Overview

• The Emperor and Empress attended the STS Forum opening at the Kyoto International Conference Center, marking his sixth appearance at the event and her second.
• In his address, the Emperor highlighted AI’s transformative potential and cautioned that numerous issues warrant careful consideration, urging continued expert discussion on using science for the public good.
• The couple arrived in Kyoto on Oct. 4 by special Shinkansen, were greeted at Kyoto Station by local officials, and began a two-night stay at Kyoto Omiya Gosho.
• On Oct. 4 they inspected the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, viewing about 300 orchid varieties and touring areas that include the acorn-themed grove.
• The itinerary includes a private visit to the Katsura Detached Palace and a scheduled Oct. 6 inspection of the Osaka–Kansai Expo site; separately, the Imperial Household Agency reported Princess Aiko tested positive for COVID-19 and canceled a planned Shiga visit.