The annual Imperial New Year’s Poetry Reading ceremony, known as Utakai Hajime, was held on Wednesday morning at the Matsu-no-Ma room in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This event features a reading of tanka poems, with this year’s theme centered on “dreams.”
Princess Aiko, 23, made her debut at the ceremony, which also included poems by other members of the Imperial family and 10 selected poems from the public. The public poems were chosen from over 16,000 submissions received from Japan and overseas. In addition to the Imperial family’s contributions, there were poems by a jury and a reading from Japanese literature expert Masako Mitamura, who is 76 years old.
The ceremony’s tradition of chanting each poem was observed as the Imperial family’s works were presented. Among the poems read were those composed by the Emperor and the Empress, reflecting the theme of dreams.
Emperor’s Poem: The children I met on my journeys
Talked with sparkling eyes
Of their dreams for the future
The Emperor’s poem reflects his joy from meeting children during his travels last year, including visits to the earthquake- and flood-stricken Noto region. He expressed how the children’s lively talk of their dreams uplifted him.
Empress’ Poem: Some thirty years after my departure
I visit with His Majesty
Our Alma Mater in Britain
And I recall the youthful dreams
I dreamt then
The Empress’ poem reflects her touching return to Oxford last year, where she had studied many years ago while working for the Foreign Ministry. The visit brought back memories of her younger days and the dreams she once held.
Princess Aiko’s Poem: Until the day we meet again
My friends and I will
Each follow our dreams
Princess Aiko’s debut poem speaks to her friends who graduated with her from Gakushuin University last spring. Now working at the Japanese Red Cross Society, she expresses her hope for future reunions as they each chase their dreams.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of attendees at the ceremony was initially reduced to a small group, but this year about 40 people were admitted to the event.
This year’s Utakai Hajime continues to be a cherished tradition, celebrating the Imperial family’s connection to poetry and the dreams that unite them with the public.
