Empress Masako attended the Japanese Red Cross Convention on May 13. She serves as the Japanese Red Cross Society's honorary president.

The empress handed awards to 13 individuals and representatives of groups recognized for their contributions to Red Cross activities.

Other female members of the Imperial family, who are honorary vice presidents, joined the conference as well.

A high school student from Fukui Prefecture, who is engaged in a wide range of volunteer activities, including providing water aid to East Timor, reported on her activities.

Empress Masako reportedly thanked the teenager for the "wonderful presentation."

Princess Aiko attended the event as an employee of the Japanese Red Cross Society.