Naruhito becomes first emperor in 32 years to watch Tokyo Big6 baseball live, with Princess Aiko at his side
Emperor Naruhito and his daughter Princess Aiko visited Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on May 31 to watch the storied Waseda-Keio fixture in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball spring league — the first time in 32 year.
At a glance
- Naruhito and Aiko watched the Waseda-Keio Tokyo Big6 spring league game at Meiji Jingu Stadium on May 31, 2026
- It was the first time in 32 years that a Japanese emperor viewed a league game live
- The visit came at the league's invitation as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations
- It was Princess Aiko's first Tokyo Big6 game; Waseda defeated Keio
- The appearance followed Naruhito and Masako's attendance at a World Baseball Classic first-round game in March 2026
VERDICT — CONFIRMED
Emperor Naruhito and his daughter Princess Aiko visited Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on May 31 to watch the storied Waseda-Keio fixture in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball spring league — the first time in 32 years that a Japanese emperor has watched a game of the university league live. The Imperial Household accepted the league's invitation as part of celebrations marking its 100th anniversary, and the afternoon ended with victory for Waseda University over rival Keio in the rivalry known as the Sokeisen, one of the oldest contests in Japanese sport.
For Princess Aiko, 24, it was her first time attending a Tokyo Big6 game; for the baseball-loving emperor it continued a season of high-visibility sporting appearances after he and Empress Masako attended a 2026 World Baseball Classic first-round game in March. Jiji Press noted the symbolism of the Emperor returning to the student league that imperial family members have patronized across generations.
The outing also extended Aiko's run of joint appearances with her father, days after her cousin Prince Hisahito — second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne — made his ceremonial Imperial Court debut.
Why it matters
carefully staged father-daughter appearances keep the popular Princess Aiko at the center of public affection, quietly feeding Japan's unresolved debate over female succession even as the government leaves the Imperial House Law untouched.
Key facts on file
- Naruhito and Aiko watched the Waseda-Keio Tokyo Big6 spring league game at Meiji Jingu Stadium on May 31, 2026
- It was the first time in 32 years that a Japanese emperor viewed a league game live
- The visit came at the league's invitation as part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations
- It was Princess Aiko's first Tokyo Big6 game; Waseda defeated Keio
- The appearance followed Naruhito and Masako's attendance at a World Baseball Classic first-round game in March 2026
