Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako host Garden Party

The Japanese Imperial Family hosted this year’s autumn garden party at the Akasaka Estate, where they met a wide range of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.

This year’s annual autumn garden party was hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens. The twice-a-year gathering sees the Imperial Family meet with numerous people from across Japan who have made significant contributions to their communities and society.

On Thursday, around 1,400 attended out of the 1,750 invited, including astronaut Takuya Ōnishi and actor Kōtarō Yoshida.

Amongst those invited also include the Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors; Diet members; the Prime Minister; Ministers of State; the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court; other Ninshokan (government officials with Imperial attestation) and leading figures of legislative, executive and judicial organs; prefectural governors and chairpersons of prefectural assemblies; mayors of municipalities and chairpersons of municipal assemblies; and persons who have rendered distinguished service in various fields including, industry, culture, the arts and social activities, all of which with their respective spouses.

Heads of the diplomatic missions in Japan and their spouses, and other Diplomats and Heads of consulates and their spouses and daughters are also present.