Emperor Naruhito took in an opera performance of German-British composer Handel's "Rinaldo" at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on August 17.

The four-and-a-half-hour show featured baroque music specialist Hamada Yoshimichi, who is a conductor and recorder player, and early music ensemble "Anthonello."

In the 1980s, then Prince Naruhito played the viola in an ensemble presided over by Hamada's father, the late conductor Hamada Noriteru.

This is the emperor's second opera viewing since he ascended to the throne in May 2019.

After the performance, he chatted with Hamada Yoshimichi and his wife and told them he enjoyed the show.