The Imperial Family of Japan embraced the arrival of 2025 with the traditional New Year celebrations, hoping for good fortune and health. The highlight of these festivities was the 'Utakai Hajime' poetry gathering, held on January 18 at the Imperial Palace, where the theme of 'friendship' was beautifully brought to life through verses recited by the Emperor, Empress, and other royal family members.
This year's poignant event saw participants from across the spectrum, including general entrants selected from over 15,000 submissions. The first to recite their poem was the youngest participant, 14-year-old Aoi Komiyama from Hokuto City, who captured the audience with his charming rendition: 'My nickname is not bad, they can't call me anything else.' His youthful innocence brought smiles, contrasting with the gravitas of the gathering.
Empress Masako took the opportunity to reflect on her life since joining the Imperial Family. During her recital, she expressed heartfelt gratitude toward her friends: 'Throughout my life with you, you have watched over me, dear friends.' This tribute to her companions evoked warm memories and highlighted the contrasting perspectives of tradition and personal history woven through this solemn event.
Budding poets also participated, contributing to the overall celebration. Tetsujin, another participant, mentioned, 'This year’s theme of friendship was easily relatable, so many felt connected.' The presence of young poets demonstrated the commitment to keeping Japanese culture alive through literature.
Princess Aiko, now 21 and experiencing her own growth, lent her voice to the occasion with another poem reflecting on personal themes of connection and nostalgia. Echoing sentiments of her peers born during the pandemic, she mentioned missing her friends during their formative college years and paid homage to the shared experiences they have lost. Her poem, which observed the falling leaves on the path to her home, invited listeners to view the world through her beautiful perspective.
Masako’s reflections also celebrate her personal milestone of spending nearly half her life as part of the Imperial Family, something she vividly highlighted on her 59th birthday last December. Upon addressing this pivotal moment, she stated, 'When I think back, it's been quite the emotional rollercoaster… and here I stand after 29 years.' Her words no doubt resonate with many as the Imperial Family continues to adapt and evolve within the realms of modern Japan.
The ambiance of the 'Utakai Hajime' was layered with both solemnity and joy, embodying the unity not just within the Imperial Family but also reflecting Japan’s cultural heritage. The gathering was not just about reciting poems but was also suited to inspire young and old alike through shared expressions of camaraderie and gratitude. The joy of writing and sharing poetry as cultural heritage remains ever vibrant, with both established members and newcomers participating.
These New Year traditions not only remind us of the importance of community and belonging but also reinforce the enduring spirit of Japanese culture—evident as ever through prose and poetry. With each year, the Imperial Family manages to bridge the gap between historical roots and contemporary style—highlighting how these traditions can evolve and remain relevant across generations.
Overall, the events surrounding the New Year gatherings provided not just ceremonial significance but captured insights reflecting personal journeys. The blending of traditional elements with modern elements assigned the celebration its unique charm, enriching everyone involved as they stepped forward together with hope for the new year.