Audiences, Teas and Other Meetings

Photo Description
A Reception
(Shunju-no-Ma (Grand Hall), Imperial Palace)
(Photo: Imperial Household Agency)

The people who Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress invite to Audiences are mainly persons who have rendered distinguished service in fields such as social welfare, medicine, education, culture, science and industry.

Their Majesties invite leading Japanese and non-Japanese figures, including recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, People of Cultural Merit, recipients of the Japan Academy Prize, recipients of the Japan Academy of Art Award, and the ambassadors of Japan prior to their overseas posting, to tea receptions, luncheons and other gatherings.

His Majesty the Emperor holds meetings with the Prime Minister and other Ministers of State, during which they explain issues under their jurisdiction in person. There are also meetings with experts offering lectures on their specialized subjects. Their Majesties greet people coming from all over Japan to offer their services in tending the Imperial Palace grounds.

Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and other Imperial Family members also meet with many people from Japan and overseas.