Emperor Naruhito and his daughter Princess Aiko visited Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo’s Koto Ward on November 8 to watch the All Japan soft tennis championships.

This year marked the tournament’s 100th edition.

While watching the women’s final, the two showed interest in the unique characteristics of soft tennis, in which players apply heavy spin to rubber balls.

According to officials, Princess Aiko said it must be difficult for players to return serves that curve so much.

Emperor Naruhito also watched the men’s final and was impressed by the heated come-from-behind victory, remarking that it was a splendid way to compete.

This was the emperor’s first attendance at the tournament since 1982 when he was present at the opening ceremony and the first time for his daughter to watch a soft tennis match.