A concert celebrating the 90^th birthdays of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko was held at the Imperial Palace on July 10.

The concert was held at the Tokagakudo Concert Hall in the East Gardens and was attended by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako and other members of the Imperial Family.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito turned 90 in December last year, and Empress Emerita Michiko will turn 90 in October this year.

This special concert was organized by their aides and executives of the Imperial Household Agency.

The concert featured prominent Japanese musicians, including cellist Tsutsumi Tsuyoshi and pianist Koyama Michie, who have close ties with the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, as well as jazz saxophonist Watanabe Sadao.

At the end of the hour-long concert, the Imperial couple approached the stage, and Emperor Emeritus Akihito expressed his gratitude by saying,” Thank you for letting us listen.”