My article today at Hidden Gems is devoted to the life, loves, and tiaras of Japan’s Princess Mikasa, who died this month at the remarkable age of 101. To continue the theme, I’ve got a collection of articles here today dedicated to the jewels of the Japanese imperial family.
The Long, Fascinating Century of a Japanese Princess
[Hidden Gems Exclusive]
When Princess Mikasa, the 101-year-old great-aunt of the Emperor of Japan, passed away in Tokyo last week, it was the end of an era for the imperial family. The princess, born into an aristocratic family, was the last witness to a difficult and controversial era of Japanese imperial history, one that left lasting scars and made changes that continue to impact the family of the Emperor and Empress today.
Royal Wedding Jewels: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
Crown Prince Akihito, the elder son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako of Japan, was 23 in the summer of 1957 when he met his future wife, 22-year-old Michiko Shoda. The couple’s first encounter happened, charmingly, on a tennis court in the Japanese summer resort town of Karuizawa. (Michiko reportedly bested Akihito in their first match.) Michiko was the daughter of Hidesaburo Shoda, who made millions as chairman of a flour milling company, and his wife, Fumiko Soejima.
Looking Back at Emperor Akihito’s Enthronement
Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko became Emperor and Empress of Japan on the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, in January 1989. More than a year passed before Akihito was officially enthroned on November 12, 1990.
Japanese Imperial Tiaras Worn for a Pair of British State Visits
In October 1971, the present Emperor’s grandparents, Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako, arrived in London to start a state visit to Britain. The visit was an important diplomatic moment. The two nations had been enemies three decades earlier during World War II, and the trip was part of the healing process for the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Jewels of Emperor Naruhito’s Enthronement
Emperor Naruhito began his reign when his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated in May. On Tuesday, he began his official enthronement ritual with a visit to the Kashikodokoro sanctuary on the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Inside the shrine, he prayed and informed his ancestors—and the sun goddess—of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Enthronement Banquet Tiaras at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
The enthronement celebrations in Japan continued with the first of four court banquets (called Kyoen-no-gi) that will be held at the imperial palace over the next several days. We got major tiaras from the imperial ladies and their foreign guests for this dinner—enjoy!
A Glittering Guide to Japan’s Incredible Imperial Tiaras
It’s the season for glittering New Year tiaras in Japan, and today, I’ve got a guide to the tiaras we see current members of the imperial family wearing for festive gala events.
Princess Aiko’s Dazzling Tiara Debut in Tokyo
Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress of Japan, has made her first official appearance in full formal dress as a member of the imperial family, and I’ve got all the details on her sparkling jewels!
Sparkling Imperial New Year Tiaras Return to Tokyo!
For the first time in several years, New Year tiaras are back in Toyko! Here’s a look at the glittering jewels worn by the Empress of Japan and the imperial princesses for this year’s New Year reception.
Two Dazzling Tiara Debuts at Buckingham Palace During the Japanese State Banquet
Royal jewel lovers, we’ve got a bounty of sparkle to enjoy this evening! The Emperor and Empress of Japan were hosted for a state banquet by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace, and two spectacular tiara debuts took place during the dinner.
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