Princess Aiko of the Japanese Imperial Family attended the Spring Gagaku concert at the Imperial Palace on the afternoon of April 27.

Gagaku is a style of music that has a tradition of more than a thousand years and is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Characterized by long, slow songs and dance-like movements, it is the oldest of the Japanese traditional performing arts.

Princess Aiko, who is interested in traditional Japanese performing arts, has visited every Gagaku concert held in the spring and autumn since 2022.

This marks the second time she has attended one of the concerts on her own

During the performance by the Music Department of the Imperial Household Agency, the Princess wore black-rimmed glasses and watched the musicians intently.

At the beginning of a piece that did not have a steady rhythm, Princess Aiko asked how the musicians were able to play together so seamlessly.

A staff member explained that it was through practice, the Princess was impressed and said that their skill was a result of their training.