On Friday, March 9, 2012, the Imperial Household Agency confirmed that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan will participate in the Earthquake and Tsunami Memorial ceremony to be held at the National Theater in Tokyo, Japan.

IHA also announced that the Emperor, accompanied by Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko, will deliver a speech during the ceremony.

Rumors have been swirling for weeks that the Emperor would not participate due to his recent health problems.  But, alas that isn’t the case.   🙂

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian newspaper, Kyiv Post, is reporting that Mr. Volodymyr Lytvyn, Ukrainian Speaker, has formally invited His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan for an official visit to Ukraine.

It is unknown at this time if the IHA will allow the heir to the Japanese throne to visit the country.

Finally, on March 8, 2012, Crown Prince Naruhito held an audience with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Mr. Yingluck Shinawatra at the royal palace.  Click here for more information.

Source: Associated Press via IHA and Kyiv Post