Raw Japan

Emperor enjoys hip-hop hurrah

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko celebrated 20 years on the throne this week with a typical formal ceremony, including a speech from the prime minister and classical music performances.

But the elderly imperial couple then escaped the palace for an outdoor celebration that included hip-hop dancers.

Friday’s newspapers showed the Imperial couple, both 75, beaming as they watched the show from a balcony, overlooking thousands of flag-waving Japanese.

EXILE, an all-male group among Japan’s top selling artists, eschewed their usual wear for formal black suits and white ties, delivering a song and dance performance of “Flower of the Sun”.