Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended a ceremony to award the Japan Academy Prize for academic researchers on July 8. 

The ceremony commends researchers with notable academic accomplishments. 

Ten researchers were honored with the award this year. 

The Imperial Prize, awarded to particularly outstanding researchers, went to the University of Tokyo Graduate School Associate Professor Kikuchi Shigehito, who specializes in early medieval European history, and the University of Tokyo Professor Obara Kazunari who specializes in seismology. 

Emperor Naruhito asked Kikuchi what materials he used for the research. 

Empress Masako encouraged him to keep up with the wonderful work. 

It was the first time the Imperial Couple performed official duties together after their return to Japan from the United Kingdom.