The Emperor and Princess Aiko attended a baseball game between Waseda University and Keio University at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo on May 31 [1].
The appearance, known as a "tenran" game, serves as a significant royal gesture to promote sports and foster interaction between the imperial family and the public [3].
The royal pair arrived at the stadium around 2 p.m. [1] to watch the rivalry match, which is a centerpiece of the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League. This event marked the first time in the current era that the Emperor and Princess Aiko viewed the specific Waseda-Keio matchup together.
Following the conclusion of the event, the Emperor and Princess Aiko commented on the quality of the play. "It was a very good game," they said [4].
The outing was conducted as part of the imperial family's official duties. By attending the game, the royals highlighted the importance of collegiate athletics, and the enduring tradition of the Tokyo Big6 league — one of the oldest and most prestigious university sports organizations in Japan.
Security and protocol were maintained throughout the visit to Jingu Stadium [2], ensuring the royal pair could observe the competition while engaging with the atmosphere of the crowd. The visit underscores the imperial family's role in maintaining cultural continuity through the support of national sporting traditions.
“"It was a very good game,"”
The attendance of the Emperor and Princess Aiko at the Waseda-Keio game reinforces the imperial family's connection to Japanese youth and academic excellence. By participating in a 'tenran' match, the monarchy leverages a high-profile sporting rivalry to maintain visibility and cultural relevance in the modern era.
