EXCLUSIVE: (Update) 1st spring garden party in Reiwa set for May

February 7, 2020

Tokyo--The first spring Imperial garden party in Reiwa to be hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako is expected for May 27, not April as usual, Jiji Press learned Thursday.

It would be difficult for the couple to host the annual party in April due to a series of other important events, including the "Rikkoshi-no-Rei" ceremonies to proclaim Crown Prince Akishino's rise to first in line to the throne, an Imperial Household Agency source said.

Other key events include a ceremony to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is slated to visit Japan as a state guest. In addition, the Imperial couple is also considering visiting Britain sometime between April and June.

The spring event will be the first Imperial garden party since the one held in November 2018. Emperor Naruhito will host an Imperial garden party for the first time since he ascended the throne in May last year, starting the Reiwa period.

Imperial garden parties are held in spring and autumn. Prominent people from various fields are invited to the Akasaka Imperial Gardens.

Since 2000, spring garden parties have been held in April.

Last year, no spring or autumn party took place due to a host of events related to the abdication of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the enthronement of the current Emperor. Jiji Press