Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea reception for recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit and People of Cultural Merit at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 5.

This was the first time Princess Aiko, the only child of the emperor and empress, took part in an imperial tea reception.

Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and their second daughter Princess Kako also attended.

The event in which food and drinks are served had been canceled the past four years due to the coronavirus.

Manga artist Chiba Tetsuya and professional golfer Aoki Isao were among the guests.

The emperor commended the accomplishments of the guests in fields including academics, culture, arts and sports.

Aiko was seated at the same table as her cousin Princess Kako, the second daughter of the crown prince and crown princess.

She asked questions to an expert on the early modern history of Japan who conducts research on diplomatic and trade relations between Japan and Korea.