Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Gifu-Hashima Station in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan to attend cultural festivals on October 14. 

 A crowd welcomed the imperial couple who visited to attend the opening ceremonies of the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities. 

 The emperor and empress visited the city hall prior to the ceremony, where they were welcomed by Gifu Prefecture Governor Furuta Hajime. 

 The couple attended ceremonies in the afternoon. 

 Emperor Naruhito / I hope that through this initiative, the charm of local traditions and culture will be reaffirmed, and that the base of cultural and artistic activities will be broadened, leading to the creation of a new culture. 

 Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had a chat with the attendees after the ceremony. 

 The emperor told Mori Kazumi, who performed a local dance during the opening event, that the dance was “wonderful.” 

 He also spoke with high school student Furuta Momoka, who has visual impairment and also performed in the opening event.

Emperor Naruhito / That was a wonderful reading.  

 Furuta Momoka / Thank you. 

 Emperor Naruhito / Did you practice a lot? 

 Empress Masako said that the reading was “touching.” 

 On the same day around 7:30 PM, the emperor and empress were welcomed by citizens with lanterns in front of their hotel. 

 Around 3,000 citizens waved lanterns to show appreciation to the couple for their visit.  

 The two responded by waving lanterns from their rooms.