I previously covered the gorgeous tiaras worn by the Japanese imperial family to welcome the new year, but the empresses and princesses also wore some lovely brooches to greet the public at the start of 2026. Here’s a closer look at the jewels worn for the traditional balcony appearances on the second day of the year.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were joined by numerous members of the imperial family as they shared new year greetings with the public from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2. The extended family participated in several greetings sessions. Above, the Emperor and Empress pose on the balcony with the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, and Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito of Akishino.
Empress Masako was lovely in light blue for the balcony appearances. She accessorized with modern diamond and pearl drop earrings and a crescent-shaped brooch set with diamonds and a large pearl.
Empress Michiko, who recently turned 91, was present for the public greetings as well. She wore an elegant ivory dress with one of her favorite silhouettes, paired with a pearl station necklace and a gorgeous silver-toned leaf brooch with a central cluster of pearls.
Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, echoed her mother’s attire by wearing her own pale blue dress. She kept her jewelry simple, wearing petite diamond and pearl drop earrings and a lovely diamond and pearl ribbon brooch.
Crown Princess Kiko wore blush pink for the public new year celebrations. She kept the warm tones going with yellow gold and pearl jewelry pieces, including pearl drop earrings, a small brooch, and a pearl necklace.
Princess Kako kept things interesting on the balcony in a vibrant turquoise dress with an embroidered floral pattern and a bow detail at the waist. She also wore diamonds, including a brooch that echoed the dress’s floral embellishments, a pair of diamond earrings, and an interesting diamond necklace. (She wore the same necklace more recently for the Imperial New Year’s Lectures on January 9.)
New Year General Public Greetings on January 2, 2026
Princess Tsuguko, Princess Takamado (Hisako), Princess Hitachi (Hanako) & Princess Toshi (Aiko)
Emeritus couple
Princess Akiko & Princess Tomohito (Nobuko) of Mikasa
Crown Prince Akishino family
📸 https://t.co/O8WWJcnHbA pic.twitter.com/1zoVK67aw9— Prisma 😷 (@ImperialJPNfan) January 4, 2026
My go-to source online for news about the imperial family is Prisma, who shares timely content on her social media account. She shared additional pictures of other members of the family attending some of the balcony sessions.
Highlights included Princess Takamado wearing her fabulous bird brooch on a green jacket; a gorgeous strand of pearls and brooch on Princess Tsuguko of Takamado; Princess Hitachi’s bright blue dress and pearl necklace and diamond pendant; Princess Tomohito of Mikasa’s vibrant fuchsia dress and modern pearl brooch; and Princess Akiko of Mikasa in coral pink with pearls and diamonds.
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