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3 clusters · 4 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Princess Aiko's Ise Shrine and regional visits

Overview

In late July and early August 2026, Princess Aiko traveled to Mie Prefecture to participate in the traditional Mokihiki (御木曳) ceremony at Ise Shrine. As part of the 20-year Shikinen Sengu rebuilding schedule for 2033, the Princess joined local residents in pulling sacred hinoki timber. Observers noted her earnest involvement as she wore a cream-colored happi coat and switched to flat shoes for the ceremony. During her time in Mie, she also toured the Toba Aquarium, which is noted as the only facility in Japan that keeps sea otters.

Following these events, the Princess proceeded with an official itinerary in Osaka and Shiga. On August 21, she conducted her first visit to Shiga Prefecture, touring the Lake Biwa Museum. There, she engaged with curators regarding the Biwako oonamazu, a large catfish described as the ‘master of Lake Biwa’.

Her Shiga itinerary concluded with a visit to the Fukushia welfare facility in Maibara City, a trip previously postponed due to her 2025 COVID-19 infection. After observing students in rehabilitation activities, the Princess participated in a session of Boccia, a sport for individuals with disabilities, where she successfully hit the target ball twice. These visits continue to support the Imperial Household Agency’s goals of promoting cultural heritage and social welfare initiatives.

Entities

Princess Aiko · Ise Shrine · Shikinen Sengu · Mie Prefecture · Osaka Prefecture

Timeline

  1. 23 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Princess Aiko visits Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa Museum

    Princess Aiko made her first visit to Shiga Prefecture, touring the Lake Biwa Museum and participating in a Boccia sports session at a local welfare facility.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Princess Aiko joins Ise Shrine's Mokihiki ceremony

    Princess Aiko attended Ise Shrine's Mokihiki ceremony on Aug 1‑2 2026, pulling the sacred rope in a happi coat and flat shoes, echoing the Emperor’s 2007 participation.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Princess Aiko visits Ise Shrine and later Osaka and Shiga on official trips

    Princess Aiko toured Ise Shrine’s ceremony and Toba Aquarium, then will visit Osaka for a Vermeer exhibit and Shiga’s child‑development facility in August.

Sources

fnn-news.com · fnn.jp · jisin.jp · news.cube-soft.jp

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history