Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko watched the main bouts of the grand sumo tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo on Sunday.
The Imperial family were welcomed by Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku and stablemasters.
The Emperor, Empress and Princess Aiko were greeted with applause when they appeared before the crowd to take their seats.
The family enjoyed the last ten bouts of the eighth day of the competition, with the chairman assisting as a guide.
This was the first time in six years that the Emperor’s family has watched sumo at Kokugikan. Aides said they had been looking forward to their visit.
Princess Aiko has been interested in sumo since she was a child. She took notes while watching the bouts.
AloJapan.com