ventures encompassing economy, politics, and culture. Ties between the two nations have deepened over the past decade with the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in 2006. The accord opened up even more avenues for bilateral investment, free trade, and skills exchange between Tokyo and Manila. (Caption:6100EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_ROYALS_DEPARTURE)

日付：2016年1月30日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 32804123

両陛下フィリピン訪問　日本人戦没者追悼

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko offer flowers during a visit to a memorial garden for Japanese casualties of World War II in Caliraya,south of Manila,during a five-day visit to the Philippines. IMAGES Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko offer flowers during a visit to a memorial garden for Japanese casualties of World War II in Caliraya,south of Manila,during a five-day visit to the Philippines. IMAGES (-)

日付：2016年1月29日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38345192

両陛下フィリピン訪問　日本人戦没者追悼式

Japanese royals pay tribute at Japanese war shrine in the Philippines Date:JANUARY 29, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited a Japanese World War Two shrine south of Manila on Friday (January 29). The royal couple are on an official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Descendants of fallen Japanese soldiers accompanied the royals in offering flowers and prayers at the monument. "I didn't know what he looked like so I wanted to come here and see the place and pray at the place where he fell," said Hisata Mihoko, one of the descendants whose father died in the war. The memorial garden where the shrine is located was commissioned by both the Japanese and Philippine governments in 1978 to honour Japanese soldiers killed during World War II. More than half a million Japanese soldiers were killed during their invasion of the Philippines between 1942-1945. Two cities, including the capital, Manila, were destroyed. Mizuochi Toshiei, President of the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association, said he was touched by the royal couple's sincerity. "The Emperor's feelings towards the war dead are strong. And the Emperor has expressed condolences not only for Japanese, but also American and Filipino soldiers who fell in battle. And I was very touched by the words of the Emperor, which he always repeats, about the inestimable value of peace," he said. Earlier on Friday, a group of Filipino "comfort women", forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War Two, staged a protest outside the Japanese embassy in Manila to demand an apology from the Japanese government for its war crimes. The women sought an audience with the Japanese royals, hoping to bring their decades-old demand for an apology and compensation. Just last month, South Korea comfort women saw a breakthrough when a landmark agreement was reached with Japan to resolve the issue that has plagued diplomatic ties since the end of the war. "We are calling on the Emperor of Japan, who is visiting our country right now, to finally provide the compensation that we've been asking for all these years. Only a few of us remain alive," said former Filipino comfort woman Isabelita Vinuya. A presidential spokesperson on Wednesday (January 27) said no political issues were discussed during a personal meeting between President Benigno Aquino and Akihito, including the issue of Filipino comfort women. During a state dinner hosted by Aquino after the meeting, Akihito however expressed deep remorse over Japanese aggression in the region during World War Two, and thanked Aquino for the warm welcome and strong relationship between the nations. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. The last time the couple toured the Philippines was in 1962 when Akihito was crown prince. The royals will depart the Philippines for Tokyo on Saturday (January 30). (Caption:5103EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_ROYALS_SHRINE_PROTEST)

日付：2016年1月29日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38344652

両陛下フィリピン訪問　国民的英雄碑に献花

Japanese royals pay tribute to Philippine national hero Date:JANUARY 27, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the monument of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in Manila on Wednesday (January 27). The royal pair are on a four-day official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada accompanied Akihito and Michiko to the Rizal monument where Rizal is enshrined. A large wreath of flowers was placed in front of the monument, as they bowed their heads for a short prayer. After the wreath laying ceremony, Akihito and Michiko were expected to visit the graves of fallen Filipino national heroes. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. (Caption:3107EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_MONUMENT)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38344651

両陛下フィリピン訪問　国民的英雄碑に献花

Japanese royals pay tribute to Philippine national hero Date:JANUARY 27, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the monument of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in Manila on Wednesday (January 27). The royal pair are on a four-day official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada accompanied Akihito and Michiko to the Rizal monument where Rizal is enshrined. A large wreath of flowers was placed in front of the monument, as they bowed their heads for a short prayer. After the wreath laying ceremony, Akihito and Michiko were expected to visit the graves of fallen Filipino national heroes. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. (Caption:3107EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_MONUMENT)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 32803917

両陛下フィリピン訪問　第二次大戦戦没兵士に献花追悼

Japanese Emperor Akihito bows his head in sorrow during a sombre ceremony at the Philippines' biggest war cemetery. IMAGES Japanese Emperor Akihito bows his head in sorrow during a sombre ceremony at the Philippines' biggest war cemetery. IMAGES (-)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38344583

両陛下フィリピン訪問　アキノ大統領主催晩さん会

Philippines' Aquino pays tribute to Japanese Emperor Akihito during state banquet Date:JANUARY 27, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended a state dinner hosted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino at the Presidential Palace in manila on Wednesday (January 27). The royal pair are on a four-day official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Aquino led the banquet and made a toast commenting on the further improving ties after World War II. "In meeting your majesties, I am held in awe, recognising the burdens you have bore, as you have had to live with the decisions made by others during the dark episodes in the history of our nations. It is, however, upon this history that we have built a far more enduring relationship. Japan has been a consistent, able and trustworthy partner who has helped advanced our people's progress," he said. Akihito expressed remorse over what happened in the region 70 years ago, but thanked Aquino for the warm welcome and the strong diplomatic relations between the nations. "It is our deepest hope that our visit will contribute to deepen the mutual understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of our two countries. I would now like to propose a toast to the good health of Your Excellency and Mrs. Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada, and to the happiness of the people of the Philippines," Akihito said. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. This is also the first time Akihito as emperor and his wife have visited Manila. The last time they toured the Philippines was in 1962 when Akihito was the crown prince. Early on Wednesday, Akihito held a closed door meeting with Aquino and visited the graves of the fallen Filipino national heroes. He is expected to visit a Japanese war memorial on Friday (January 29). (Caption:3225EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_ROYALS_BANQUET)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：ベニグノ・アキノ3世, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38344615

両陛下フィリピン訪問　無名戦士の墓で追悼

Japanese royals pay tribute to the grave of fallen Filipino natonal heroes Date:JANUARY 27, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko paid tribute to the graves of fallen Filipino heroes in Manila on Wednesday (January 27). The royal pair are on a four-day official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. A wreath of flowers was offered to the tomb of the unknown soldier, as the couple bowed their heads for a short prayer. The heroes cemetery in Manila houses more than 40,000 graves of Filipino national heroes, most of which came from World War II. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. This is also the first time Akihito and his wife visited Manila as emperor. The last time they toured the Philippines was in 1962 when Akihito was crown prince. (Caption:3105EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_ROYALS_MEMORIAL)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38344586

両陛下フィリピン訪問　アキノ大統領主催晩さん会

Philippines' Aquino pays tribute to Japanese Emperor Akihito during state banquet Date:JANUARY 27, 2016 Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended a state dinner hosted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino at the Presidential Palace in manila on Wednesday (January 27). The royal pair are on a four-day official visit to the Philippines to celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Aquino led the banquet and made a toast commenting on the further improving ties after World War II. "In meeting your majesties, I am held in awe, recognising the burdens you have bore, as you have had to live with the decisions made by others during the dark episodes in the history of our nations. It is, however, upon this history that we have built a far more enduring relationship. Japan has been a consistent, able and trustworthy partner who has helped advanced our people's progress," he said. Akihito expressed remorse over what happened in the region 70 years ago, but thanked Aquino for the warm welcome and the strong diplomatic relations between the nations. "It is our deepest hope that our visit will contribute to deepen the mutual understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of our two countries. I would now like to propose a toast to the good health of Your Excellency and Mrs. Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada, and to the happiness of the people of the Philippines," Akihito said. This is the first trip by a Japanese reigning royal to the Southeast Asian region, and comes just over 70 years since the end of World War II. This is also the first time Akihito as emperor and his wife have visited Manila. The last time they toured the Philippines was in 1962 when Akihito was the crown prince. Early on Wednesday, Akihito held a closed door meeting with Aquino and visited the graves of the fallen Filipino national heroes. He is expected to visit a Japanese war memorial on Friday (January 29). (Caption:3225EV-PHILIPPINES-JAPAN_ROYALS_BANQUET)

日付：2016年1月27日

人物：ベニグノ・アキノ3世, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 34647145

天皇陛下 フィリピン行幸`出発前のご挨拶 （2016年１月26日）

Japanese Emperor Akihito remembered "a tremendously large number of innocent Filipino civilians" who lost their lives during World War II as he prepared to leave for a four-day trip to the Philippines on Tuesday morning. Speaking at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport with Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, present, Akihito said the visit was "to commemorate those who died in the war (World War II), and to pray for peace." Akihito and Empress Michiko are visiting the Philippines to mark the 60th anniversary of normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two countries after World War II, during which the Philippines suffered under Japanese occupation. The 82-year-old emperor will pay his respects at memorials for both the Philippine and the Japanese war dead. Japan-Philippines relations have improved dramatically in the seven decades since the war. Japan has become a major aid donor to the Philippines, and the countries are deepening security ties in the face of China's military rise. The trip follows visits to World War II battle sites in Palau last year and Saipan in 2005. Akihito also prayed for Japanese and US war dead in Iwo Jima in 1994.

日付：2016年1月26日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 32803850

両陛下フィリピン到着

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrive in Manila for a five-day state visit,welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. IMAGES Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrive in Manila for a five-day state visit,welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. IMAGES (-)

日付：2016年1月26日

人物：ベニグノ・アキノ3世, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 34679512

天皇、生前退位ご希望　徳仁皇太子プロフィール

FILE: Japan palace denies emperor's wish to abdicate (2) Japan's Emperor Akihito has no plans to step down,the imperial household insists,denying reports the 82-year-old wants to abdicate,in what would be an extraordinary move for a more-than 2,600-year-old royal line.FILE IMAGES of Crown Prince Naruhito Japan's Emperor Akihito has no plans to step down,the imperial household insists,denying reports the 82-year-old wants to abdicate,in what would be an extraordinary move for a more-than 2,600-year-old royal line.FILE IMAGES of Crown Prince Naruhito (-)

日付：2016年1月5日

人物：明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 34642835

【新年一般参賀】 2016年1月

Tens of thousands of people visited Tokyo's Imperial Palace on Saturday to receive the Japanese Emperor's New Year greeting. As part of new year traditions, Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and other members of the royal family - including Akihito's eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, appeared on the palace balcony. The emperor and the empress are scheduled to make the first state visit by a Japanese emperor to the Philippines at the end of January to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

日付：2016年1月2日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 99963524

新年一般参賀：天皇陛下「世界の平安を祈ります」

新年恒例の一般参賀が２日、皇居であり、平成に入り２番目となる計８万２６９０人が訪れた。天皇、皇后両陛下や皇太子ご夫妻、秋篠宮ご夫妻ら皇族方が宮殿・長和殿のベランダに立ち、集まった人に笑顔で手を振って応えられた。

日付：2016年1月2日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 32302451

天皇誕生日一般参賀2015年

Thousands celebrate Japanese Emperor Akihito's 82nd birthday Thousands of people flock to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 82nd birthday as the monarch greeted well-wishers from a glass-covered balcony flanked by members of the royal household. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Thousands of people flock to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 82nd birthday as the monarch greeted well-wishers from a glass-covered balcony flanked by members of the royal household. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ? Emperor Akihito

日付：2015年12月23日

人物：眞子 さま, 佳子 さま, 紀子 さま, 明仁 上皇, 雅子 さま, 美智子 さま, 徳仁 天皇

RM 99957228

天皇誕生日の一般参賀：「皆さんの健康と幸せを祈ります」

天皇陛下の82歳の誕生日を祝う一般参賀が23日、皇居であった。陛下は午前中に3回、皇后さま、皇太子ご夫妻、秋篠宮ご夫妻と長女眞子さま、次女佳子さまと宮殿・長和殿のベランダに立たれ、集まった人たちに手を振って応えた。

日付：2015年12月23日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 38281812

眞子さま、ホンジュラス訪問　ボランティア表彰

Japan's Princess Mako honours Japanese volunteers in Honduras Date:DECEMBER 8, 2015 Princess Mako joined Honduran first lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez on Tuesday (December 8) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Japan sending volunteers to Honduras. To date, more than 1,000 volunteers have come to Honduras from Japan. The event took place at the Honduran Presidential Palace in capital Tegucigalpa, where ties of friendship and cooperation were also renewed between both countries. A partnership between Japan and Honduras, involving the sending of Japanese volunteers to spend time in the Central American country, dates back to 1975. The programme has been run by the International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and began with the arrival of the first two volunteers. One was a specialist in the field of vegetables in Comayagua and the second specialised in the production of fishing to support cooperatives in Tela, Atlantida. For 40 consecutive years, the partnership has focused mainly on education, health, rural development and climate change. As of December 2015, JICA has received more than 1,358 volunteers from Japan. They are mostly professionals who work closely with communities to contribute to the welfare of the Honduran people. Princess Mako, hailed the partnership. "I was excited to learn that the activities developed over 40 years have remained in the heart of many people both from Japan and Honduras as well as (creating) cordial memories. I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude for the ongoing activities performed by volunteers for many years, as well as for the generous understanding and cooperation of such activities granted by Honduran citizens. I would like to conclude my words wishing the celebration of this anniversary year is the reason to further and deepen mutual exchanges and understanding between Japan and Honduras. Thanks!" Princess Mako said. Garcia de Hernandez said Japan's interest in the country had had a significant impact on the Honduran population. "The empire of the rising sun has shown Hondurans its noble friendship as well as its unconditional and solid support in areas of such importance for our people. Japan has maintained the flow of technical assistance - as well as financial and humanitarian - all of which has had a significant influence in the life of our people," Garcia de Hernandez said. The Honduran first lady, added that there are currently 32 Japanese volunteers scattered around the departments of Copan, Lempira, La Paz, Valle, Choluteca, El Paraiso and Francisco Morazan, working in the areas of rural development, music, nursing, teaching math, auto mechanics and development of porcelain and ceramics, control and prevention of diseases, physiotherapy and art for the home. In July of this year, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, signed bilateral agreements with Japan in the fields of Honduran security, infrastructure, technology and governance, during a state visit to Japan. This is the 23-year-old princess' first official overseas trip. (Caption:2237EV-HONDURAS-JAPAN_PRINCESS)

日付：2015年12月8日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 32103008

眞子さま、ホンジュラス訪問　ボランティア表彰

Japanese princess fetes 40 years of volunteers in Honduras Japan's Princess Mako and Honduran First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez on Tuesday celebrated four decades of Japanese volunteers visiting Honduras to help develop medicine,art,science and other activities. IMAGES Japan's Princess Mako and Honduran First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez on Tuesday celebrated four decades of Japanese volunteers visiting Honduras to help develop medicine,art,science and other activities. IMAGES (-)

日付：2015年12月7日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 38281608

眞子さま、ホンジュラス訪問　博物館開所式

Japan's Princess Mako visits Honduras' Copan ruins Date:DECEMBER 07, 2015 Princess Mako inaugurated a new museum at the ancient Mayan ruins of Copan in Honduras on Monday (December 07) as part of a bilateral visit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central American nation. Princess Mako was joined by Honduran first lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Garcia de Hernandez praised Japan for its positive contribution to Honduras. "The year 2015 is the year of friendship between both countries. We are grateful to the Japanese government for their cooperation and technical assistance over 80 years to strengthen areas such as public health," she said. The eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, she told media she was excited to visit the ancient Mayan site that dates back to the 5th century CE. "Following this inauguration I will visit the Copan ruins. I am very excited to be able see up close the artistic value and the culture of these ruins of Mayan civilisation, the most emblematic of Honduras," said Princess Mako. This is the 23-year-old princess' first official overseas trip. Later in the week she is scheduled to meet President Orlando Hernandez at the presidential residence. (Caption:1263EV-HONDURAS-JAPAN_PRINCESS)

日付：2015年12月7日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 32102890

眞子さま、エルサルバドル訪問

Japan's Princess Mako starts Central America visit Japan's Princess Mako,granddaughter of Emperor Akihito,began on Thursday a visit to Central America taking in El Salvador and Honduras,to mark eight decades of diplomatic relations between the region and her country. IMAGES Japan's Princess Mako,granddaughter of Emperor Akihito,began on Thursday a visit to Central America taking in El Salvador and Honduras,to mark eight decades of diplomatic relations between the region and her country. IMAGES

日付：2015年12月3日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 38281125

眞子さま、エルサルバトル訪問

Japan's Princess Mako welcomed in El Salvador Date:DECEMBER 3, 2015 Japan's Princess Mako was in El Salvador on Thursday (December 03) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central American nation. The eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, she met with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez and President Salvador Sanchez Ceren where both sides discussed closer ties between the allies. This is the 23-year-old princess' first official overseas trip and is the first visit from a Japanese royal since 2014. Princess Mako will be in El Salvador until Sunday (December 6) after which she will travel to Honduras. (Caption:4238EV-ELSALVADOR-JAPAN_PRINCESS)

日付：2015年12月3日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 38281124

眞子さま、エルサルバドル訪問

Japan's Princess Mako welcomed in El Salvador Date:DECEMBER 3, 2015 Japan's Princess Mako was in El Salvador on Thursday (December 03) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central American nation. The eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, she met with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez and President Salvador Sanchez Ceren where both sides discussed closer ties between the allies. This is the 23-year-old princess' first official overseas trip and is the first visit from a Japanese royal since 2014. Princess Mako will be in El Salvador until Sunday (December 6) after which she will travel to Honduras. (Caption:4238EV-ELSALVADOR-JAPAN_PRINCESS)

日付：2015年12月3日

人物：眞子 さま

RM 38515475

秋篠宮ご夫妻　ブラジル訪問

BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were in Sao Paulo Wednesday (October 28) as part of a 12-day trip through the South American country to commemorate 120 years of friendship between the two countries. The members of the Imperial Family were greeted by schoolchildren waving Japanese and Brazilian flags as they arrived at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture in Sao Paulo. They toured the Japanese Immigration History Museum along with the museum's president, Harumi Arashiro Goya. Following the tour, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were the guests of honour at a welcome ceremony given by the Japanese-Brazilian community. The prince said he was happy to be in Brazil for a second official visit after coming in 1988 to celebrate a 1908 treaty that saw the first wave of Japanese immigrants, mostly labourers, make their way to the South American country. "This year, in which we celebrate 120 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, I feel very happy to be able to come back to Brazil at the invitation of the Brazilian government. I visited this country for the first time in 1988 to commemorate 80 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil. I am very pleased to be able to visit Brazil once again, together with my wife and to be able to meet with the Japanese-Brazilian community again," Prince Akishino said. Brazil, along with the United States, has one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan. In recent years, there has been an influx of Brazilians, many of Japanese descent, immigrating to Japan. Prince Akishino said he hopes immigration populations in both countries will continue to strengthen their relationship. "I am also greatly satisfied for the current presence of a Brazilian community in Japan of close to 180,000 people, most of whom are children of Japanese parents. This has intensified exchanges between young people from both countries. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that the younger generations can be bridges that link the friendship between our two countries," he said. The President of the Japanese Immigration History Museum at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture, known as the Bunkyo, Harumi Arashiro Goya, said the visit was a symbol of the Imperial Family's connection with the Japanese-Brazilian community here. "This shows how they care about the (Japanese-Brazilian) community. To commemorate 120 years of friendship between Brazil and Japan, the Imperial Family, someone from the Imperial Family came to visit Brazil. For us it is a big sign of affection and consideration for the community," she said. The prince and princess are scheduled to visit several Brazilian cities and, next week, are expected to meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia. (Caption:BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo)

日付：2015年10月28日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 38515474

秋篠宮ご夫妻　ブラジル訪問

BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were in Sao Paulo Wednesday (October 28) as part of a 12-day trip through the South American country to commemorate 120 years of friendship between the two countries. The members of the Imperial Family were greeted by schoolchildren waving Japanese and Brazilian flags as they arrived at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture in Sao Paulo. They toured the Japanese Immigration History Museum along with the museum's president, Harumi Arashiro Goya. Following the tour, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were the guests of honour at a welcome ceremony given by the Japanese-Brazilian community. The prince said he was happy to be in Brazil for a second official visit after coming in 1988 to celebrate a 1908 treaty that saw the first wave of Japanese immigrants, mostly labourers, make their way to the South American country. "This year, in which we celebrate 120 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, I feel very happy to be able to come back to Brazil at the invitation of the Brazilian government. I visited this country for the first time in 1988 to commemorate 80 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil. I am very pleased to be able to visit Brazil once again, together with my wife and to be able to meet with the Japanese-Brazilian community again," Prince Akishino said. Brazil, along with the United States, has one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan. In recent years, there has been an influx of Brazilians, many of Japanese descent, immigrating to Japan. Prince Akishino said he hopes immigration populations in both countries will continue to strengthen their relationship. "I am also greatly satisfied for the current presence of a Brazilian community in Japan of close to 180,000 people, most of whom are children of Japanese parents. This has intensified exchanges between young people from both countries. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that the younger generations can be bridges that link the friendship between our two countries," he said. The President of the Japanese Immigration History Museum at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture, known as the Bunkyo, Harumi Arashiro Goya, said the visit was a symbol of the Imperial Family's connection with the Japanese-Brazilian community here. "This shows how they care about the (Japanese-Brazilian) community. To commemorate 120 years of friendship between Brazil and Japan, the Imperial Family, someone from the Imperial Family came to visit Brazil. For us it is a big sign of affection and consideration for the community," she said. The prince and princess are scheduled to visit several Brazilian cities and, next week, are expected to meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia. (Caption:BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo)

日付：2015年10月28日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 38515473

秋篠宮ご夫妻　ブラジル訪問

BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were in Sao Paulo Wednesday (October 28) as part of a 12-day trip through the South American country to commemorate 120 years of friendship between the two countries. The members of the Imperial Family were greeted by schoolchildren waving Japanese and Brazilian flags as they arrived at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture in Sao Paulo. They toured the Japanese Immigration History Museum along with the museum's president, Harumi Arashiro Goya. Following the tour, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were the guests of honour at a welcome ceremony given by the Japanese-Brazilian community. The prince said he was happy to be in Brazil for a second official visit after coming in 1988 to celebrate a 1908 treaty that saw the first wave of Japanese immigrants, mostly labourers, make their way to the South American country. "This year, in which we celebrate 120 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, I feel very happy to be able to come back to Brazil at the invitation of the Brazilian government. I visited this country for the first time in 1988 to commemorate 80 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil. I am very pleased to be able to visit Brazil once again, together with my wife and to be able to meet with the Japanese-Brazilian community again," Prince Akishino said. Brazil, along with the United States, has one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan. In recent years, there has been an influx of Brazilians, many of Japanese descent, immigrating to Japan. Prince Akishino said he hopes immigration populations in both countries will continue to strengthen their relationship. "I am also greatly satisfied for the current presence of a Brazilian community in Japan of close to 180,000 people, most of whom are children of Japanese parents. This has intensified exchanges between young people from both countries. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that the younger generations can be bridges that link the friendship between our two countries," he said. The President of the Japanese Immigration History Museum at the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture, known as the Bunkyo, Harumi Arashiro Goya, said the visit was a symbol of the Imperial Family's connection with the Japanese-Brazilian community here. "This shows how they care about the (Japanese-Brazilian) community. To commemorate 120 years of friendship between Brazil and Japan, the Imperial Family, someone from the Imperial Family came to visit Brazil. For us it is a big sign of affection and consideration for the community," she said. The prince and princess are scheduled to visit several Brazilian cities and, next week, are expected to meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia. (Caption:BRAZIL-JAPAN/PRINCE Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Brazilian community in Sao Paulo)

日付：2015年10月28日

人物：紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 34642837

【全国戦没者追悼式】2015年8月

Japan marked the the 70th anniversary of Japanese surrender during World War II on Saturday as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito delivered speeches at the national ceremony in Tokyo. Abe stayed away from a contentious Yasukuni shrine that honours war criminals among other war dead. Abe instead prayed at a national cemetery for unnamed fallen soldiers ahead of the annual ceremony at Tokyo's Budokan hall. However, two of his Cabinet ministers did pray at the shrine. Abe issued a closely monitored statement on Friday ahead of the 15 August anniversary, acknowledging damage and suffering on innocent people but falling short of apologiaing in his own words to the victims of Japan's aggression.

日付：2015年8月15日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 30586355

全国戦没者追悼式2015年

Japan marks end of WWII under criticism from China, S. Korea Japan's emperor Akihito says that he feels "profound remorse" over World War II a conflict that Tokyo fought in the name of his father Hirohito on the 70th anniversary of the war's end. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Japan's emperor Akihito says that he feels "profound remorse" over World War II a conflict that Tokyo fought in the name of his father Hirohito on the 70th anniversary of the war's end. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES Japan's emperor AkihitoShinzo Abe,Japanese Prime Minister

日付：2015年8月15日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38248959

全国戦没者追悼式2015年

WW2-ANNIVERSARY/JAPAN-MEMORIAL Japan marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2 with a memorial Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a memorial ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two on Saturday (August 15) along with thousands of war veterans, widows and their families. During the ceremony held annually at Nihon-Budokan arena, Akihito expressed "deep remorse" over the past war. "Looking back at the past, together with deep remorse over the war, I pray that this tragedy of war will not be repeated and together with the people, express my deep condolences for those who fell in battle and in the ravages of war," Akihito, 81, said. His remark, a departure from his annual script, could be seen as a subtle rebuke of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe on Friday (August 14) expressed "utmost grief," but said future generations should not have to keep apologizing for the mistakes of the past. He offered no fresh apology of his own. The soft-spoken Akihito has often urged Japan not to forget the suffering of the war and tried to promote reconciliation with Asian countries. His comments have attracted increased attention at a time when Abe appears to be pushing for a less apologetic tone towards Japan's past. Akihito had expressed remorse before, but not at the annual service. The constitution bans the emperor from any political role, so his remarks need to be carefully nuanced. Abe, who also spoke in the ceremony, said Japan will face up to the past, but made no apologies. "We'll stay on the same course. We'll face up to the past and maintain our humble attitude," Abe said. "Marking the 70th year from the end of the war, I pledge that Japan will not repeat the ravages of war. I'll endeavor to open up a new future for the generations of present and the future," he added. The legacy of the war still haunts relations with China and South Korea, which suffered under Japan's sometimes brutal occupation and colonial rule before Tokyo's defeat in 1945. One of the families of war dead who attended the ceremony agreed that Japan should not repeat history. "We should never have to experience the war ever again. It's miserable, incredibly miserable," said 86-year-old Yasuhiro Marumoto from Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan. Some said they feel obliged to educate the young generations about the horrors of war. "I think it's our obligation to tell the young generations the disastrousness of war," 70-year-old Teruo Imaoka said. "I've told my grandchildren never to go to war because it takes away all happiness from everyone," said 79-year-old Yasuko Marumoto. (Caption:WW2-ANNIVERSARY/JAPAN-MEMORIAL Japan marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2 with a memorial)

日付：2015年8月15日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 38067168

ミシェル・オバマ夫人、皇居訪問

JAPAN-USA/OBAMA-EMPEROR U.S. First Lady meets with Japanese Emperor and Empress U.S. first lady Michelle Obama met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday (March 19) as part of her three-day trip to Japan. Dressed in a white and red floral dress with silver high-heels, Michelle Obama arrived at the Imperial Palace as a light drizzle fell over Tokyo. She is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day, and visit Japan's ancient capital Kyoto on Friday (March 20) before she departs for Cambodia. She is visiting the two nations as part of the U..S. initiative "Let Girls Learn," which seeks to promote the education of girls around the world. (Caption:JAPAN-USA/OBAMA-EMPEROR U.S. First Lady meets with Japanese Emperor and Empress)

日付：2015年3月19日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま, ミシェル・オバマ

RM 37895354

美智子皇后　ベルギー王妃葬儀参列

BELGIUM-QUEEN/FUNERAL ARRIVALS Japan's Empress arrives for funeral of Belgium queen Japan's empress attended the funeral of Belgium's queen in Brussels on Friday (December 12). Empress Michiko arrived at the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula for the funeral of Queen Fabiola, who died last Friday (December 5) at the age of 86. The Spanish-born queen had been ill for some time and her breathing never fully recovered after a lung infection in 2009. (Caption:BELGIUM-QUEEN/FUNERAL ARRIVALS Japan's Empress arrives for funeral of Belgium queen)

日付：2014年12月12日

人物：美智子 さま

RM 37916238

秋篠宮夫妻、メキシコ訪問　

MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino, the youngest son of Emperor Akihito and his wife Princess Kiko arrived in Mexico City on Monday (October 06) to celebrate the 400th anniversary of first contacts between the two nations. The Prince and Princess are marking 400 years since the Hasekura diplomatic mission arrived in the Mexican port city of Acapulco, then New Spain, with samurai Tsunenaga Hasekura as the country's ambassador. Four hundred years on, ties between the nations remain close. In 2005, both nations introduced a free trade deal. The agreement has seen investments in Mexico by Japanese countries reach over $12 billion from 2005 to November 2013, according to Mexico's Foreign Ministry. Last year, Pena Nieto travelled to Tokyo to sign a joint statement with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe entitled 'Shared Vision and Actions for the Strengthening of the Japan-Mexico Global Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century'. To mark the milestone, a series of cultural events are planned in Mexico. Following their visit to the capital, the royal couple are then expected to head to the central Mexican city of Guanajuato for the Cervantes Festival where Japan is a guest country. (Caption:MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico)

日付：2014年10月6日

人物：エンリケ・ペニャニエト, 紀子 さま, ディエゴ・リベラ, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 37916237

秋篠宮夫妻、メキシコ訪問　

MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino, the youngest son of Emperor Akihito and his wife Princess Kiko arrived in Mexico City on Monday (October 06) to celebrate the 400th anniversary of first contacts between the two nations. The Prince and Princess are marking 400 years since the Hasekura diplomatic mission arrived in the Mexican port city of Acapulco, then New Spain, with samurai Tsunenaga Hasekura as the country's ambassador. Four hundred years on, ties between the nations remain close. In 2005, both nations introduced a free trade deal. The agreement has seen investments in Mexico by Japanese countries reach over $12 billion from 2005 to November 2013, according to Mexico's Foreign Ministry. Last year, Pena Nieto travelled to Tokyo to sign a joint statement with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe entitled 'Shared Vision and Actions for the Strengthening of the Japan-Mexico Global Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century'. To mark the milestone, a series of cultural events are planned in Mexico. Following their visit to the capital, the royal couple are then expected to head to the central Mexican city of Guanajuato for the Cervantes Festival where Japan is a guest country. (Caption:MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico)

日付：2014年10月6日

人物：エンリケ・ペニャニエト, 紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 37916236

秋篠宮夫妻、メキシコ訪問　

MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino, the youngest son of Emperor Akihito and his wife Princess Kiko arrived in Mexico City on Monday (October 06) to celebrate the 400th anniversary of first contacts between the two nations. The Prince and Princess are marking 400 years since the Hasekura diplomatic mission arrived in the Mexican port city of Acapulco, then New Spain, with samurai Tsunenaga Hasekura as the country's ambassador. Four hundred years on, ties between the nations remain close. In 2005, both nations introduced a free trade deal. The agreement has seen investments in Mexico by Japanese countries reach over $12 billion from 2005 to November 2013, according to Mexico's Foreign Ministry. Last year, Pena Nieto travelled to Tokyo to sign a joint statement with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe entitled 'Shared Vision and Actions for the Strengthening of the Japan-Mexico Global Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century'. To mark the milestone, a series of cultural events are planned in Mexico. Following their visit to the capital, the royal couple are then expected to head to the central Mexican city of Guanajuato for the Cervantes Festival where Japan is a guest country. (Caption:MEXICO-JAPANESE PRINCESS Japan's Prince Fumihito Akishino and Princess Kiko visit Mexico)

日付：2014年10月6日

人物：エンリケ・ペニャニエト, 紀子 さま, 秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 37816491

アジア競技大会日本選手団結団式　秋篠宮ご挨拶

JAPAN: ASIAN GAMES TEAM (O) Japan launches national team for 2014 Incheon Asian Games Japan held a ceremony for its 2014 Incheon Asian Games team on Sunday (September 14), with the country's Imperial family in attendance, before the athletes travel to South Korea. The Japanese are sending 712 athletes to South Korea for the September 19-October 4 Games with their swimming team expected to spearhead the gold medal hunt following their seven wins at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia last month. Prince Akishino, the second son of Japanese Emperor Akihito, cheered the players and the coaching staff in the ceremony held in Tokyo. "While you're trying your best during the Games, I hope you will also be able to contribute to enhancing friendships with other Asian countries," Akishino said. Japan won only seven gold medals at the London Olympics two years ago and have finished third in the medal standings behind China and South Korea at the last four Asian Games. While China are certainties to top the medal count for the ninth time in a row, South Korea have set an ambitious target of 90 golds as the hosts aim for a memorable Games. Japan will look to improve on the third place showing in the medals table at the last Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. Last month, Japanese Olympic Committee named weightlifter Hiromi Miyake as team captain and archer Kaori Kawanaka as flag bearer for Asian Games in Incheon, west of Seoul, the first time the country has selected women for both roles. Miyake, 28, won a silver medal in the 48-kilogram category at the 2012 Olympics and also a bronze at the 2006 world championships, while the 23-year-old Kawanaka took bronze in the team competition at the London Games. "We will do the best of what we can do throughout the Games to bring our people courage, hope and excitement," Miyake said representing the team. Positioning women at the front and centre of the team may mark a growing focus on women's sports in Japan's traditionally male-dominated society. It could be also seen as a nod to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to raise the profile of women in the country. Once an Asian Games powerhouse, Japan dominated the medals table from the inaugural Games in New Delhi in 1951 through to the 1978 Bangkok Asiad. China took control of the medals table at New Delhi in 1982 and Japan has battled neighbours South Korea for second place ever since. Japan's 712-strong delegation, will include Olympians such as judoka Kaori Matsumoto along with less well-known figures. Japan has hosted the Asian Games twice in 1958 Tokyo and 1994 Hiroshima. (Caption:JAPAN: ASIAN GAMES TEAM (O) Japan launches national team for 2014 Incheon Asian Games)

日付：2014年9月14日

人物：秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 37816488

アジア競技大会日本選手団結団式　秋篠宮ご挨拶

JAPAN: ASIAN GAMES TEAM (O) Japan launches national team for 2014 Incheon Asian Games Japan held a ceremony for its 2014 Incheon Asian Games team on Sunday (September 14), with the country's Imperial family in attendance, before the athletes travel to South Korea. The Japanese are sending 712 athletes to South Korea for the September 19-October 4 Games with their swimming team expected to spearhead the gold medal hunt following their seven wins at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia last month. Prince Akishino, the second son of Japanese Emperor Akihito, cheered the players and the coaching staff in the ceremony held in Tokyo. "While you're trying your best during the Games, I hope you will also be able to contribute to enhancing friendships with other Asian countries," Akishino said. Japan won only seven gold medals at the London Olympics two years ago and have finished third in the medal standings behind China and South Korea at the last four Asian Games. While China are certainties to top the medal count for the ninth time in a row, South Korea have set an ambitious target of 90 golds as the hosts aim for a memorable Games. Japan will look to improve on the third place showing in the medals table at the last Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. Last month, Japanese Olympic Committee named weightlifter Hiromi Miyake as team captain and archer Kaori Kawanaka as flag bearer for Asian Games in Incheon, west of Seoul, the first time the country has selected women for both roles. Miyake, 28, won a silver medal in the 48-kilogram category at the 2012 Olympics and also a bronze at the 2006 world championships, while the 23-year-old Kawanaka took bronze in the team competition at the London Games. "We will do the best of what we can do throughout the Games to bring our people courage, hope and excitement," Miyake said representing the team. Positioning women at the front and centre of the team may mark a growing focus on women's sports in Japan's traditionally male-dominated society. It could be also seen as a nod to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to raise the profile of women in the country. Once an Asian Games powerhouse, Japan dominated the medals table from the inaugural Games in New Delhi in 1951 through to the 1978 Bangkok Asiad. China took control of the medals table at New Delhi in 1982 and Japan has battled neighbours South Korea for second place ever since. Japan's 712-strong delegation, will include Olympians such as judoka Kaori Matsumoto along with less well-known figures. Japan has hosted the Asian Games twice in 1958 Tokyo and 1994 Hiroshima. (Caption:JAPAN: ASIAN GAMES TEAM (O) Japan launches national team for 2014 Incheon Asian Games)

日付：2014年9月14日

人物：秋篠宮 皇嗣

RM 37958345

全国戦没者追悼式2014年

JAPAN: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito attend a memorial as Japan remembers its war dead on the anniversary of the end of World War Two Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a memorial on Friday (August 15) as Japan remembers its war dead on the anniversary of the end of World War Two. Abe, who took part in this memorial along with thousands of war veterans, widows and their families and the Japanese Emperor, has this year chosen not visit a controvesial war shrine. Instead he sent a ritual offering, a decision meant to avoid inflaming ties with Beijing as he seeks a Sino-Japanese summit. His offering to the Yasukuni Shrine on the 69th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War Two still angered South Korea and China, where bitter memories linger of Japan's actions before and during the war. The Emperor led the memorial at the Budokan in central Tokyo that remembered those who died directly and indirectly from fighting during the war. "I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to those who fell during the war and in the flames of war and I pray for the world peace and our country's prosperity," he said after a moment of silence to remember the war dead. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for history to be remembered. "This is a path we should not stray from and today is that day to reaffirm our pledge for peace," he said. "We should humbly face history and learn the lessons, carving them into our memories in order to build a better future for the generations of today and tomorrow," he added. Beijing and Seoul have also criticised Abe's government for backing away from its post-war pacifism, by easing weapons export restrictions and ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad. Japanese residents on Friday expressed mixed feelings about the government's defence policy. "Abe is saying it will never lead us to a war, and I believe it is a necessary step to maintain the deterrence force to protect our country," said 74-year-old Kyoko Tani. "I want my country to stay on the course it has been following so far and get along with the neighbouring countries. I desire no changes," said 74-years-old Tomoko Shimizu. Abe visited the shrine in December, sharply chilling ties with China and South Korea. By sending an offering on Friday, Abe appeared to be trying not to worsen tensions with both nations while upholding a conservative ideology that takes a less apologetic tone towards Japan's wartime past. Ties between the two nations are strained over a host of issues, included a territorial row over a set of remote islands and China's declaration late last year of an air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea. (Caption:JAPAN: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito attend a memorial as Japan remembers its war dead on the anniversary of the end of World War Two)

日付：2014年8月15日

人物：明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 37900991

オバマ米大統領、両陛下と歓談

JAPAN: United States President Barack Obama wraps up Japan visit United States President Barack Obama wrapped up his visit to Japan early Friday (April 25) with a Joint Statement on security and trade. Minutes before taking off on Airforce One to South Korea, the United States and Japan announced a joint statement in which they mention that the key security treaty covered islands at the centre of a territorial dispute between Japan and China, and said they would also continue working towards a bilateral trade deal after talks. Before leaving Obama also met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko who saw him off from his hotel, a rare event as normally foreign dignitaries go to the Imperial Palace for events. In the joint statement, issued shortly before U.S. President Barack Obama left Japan after a state visit, the two nations said they shared strong concern over China's air defence zone in the East China Sea but reaffirmed interest in building productive ties with Beijing. Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had ordered their top aides to make a final push to reach a trade agreement but Economy Minister Akira Amari told reporters on Friday that gaps remained despite recent progress. (Caption:JAPAN: United States President Barack Obama wraps up Japan visit)

日付：2014年4月25日

人物：バラク・オバマ, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 37954144

オバマ米大統領、皇居訪問

JAPAN: U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace A royal welcome greeted U.S. President Barack Obama in Tokyo on Thursday (April 24) as he kicked off a day-long tour of the Japanese capital. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko shook hands with Obama and ushered him onto a red carpet for an official welcome ceremony in the grounds of the Imperial Palace. After the ceremony Obama headed for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, followed by a joint news conference. Obama is also set to visit the Meiji Shrine later on Thursday, which honours the Japanese emperor who oversaw the country's rapid modernisation in the late 1800s. The hospitality is meant to show that the U.S.-Japan alliance, the main pillar of America's security strategy in Asia, remains solid at a time of rising tensions over growing Chinese assertiveness and North Korean nuclear threats. Obama is in Asia for a week-long, four-nation tour to convince Asian partners that Washington is serious about its promised strategic "pivot" towards the region. Thursday was Obama's only full day in Japan. He is scheduled to leave Tokyo on Friday (April 25) to go to South Korea. His trip will also include stops in Malaysia and the Philippines. (Caption:JAPAN: U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace)

日付：2014年4月24日

人物：キャロライン・ケネディ, バラク・オバマ, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 37900860

オバマ米大統領　皇居訪問（夜）

JAPAN: Obama attends Japanese emperor's banquet U.S. President Barack Obama was welcomed to a state banquet by Japan's Emperor Akihito on Thursday (April 24), on the second day of the first full state visit to Japan by a U.S. President since 1996. Obama is being treated to a display of pomp and ceremony meant to show that the U.S.-Japan alliance, the main pillar of America's security strategy in Asia, is solid at a time of rising tensions over growing Chinese assertiveness and North Korean nuclear threats. Other guests invited to the dinner included U.S. ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Seated at the top table, Obama was welcomed by Akihito. "Just as our distinguished presidential guest has come to visit as the cherry blossoms blossom, this stands as a sample of the friendship of two countries which I pray will continue to bloom," Akihito said. Earlier in the day, he had held talks with Abe and assured Japan that Washington was committed to its defence, including of tiny isles at the heart of a row with China. "In my work with Prime Minister Abe we have strengthened our alliance for today, an alliance which will never be broken," Obama said at the banquet. He then quoted Akihito's own words delivered to the Japanese people immediately following an earthquake and tsunami which devastated northern Japan in March of 2011. "Your Majesty we will never forget how in those trying days you spoke from this palace directly to the people of this nation and I would like to conclude by recalling the spirit of your message then because it also remains our wish tonight for the friendship and alliance between our two peoples. May we never give up hope, may we always take care of each other and may we continue to live strong for tomorrow," he said. Obama arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday (April 23) at the start of a four-nation trip that comes at a time of rising tension in the region, and as the United States urges Japan's unpredictable neighbour North Korea not to conduct another nuclear test. He flies to South Korea on Friday (April 25). (Caption:JAPAN: Obama attends Japanese emperor's banquet)

日付：2014年4月24日

人物：バラク・オバマ, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま

RM 37714095

東日本大震災追悼式2014年

JAPAN: Emperor joins Japan's commemoration of the triple disasters of March 11, 2011 - an earthquake and tsunami that sparked a nuclear crisis Japan's government marked the third year since the triple disaster of March 11, 2011 that devastated the north-eastern part of the country, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowing to speed up recovery. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck at 1446 local time ((0546 GMT), triggering tsunami waves as high as 30 metres (100 feet) that swept away residents and their homes. Nearly 16,000 people are confirmed dead, with 3,000 still unaccounted for three years after the catastrophic event. The recovery is far from complete. As of February 2014, 270,000 people were still without permanent homes, including refugees from radiation that spewed from the devastated Fukushima Daiichi atomic plant. Around 1,200 representatives of government and private officials gathered in downtown Tokyo to mark the occasion by holding a moment of silence at the exact moment the quake hit and laying flowers in commemoration. "It's now three years since the Great East Japan Disaster and the unprecedented damages and loss of lives mostly in the Tohoku region," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared. Abe vowed to speed up the recovery process. "There are many people who still can't go home due to the nuclear accident. Speeding up the recovery process in order that the evacuees can return to a normal life as soon as possible, is the only way we can repay the many souls of the victims that watch over us in heaven," Abe said. The triple calamities stunned a nation that had thought itself prepared for disasters and been taught to believe that nuclear power, which supplied nearly 30 percent of electricity at the time, was cheap, clean, and safe. Japanese Emperor Akihito said that it was important to convey to future generations the lessons from the disasters three years ago. "We should never forget this great disaster, and pass on the lessons to our descendants. I hope we can learn to foster in them a sense of disaster preparedness and pass on a safer country," Akihito said. Three years on, rebuilding the northeast - a region already suffering from a fast-ageing population and stagnant local industries, including farming - is patchy. Abe has vowed to restart nuclear reactors across the nation, despite growing anti-nuclear sentiment across the country. Japan's nuclear shutdown has forced it to import costly fossil fuel, pushing the economy into a record 18 months of trade deficits. (Caption:JAPAN: Emperor joins Japan's commemoration of the triple disasters of March 11, 2011 - an earthquake and tsunami that sparked a nuclear crisis)

日付：2014年3月11日

人物：安倍 晋三, 明仁 上皇, 美智子 さま