On April 27, 2025, Princess Aiko of Japan attended the 2025 Spring Gagaku Concert held by the Music Department of the Imperial Household Agency at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Princess Aiko listened attentively to performances featuring the shō and the biwa, played by musicians dressed in vibrant traditional costumes. The concert featured both kangen (orchestral music) and bugaku (dance accompanied by music).
Gagaku (meaning "elegant music") is a type of Japanese classical music historically performed at the imperial court. The Gagaku of the Imperial Household Agency’s Music Department is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and is also registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
I love this post for three reasons: 1) To see P. Aiko taking on more engagements, and even better, solo engagements, as a member of the Imperial Family; 2) Her lovely suit - a pretty delicate colour and the quietly elegant two-tone lapel and collar; and 3) yet another beautiful insight into formal Japanese Culture and Arts, this time about music. I'd have loved to be a guest at the performance.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
Agree in every word.
DeleteTotally agree with all 3 of the points. Would add, Aiko's jewelry is subtle, yet beautiful and does not detract from her personal beauty. The interior of this building is somewhat typical for this type of occasion.
DeleteEdwina
I agree completely! MR
DeleteI agree too. She seems to have a quiet confidence which is wonderful to see. The outfit is very pretty too, perhaps a bit mature but that is the custom of the Japanese royals as we have seen many times before. (V.M.)
DeleteAnon 13.19 Great comment, excellent points, I agree with you.
DeleteWonderful colour for her!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments but some how the last photo of her sitting with 4 older persons, is sad. I know it is the royal box per se but she has no one her age to enjoy the performance with. As an only child I can only assume she is used to being on her own with older guardians. Very pretty dress and colour and fit, lovely brooch.
ReplyDeleteYes for me too, I’m sad to see her alone. I wonder if it’s an enduring Japanese Royal decision to avoid the royals getting sick via airborne diseases? - they do seem to often have guests etc highly spaced or with masks.
DeleteThis is a highly formal, almost ceremonial court event, taking part is in a way like part of her job, not her private time. And also ... older people don't bite :-) .
DeleteOf course older people don’t bite. It is an observation of the photo it just seems lonely.
DeleteYes I had the same feeling. And everything is always so formal.
DeleteJ'adore la douceur des couleurs du tailleur de Aiko avec la touche particulière plus soutenue rose sur le revers ; les perles de ses bijoux apportent de la délicatesse à son look !
ReplyDeleteTo me, the fabric seems like what I know under the name of "Shantung silk", with those intended/deliberate irregularities (I don't know how they make it). It gives silk a somewhat more subdued shine that looks gorgeous, in combination with this subtle pink even more.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see her on a Solo engagement looking so confident and engaging. She looks lovely in this (I think that's the color) pale pink color. The skirt of her outfit has nice movement and shape. The jacket is a nice length and fits beautifully. I love her pearl earrings, the pearl necklace and brooch were the perfect finishing touch.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see her. Pss Aiko looks very lovely. I wish she do more events with or without her parents. Go with the times, she would have been a nice CPss.
ReplyDeletecss
ジャケットの上衿の効果で、顔周りの印象が締まりました。
ReplyDelete愛子様の表情には年齢以上の落ち着きを感じます。
後に座る人たちは彼女の従者と楽団の代表者です。
雅楽を演奏する際は、曲の原型を保つために、個人的な感情を込めることを禁じられているそうです。
私の結婚式でも雅楽の楽団による演奏がありました。
独特の旋律を聴き厳かな気持ちになったものです。
現代人は古代の人と同じ音楽を聴いているのです。
Once again, thank you Anon 02:29 for your very informative comment. We wouldn't know about the tradition of Gagaku music and how it is to be played, and how it is to be listened to. We are fortunate to have you as a contributor to this site.
Delete- Anon 9:13
I would like to agree with all the above positive comments because I appreciate this princess. She looks kind and engaged in her work, and although her outfit is made very well and with quality fabric, I really don’t like it. She looks like a sweet ‘dolk’, not like a young, intelligent young woman.
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