Random Royaling – New Year’s Receptions and Activities Japan
Japan

Random Royaling – New Year’s Receptions and Activities Japan

The Handbag

This was all a bit too much to broom into Bits next week. Also, we deserve a little room to appreciate the glamour, right? This is Princess Aiko’s first year officially attending these events, so let’s see what’s going on.

Agenda

Thank you to Prisma on Twitter for the information!

New Year’s Day

  • 5:30 am : Worship
  • 9:30 am: New Year’s Meal
  • 9:45 am: Greetings from IHA grand steward & staff, IHA guards, counselors, etc.
  • 10:00 am – afternoon: New Year receptions, the family will also greet Emperor Emeritus Akihito & Empress Emerita Michiko

Pre-New Year Activities

Three branches of the royal family issued video greetings, including the Emperor and Empress, Crown Prince Akishino and his family, and the Emperor and Empress Emeritus. They were recorded separately due to pandemic restrictions. A full gallery of photos from the recordings can be viewed here.

The Emperor and Empress’ video messages are below.

We were treated to a kimono on the Empress Emeritus!

I also appreciate the pop of brilliant color on Princess Kako.

Reception

No tiaras appeared, which dimmed my sparkle a bit! You can see a video of the event here. Thank you to Baguette Avery for pointing out that the Takamado and Akishino families are on the other side of the Emperor, and thus not pictured.

Embed from Getty Images

Princess Aiko, in her debut!

The Imperial Family wave on their way to greet the Emperor and Empress Emeritus. Do you spy a braid and a flower on Aiko’s hat?

Embed from Getty Images

It was a dimmed-down affair for sure. However, it’s nice to see that tradition continues in the Robe Décolleté dress and that our Aiko may have some hat snazz. It’s also a relief to see some royals out and about, doing business.