Having assumed the throne in 2019, the Emperor has never before used his birthday as an opportunity to address the public.

Thursday was Emperor Naruhito's first public birthday address since he ascended to the throne almost four years ago, after delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. In it, he called for aid for those suffering from inflation and the pandemic.

Naruhito, addressing thousands of citizens...

JAPAN’S IMPERIAL COUPLE TO MEET 2011 DISASTER SURVIVORS VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE

Highlights –

• Japan’s Imperial couple to meet 2011 disaster survivors via video conference.
• Video conferences with residents of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures may begin by mid-February.
• The Imperial couple met online wi...

TAKAKEISHO WINS NOVEMBER GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT DEFEATING TERUNOFUJI

Highlights –

• Takakeisho wins November Grand Sumo Tournament defeating Terunofuji.
• The ozeki won his second Emperor’s Cup in the championship playoff on Sunday.
• Ozeki Terunofuji had earlier won the July tournament.
• Kom...

WESTERN JAPAN CITIZENS SUED KYOTO GOVERNOR OVER THE SHINTO CEREMONY

Highlights –

• Western Japan citizens sued Kyoto Governor over the Shinto ceremony.
• The plaintiffs claim the Governor should return $3,700.
• The suit was filed with the Kyoto District Court by 12 Kyoto residents.
• The Governor ...

JAPAN GOVERNMENT TO HOLD ‘RIKKOSHI NO REI’ CEREMONY OF CROWN PRINCE IN NOVEMBER

Highlights –

• Japan government to hold ‘Rikkoshi no rei’ ceremony of Crown Prince in November.
• Imperial family’s Crown Prince Akishino will ascent to first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
• The ceremony was previou...

PRINCESS YURIKO FROM THE IMPERIAL FAMILY OF JAPAN DIAGNOSED WITH HEART FAILURE

Highlights –

• Princess Yuriko from the Imperial family of Japan diagnosed with heart failure.
• She is also the great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito.
• The princess is said to be in a stable condition and able to converse as of now.
• ...

INCREASING COVID-19 CASES IN JAPAN LED EMPEROR NARUHITO AND HIS FAMILY TO CANCEL SUMMER PLANS

Highlights –

• Increasing COVID-19 cases in Japan led Emperor Naruhito and his family to cancel summer plans.
• The family is refraining to travel outside of Tokyo due to the pandemic.
• The Governor of Tokyo has asked residents to refrain...