![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan10.jpg?resize=1200%2C903&ssl=1)
On Saturday, the Japanese imperial family gathered in Tokyo for their annual New Year reception. The event was scaled back this year, so no tiaras—but we did get to see the first official engagement for the newest member of the group.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan08.jpg?resize=1200%2C707&ssl=1)
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan led the parade of family members as they arrived for the traditional reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on New Year’s Day.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan01.jpg?resize=1200%2C767&ssl=1)
The imperial couple was followed in to the reception by Crown Prince Fumihito, the emperor’s younger brother and heir.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan09.jpg?resize=1200%2C1847&ssl=1)
Tiaras weren’t worn for this year’s reception, but the family still dressed in formal, white-tie attire, complete with orders and decorations. The women of the family wore their long traditional court gowns and carried fans.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan04.jpg?resize=1200%2C755&ssl=1)
The emperor wore the collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum and the sash of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers. The empress wore the insignia of the Order of the Precious Crown.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan05.jpg?resize=1200%2C809&ssl=1)
Empress Masako sparkled in a diamond scroll brooch, plus a truly luminous strand of pearls. She finished off the look with pearl drop earrings.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan03.jpg?resize=1200%2C768&ssl=1)
Princess Aiko, daughter of the emperor and empress, recently became a full-fledged member of the imperial family. She received her court gown, order, and the traditional jewels worn by imperial ladies early in December, and on Saturday, she attended her first official court event.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan07.jpg?resize=1112%2C772&ssl=1)
For the occasion, she wore a strand of pearls. Her earrings, also set with pearls, have a more intricate design than the ones worn by her mother. She secured her order sash with a lovely silver-toned brooch set with small pearls.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan13.jpg?resize=1200%2C882&ssl=1)
The Akishino branch of the family was represented this year by Crown Prince Fumihito and Princess Kako. Crown Princess Kiko’s father, Tatsuhiko Kawashima, died in November, just weeks after the long-awaited marriage of the elder Akishino daughter, Mako Komuro. Crown Princess Kiko is still observing a traditional period of mourning for him. For the reception, Kako wore a lovely double strand of pearls, pearl earrings, and a diamond brooch.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan02.jpg?resize=1200%2C811&ssl=1)
Beside Princess Aiko was Princess Nobuko, the widow of one of the emperor’s late cousins, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. She wore a pearl necklace, pearl drop earrings, and a lovely pearl brooch that looks to have a sunburst or peacock tail design.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan06.jpg?resize=1200%2C744&ssl=1)
Princess Nobuko’s daughters, Princess Akiko of Mikasa (left) and Princess Yoko of Mikasa (right), joined their mother for the reception. Both wore pearl necklaces and pearl earrings for the reception.
![Members of the Japanese imperial family attend the annual New Year reception at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, 1 Jan 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan12.jpg?resize=1200%2C662&ssl=1)
And finally, Princess Takamado was present on the far left side of the imperial family line-up, beside Princess Kako of Akishino. She wore pearls with a light green gown. I’m not sure if her daughter, Princess Tsuguko of Takamado, was absent or if the cameras just excluded her from the frame.
![Japan's Emperor Naruhito (L), Empress Masako (R) and their daughter Princess Aiko (C) wave at members of the media from a car as they visit the former emperor and empress in Sento Karigosho, or "Temporary Emeritus Imperial Palace", in Tokyo on January 1, 2022](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-0103-01-japan11.jpg?resize=1200%2C788&ssl=1)
The day’s events also included a visit to Naruhito’s parents, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko were photographed traveling to Sento Karigosho for the visit. Both Masako and Aiko wore pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, and sparkling brooches.
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