The Imperial Household Agency announced that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan’s 96-year-old uncle, His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa, “…experienced congestive heart failure Saturday at a hospital in Tokyo and was moved to the intensive care unit, where he remained conscious but largely unresponsive…”
To read more about Prince Mikasa’s condition please click here. (in English)
Source: Japan Times via IHA
On June 28, 2012, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan continued his three-day visit to Cambodia. This afternoon the future emperor visited the famous Angkor Wat Temple along with his delegation and a local guide.
Afterward, Crown Prince Naruhito “… visited a local market in the Siem Reap Province where he spoke with Japanese tourists…” and local vendors selling their products.
His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia on June 27, 2012, to begin his three-day visit to the Southeast Asia country. To read more about today’s event please click here (in English).
His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan continued his official visit to Thailand on June 23, 2012. This afternoon, the future emperor was in the Ayutthaya province where he visited the famous Wat Phra Mahathat temple, toured the “… Ayutthaya Historical Study Center and visited a Japanese village in the province…” according to Pattaya News.
Source: Pattaya News
On Monday, June 25, 2012, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan arrived in Bangkok, Thailand to begin his official visit to Southeast Asia.
According to Kyodo News, via the Imperial Household Agency, the crown prince will stay “… two nights in each of the capitals of the three countries — Thailand, Cambodia and Laos — he will visit.”
Any way, upon his arrival at Don Mueang airport in Thailand, Crown Prince Naruhito was greeted by government dignitaries and the press. Soon, the future emperor of Japan was at Government House in Bangkok where the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, hosted a reception in his honor.
Afterward, the crown prince was at the Grand Palace where he had a meeting with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Source: Kyodo News via the Imperial Household Agency
On June 14, 2012, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan along with Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan attended the funeral of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. Other members of the Imperial Family of Japan were also in attendance including Prince Mikasa and Princess Yuriko, Princess Yoko, and Princess Akiko. The traditional Shinto funeral took place at the Imperial Graveyard of Toshimagaoka in Tokyo.
Sources: Japan Times and Daylife
On June 13, 2012, Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan along with His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito as well as other members of the Imperial family attended a “… ritual ceremony…” at the Akasaka Imperial Compound for the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa.
The Japan Times via the Imperial Household Agency reports that the funeral costs for the last prince is estimated at, “… ¥189 million, ¥131 million of which will be disbursed from the government’s reserve funds for fiscal 2012.”
The rest of the cost will come from the “… fiscal 2013 budget, which starts next April and includes the ¥69 million for the main “renso-no-gi” ceremony and ¥88 million for building the tomb.”
The late Prince Tomohito, cousin of Emperor Akihito, passed away last Wednesday. He was 66 years old.
Sources: Japan Times via the Imperial Household Agency
The Royal Correspondent 