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The Japan News/Yomiuri
The Japan News/Yomiuri
National
The Yomiuri Shimbun

Empress performs 1st solo official duty

The Empress, left, attends the Japanese Red Cross Society's annual national assembly in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Wednesday as Crown Princess Kiko looks on. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

The Empress performed her first solo official duty on Wednesday in her current capacity by attending the Japanese Red Cross Society's annual gathering in Tokyo.

The Empress became the society's honorary president on May 1. The annual national assembly, held at the Meiji Jingu Kaikan hall in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, was also attended by honorary vice presidents Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako of Hitachi, Princess Nobuko of Mikasa and Princess Hisako of Takamado. About 1,900 people participated overall.

The Empress presented medals of merit to a total of 13 individuals and representatives of groups for their contribution to promoting the society's activities.

The Empress attends the Japanese Red Cross Society's annual national assembly in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Wednesday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Last year, the Empress, who was the crown princess at that time, attended the assembly for the first time in 15 years as an honorary vice president. At the assembly, the now Empress Emerita invited the Empress to the front of the stage and introduced her as the society's next honorary president.

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/

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