Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a state banquet at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in six years on March 25.

Their daughter Princess Aiko took part for the first time.

Guests included soccer player Miura Kazuyoshi and Japanese-Brazilian singer Marcia.

The banquet took place to welcome Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife as state guests to Japan.

Also among the approximately 110 attendees were other members of the imperial family.

S/ Emperor Naruhito / I sincerely hope that, through this year's Japan-Brazil friendship exchange year activities, the friendly relationship between our countries will deepen even further.

Aiko sat next to the speaker of the lower house of Brazil's congress.

The emperor and empress incorporated Japanese elements to the event, including using traditional Edo Kiriko cut glasses for serving sake.

While state banquet meals usually consist of French cuisine, a Japanese dish was served as the appetizer for the first time.