Aiko arrived at the Japan Racing Association’s Equestrian Park in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward on Tuesday afternoon, greeting the association’s chairman and other officials with a warm smile.
Horse Day is a commemorative occasion established by the Japan Racing Association to coincide with Animal Welfare Week. The event offers citizens a variety of opportunities to engage with horses and learn more about these majestic animals.
At the day’s event, horses performed shows right up close to the audience. Staff from the Imperial Household Agency’s stables division demonstrated Horohiki, a traditional performance in which a 10-meter cloth is unfurled and carried along by galloping horses, captivating everyone present.
Aiko also enjoyed a riding performance by junior and senior high school students. She applauded enthusiastically as the riders skillfully controlled their horses’ speed, showcasing their talent and dedication.
Later, she met with Kazuma Tomoto, a bronze medalist in team eventing at the Paris Olympics. Warmly congratulating him, Aiko said, “Congratulations. I saw your performance on television, and the cross-country event was amazing.”
When the sound of a horse grinding its teeth was heard nearby, Aiko asked with a smile, “Is that the sound of nervous teeth-grinding?” Tomoto explained, “Yes, this horse is still young, only eight years old.”
Known for her love of animals, Aiko also encouraged participants and performers, commenting cheerfully, “So energetic,” and “It was wonderful to see how perfectly in sync you were—it was really enjoyable to watch.”
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146991.php
