Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko visited the Ohinata settlement in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, during their summer break. The couple strolled through the area, which was developed by repatriates from former Manchuria, observing the growth of cabbage fields and viewing a monument engraved with a poem by Emperor Showa. They have maintained ties with the local community since Akihito's time as Crown Prince, frequently visiting the settlement for rest and interaction with residents. Separately, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met with two former residents of Iwo Jima, now living in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, at the Nasu Imperial Villa.