On May 11, 2023, Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted traditional spring garden party at Akasaka Imperial Garden in Tokyo. Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako and other Imperial family members attended 2023 spring garden party. The Spring reception which was held at Akasaka Imperial Garden is held every year at the end of April or at the beginning of May.
About 1,000 guests attended, including wheelchair tennis star Shingo Kunieda, a 2021 Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist, tennis player Mima Ito, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in the mixed doubles event, speedskater Miho Takagi, a gold medal winner at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and Akira Yoshino, who was awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Why are they still wearing a mask? Corona is over and gone....
ReplyDeleteI guess not in Japan.
DeleteBtw, COVID-19 is not "over and gone" anywhere in the world and probably never will be. Unfortunately - mainly because large groups of people didn't want to believe science and strictly follow guidelines to protect themselves and others - the virus has mutated several times over and continues to mutate worldwide. Each time becoming more adapt at resisting total destruction. It is never going to be completely gone (at least not in most of our foreseeable lifetimes). The hope now is that it can somehow be made "manageable" and not be any more severe and deadly than a very bad case of influenza or pneumonia.
I'm in the US and I still wear a mask to the grocery store and other places with lots of people crowded into one spot. I can't legally make those people show me proof that they've been vaccinated. That's none of my business and would be a violation of HIPPA. So , the only thing I can do is protect myself. I do believe that if we can get through Spring and into the first part of Summer without the case numbers going up (which has happened the last two-plus years) then by Fall, yes, it will truly be safe here to unmask.
I also won't be surprised that if about two weeks from now there is an uptick in case numbers in London from all those people crowding in for the coronation and being in the rain for hours and hours. Talk about a "Super Spreader Event." :-/
Must agree to 23.19, unfortunatly
DeleteWell, the Japanese (and some other countries in Asia as well) always have been very considerate towards others (and also themselves, of course) when it comes to contageous deseases and their spreading. They will most likely always wear masks when attending mass events should health officials have been giving out warnings of an epidemic (or even pandemic) wave beforehand. I would simply respect that sort of gesture and rather not comment on it.
DeleteI do not understand why they still wear masks and outdoors at that. Masks stopr you from spreading your virus ( outgoing breath). They do not protect incoming and virus does not travel very far outdoors.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to see their beautiful kimonos that I am sure carry a lot of symbolism.
Ladyofthemanor
After 3 years still keeping it wrong, my dear?
DeleteThats as wrong as it could, should have learned about it by now!
DeleteThe Empress looks so elegant in this beautiful printed kimono. Blue is a lovely colour for her. Actually all of the ladies look great. The kimono is a garment that seems to flatter all shapes and sizes. (V.M.)
ReplyDeleteThe ladies look beautiful, i wish we would see more traditional clothes from them.
ReplyDeleteMasks seem to have become part of culture, even in the garden!!
They say rain is good luck, and Bruce Lee said; become water my friend. Hi Japan 👋🤠🌻
ReplyDeleteVery nice-looking Kimono for the Empress. It seems every RF has Garden parties. css
ReplyDeleteDo we know why they did not attend the coronation? I know Crown Prince Fumihito and crown Princess Kiko were there, but I was surprised
ReplyDeleteI love rain, but I think in this day was rather unfortunate, just as during the coronation.
The kimonos are lovely wish we could see more of them
Luna
Very elegant, the emperor and empress - her kimono is beautiful.
ReplyDeletePauline
Instead of the petty discussion regarding the necessary masks, look at the wonderful fabrics, the harmonious colours, the incredible dignity of the ladies in their beautiful kimonos. Tradition pure. Breathtaking.
ReplyDelete🌞 Virginia
Agree!
DeletePauline
Romantic
DeleteThinking about health is never a "petty discussion"
DeleteSplendid silks and embroidery for the ladies of the Imperial Family, and some ladies in the public too. Very muted colors though, except Princess Akiko in purple, and lovely patterns for Princess Kako. I appreciated that Princess Kiko wore a traditional kimono for King Charles' coronation.
ReplyDeleteMaguy
Toutes ces dames portent de magnifiques kimonos mais je trouve qu'il y en a très peu avec des couleurs vives ; à part le couple impérial, les princes héritiers et leur fille, j'ai essayé de deviner qui se cachait sous certains masques, ce qui n'est pas évident. Je ne pense pas que la fille des empereurs ait été présente ; elle doit poursuivre ses études ?!
ReplyDeleteThe gentlemen are handsome in their suits, the ladies are all in traditional dress, of spring colors and sumptuous fabrics. G & C
ReplyDeleteI guarantee none of those masks are medical grade.
ReplyDeleteHow could you, have you been there, have you tested them, are you an expert? :))
ReplyDeleteI definitely spoke about “necessary” masks, which means that I supported the measure, furthermore, I felt that there was no need to discuss a medical decision on a different continent in a fashion blog.
ReplyDelete🌞 Virginia
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