The Emperor's family has moved to the Imperial Palace, where they are to live in the newly renovated Imperial Residence.
All their belongings will be transferred to their new residence -- where the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita lived until March last year -- by Sept. 15. Until that time, the Emperor's family will stay in the Kyuden within the Imperial Palace grounds.
Seen off by Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and their aides, the Emperor's family left the Akasaka Imperial Residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo, at about 2:30 p.m. Monday along with the Imperial regalia of the sacred sword and jewels. They entered the Imperial Palace at about 2:40 p.m.
The Imperial Household Agency initially considered the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture for the family to stay in during their relocation, but the Emperor felt it would be inappropriate to leave the capital amid the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.
There are no accommodation facilities in the Kyuden, making it an inconvenient place to live. The agency has prepared bedding and other items.
The Emperor lived on the Akasaka Estate for more than half a century, except when he studied in Britain from 1983 to 1985.
"We feel a sense of determination moving into the Imperial Palace, the base from which successive emperors have fulfilled their duties," the Emperor and Empress said Monday in a statement released through the agency. "We will renew our resolve and fulfill our duties."
The Akasaka Imperial Residence will be renovated to improve barrier-free accessibility for the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita. The work is expected to be completed around May to June next year, after which the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita will move there from the Sento Imperial Residence, their temporary home in the Takanawa district of Minato Ward, Tokyo.
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