Emperor and Empress attend Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival opening

The Emperor and Empress of Japan attended the opening ceremony of the Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival on October 25 at the Haruno Sogo Sports Park Gymnasium in Kochi City. This marks the Imperial couple's first visit to Kochi Prefecture since the Emperor's accession to the throne.

The festival, which combines the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for People with Disabilities, is one of Japan's largest cultural celebrations. It features over 250 events across the prefecture and will continue until December 6.

The opening ceremony included performances of traditional arts, choral singing, calligraphy, and theater depicting historical figures such as Chosokabe Motochika and Sakamoto Ryoma. The event concluded with energetic Yosakoi dance performances. Following the ceremony, the Imperial couple interacted with the performers, with Empress Masako praising the efforts of participants.