Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the imperial villa in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, for vacation starting October 30.

On the evening of the day they arrived, the couple took a walk at a nearby beach.

The pair had chats with local residents.

S/ Female resident / We used to live around here.

S/ Empress Emerita Michiko / It must feel nostalgic.

S/ Emperor Emeritus Akihito / Today the sea is quiet and nice, isn’t it.

S/ Female resident / (My child is) 17 months old.

S/ Emperor Emeritus Akihito / Looks so big and healthy.

S/ Empress Emerita Michiko / Those are Kumamon shoes.

The retired emperor and empress also interacted with local pet dogs.

This is their first stay in Hayama in three and a half years.

The couple are the parents of current Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito.

Akihito abdicated in 2019.