On the morning of Thursday, May 26, 2022, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan arrived at the Tokyo National Museum to view the special exhibition entitled, Ryukyu: Special Exhibition Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Okinawa’s Reversion to Japan.

According to the Japanese newspaper, The Japan Times, the exhibition:

“…displays 180 items, mainly the treasures of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled Okinawa for centuries, and introduces the culture and history of Ryukyu and Okinawa.

The exhibition is being held as part of the Tsumugu Project: Promoting, Restoring and Preserving the Beauty of Japan’s Art, an initiative jointly organized by the Cultural Affairs Agency, the Imperial Household Agency and The Yomiuri Shimbun.

The Emperor and Empress examined the Bridge of Nations Bell, which is believed to have announced the hours at Shuri Castle during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, as well as a folding screen depicting flowers and birds.”