Japan's Emperor and Empress attend cultural festivals in Kochi

The Emperor and Empress of Japan attended the opening ceremonies for the National Cultural Festival and the National Festival for the Arts and Culture for Persons with Disabilities in Kochi Prefecture. During the event, the Emperor expressed his respect for the efforts involved in hosting the festival and noted the significance of celebrating Kochi's unique local traditions and culture.

The ceremony featured performances such as the Yosakoi Naruko dance. Following the event, the Empress engaged in conversation with a facilitator who has a hearing impairment, noting the vibrant energy of the festival. The Empress also shared a personal anecdote regarding Princess Aiko participating in Yosakoi during her elementary school years.