On April 12, 2012, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan held an audience with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.  Afterward, they attended a luncheon along with various Japanese and Bahraini dignitaries.

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His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain also hosted a reception “… in honor of His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan…” held at Akasaka Palace.  Click here to read His Majesty’s speech. (in English)

 Sources: Bahrain News Agency and Daylife

In a press conference this afternoon in Tokyo, Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Osamu Fujimura, announced that Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko may visit Britain “…to attend a ceremony on May 18 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne…”    The Imperial Household Agency and the Japanese government are currently working out the details and plans for “possibility” of the imperial couple’s visit.

Meanwhile, Emperor Akihito met with British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Prime Minister Cameron and a British business delegation are currently on a “… week-long visit to East and South East Asia in an attempt to boost UK trade…”  

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Sources: Imperial Household Agency via Mainichi Daily News and BBC News

On April 9, 2012, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan held an audience with the Bulgarian Parliament Chairperson Ms. Tsetska Tsacheva at Akasaka Palace.  The purpose of the meeting, according to the Bulgarian News Agency, was to “… strengthen ties between Japan and Bulgaria.”  Ms. Tsacheva also met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda whereupon discussions focused on, “…helping more Japanese businesses enter the East European country [Bulgaria] by improving its investment environment…”

Meanwhile, the Imperial Household Agency announced that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan:

…is expected to resume his official duties on Tuesday after they were delegated to Crown Prince Naruhito prior to the Emperor’s heart bypass surgery in February. The resumption of official duties by the emperor will be approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday…

Finally, the Japan Times — via the Imperial Household Agency —  has an update regarding the health of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Masako of Japan.  Click here to read the article in its entirety. (in English)

Sources: Bulgarian News Agency and Kyodo News via the Imperial Household Agency

Here is an interesting article from the Mainichi Daily News regarding the status of Japanese princesses and their future marriages to commoners.  Click here to read the article.

Photo courtesy of Daylife via the Imperial Household Agency

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, along with Empress Michiko, held a farewell audience at Akasaka Palace with Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait.  The sheikh and emperor talked for roughly twenty minutes according to the Imperial Household Agency.

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One day after having a second procedure to remove fluid from the left side of his chest, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan went back to work on March 21, 2012.

This morning the 78-year old emperor, along with Empress Michiko, held an audience with Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.  In the evening, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan hosted a gala dinner in honor of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah visit; however, the dinner only lasted for 45 minutes according to the Imperial Household Agency.  The reason:  “It was in consideration of His Imperial Majesty’s health…” who was also in attendance.

Source: Japan Times

Photo courtesy of Daylife