Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were joined by Princess Aiko in attending events at the Asian Games on Saturday.
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko attended the equestrian show jumping competition of the 20th Asian Games on Saturday. The Imperial Family arrived at Tokyo’s Baji Koen Equestrian Park shortly after noon and was greeted by applause from the audience.
Photo: Imperial Household Agency
The Emperor and Empress, with Princess Aiko, listened to explanations from various equestrian officials about the games in which 16 athletes from 10 countries and regions participated. According to an official from the Japan Equestrian Federation, Empress Masako asked, “What are the tips for jumping over obstacles well?” and “What are the characteristics of that horse?”, while Princess Aiko inquired about the height of jumping the riders and horses can endure, such as, “How can they jump so high?”
According to the Imperial Household Agency, this was the first time Emperor Naruhito had visited Baji Koen since March 1969, when he watched an equestrian competition with then-Crown Prince Akihito.
On Saturday, the Imperial Family was joined by Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, who serves as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
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