On Sunday, December 1, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan continued their six-day official visit to India.
This morning the imperial couple visited the Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi where they were warmly greeted by hundreds of locals as well as Japanese citizens living in India. In the afternoon, the emperor and empress attended a reception held at the Japanese ambassador to India’s residence.
On Sunday, December 1, 2013, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan will celebrate her 12th birthday. In honor of her special day the Imperial Household Agency released new video footage of the princess with her father, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, studying together at Tōgū Palace in Tokyo.
On Saturday, November 30, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan arrived in New Delhi, India to begin their six-day official tour. The purpose of the imperial visit is to strengthen bilateral and diplomatic ties between the Japan and India.
Upon their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport Their Imperial Majesties were warmly welcomed by Prime Minister of India, Mr. Manmohan Singh, accompanied by his wife, Ms. Gursharan Kaur, as well as dozens of Indian government officials.
According to the newspaper, The Hindu, on Sunday Emperor Akihito will visit:
“…Lodhi Garden and Monday [he will attend] a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan followed by a visit to Raj Ghat.
The main event of the day will be the meeting with the President, the customary banquet followed by the farewell tête-à-tête. After spending another day in the capital, the Japanese imperial couple will leave for Chennai and depart for Japan from there on the night of December 5.”
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On November 29, 2013, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino of Japan accompanied by his wife, Princess Kiko, held a press conference ahead of his 48th birthday.
During the press conference the second son of Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan spoke about his life, wishes for his children, and his parents.
On November 29, 2013, His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino of Japan accompanied by his wife, Princess Kiko, held a press conference ahead of his 48th birthday.
During the press conference the second son of Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan spoke about his life, wishes for his children, and his parents.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2013, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan visited the tombs of Their Imperial Majesties the late Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and Empress Kōjun of Japan at the Musashino Imperial Mausoleum in Hachiōji, Tokyo.
On the morning of November 19, 2013, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan received credentials at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Japan, Ms. Caroline Kennedy.
The only daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and the late Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis arrived at the palace in a horse-drawn carriage which, according to Kyodo News, is “…a tradition for newly appointed ambassadors…”
The Royal Correspondent 