Overview
- The annual Utakai-hajime was held on January 14 in the Imperial Palace’s Matsu-no-ma with the theme “明,” featuring imperial family verses and readings by ten selected entrants in the ceremony’s traditional cadence.
- Emperor Naruhito recited a poem inspired by the pre-dawn morning star, expressing a prayer for peace in the new year.
- Empress Masako reflected on the Tokyo Deaflympics swimming events, conveying congratulations in sign language and a wish for a more inclusive society.
- Princess Aiko drew on her November visit to Laos, noting the enthusiasm of students studying Japanese language and culture.
- Prince Hisahito attended for the first time and read a verse about spotting the cobalt-blue–eyed Martin dragonfly at the Akasaka Estate, while invited poet Peter J. MacMillan served as the first foreign ‘meshiudo.’