Prince and Princess Akishino attended the nationwide “Midori no Aigo” gathering on May 24, 2026 [1], to promote the protection of green spaces.
The event highlights the Japanese imperial family's ongoing role in environmental advocacy. By encouraging public participation in stewardship, the royal couple aims to foster a broader societal commitment to creating and maintaining new greenery [1].
During the gathering, Prince Akishino held a sprig of rosemary and said, “It has a lovely scent” [1]. The prince also planted a cherry-tree sapling of the Jindaiakebono variety [1]. This specific variety is noted for its connection to Tokyo [1].
Addressing the participants, Prince Akishino emphasized the importance of collective action. He said that in order to protect precious greenery while creating and nurturing new green spaces, it is necessary for more people to understand the importance of greenery and participate widely in these activities [1].
Reports regarding the specific location and timing of the event vary across sources. While FNN reported the event occurred in the Katsushika Ward of Tokyo on May 24 [1], other reports cited Wakayama Prefecture or Chiba Prefecture as the location [2, 3]. Additionally, one source listed the date as June 1, 2026 [2].
The gathering focused on three primary goals: the protection of existing green spaces, the creation of new greenery, and the encouragement of public participation in environmental care [1]. The planting of the Jindaiakebono tree served as a symbolic gesture of these efforts.
““It has a lovely scent,” Prince Akishino said.”
The participation of the Prince and Princess Akishino in the 'Midori no Aigo' gathering underscores the strategic use of imperial visibility to drive national environmental goals. By engaging in tactile activities like planting and gardening, the monarchy reinforces the cultural value of nature in Japan, bridging the gap between high-level policy on environmental stewardship and grassroots public engagement.
