The Poetry reading was also attended by Empress Masako, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, as well as selected members of the public.
The theme of this year’s reading was “wa,” which means “peace” and “harmony.”
The official translation of the poem provided by the Imperial Household Agency reads:
Seeing the smiles of the people
I meet during my many journeys
Throughout the country
Fills my heart with peace
Empress Masako’s poem reflected on the graduation composition of their daughter, Princess Aiko.
How moved I was to read
My daughter’s deep feelings for peace
After her first visit
To Hiroshima
Princess Aiko also wrote a poem.
Surviving centuries of hardship
The words of Waka poems
Touch my heart today
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