Imperial couple hosts spring garden party

The Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a garden party at Akasaka Imperial Gardens, engaging nearly 1,800 guests, including manga artist Tetsuya Chiba. This year, imperial family members spoke with attendees using three separate routes instead of the usual single-file procession led by the emperor. The change aimed to reduce crowds and ensure comfort for guests, marking the first such adjustment since 1963. Alcohol was also reintroduced after COVID-19 restrictions, reflecting the event's return to normalcy amid a post-pandemic world.