TOKYO: The second and final round of "Daikyo-no-Gi" grand banquets hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito for guests to his "Daijosai" grand thanksgiving ceremony took place at the Imperial House in Tokyo on Monday.

The latest round was attended by 281 people including Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of the Emperor, Crown Princess Kiko, prefectural governors and representatives from various fields.

The banquets followed last week's "Daijokyu-no-Gi," a key rite of the Daijosai ceremony.

Emperor Naruhito appeared in the "Homeiden" state banquet hall shortly past noon Monday (3 a.m. GMT), followed by chamberlains carrying a sword and a jewel.

"I'm really glad to have you all at this grand banquet after finishing Daijokyu-no-Gi," the Emperor said. "Taking this opportunity, I pray for the happiness of the people and further development of the country."

After his words, the Emperor enjoyed Japanese cuisine with the guests.

A folding screen of paintings and "waka" Japanese poems describing the scenery of Tochigi and Kyoto prefectures was displayed. A traditional dance was performed.

Tochigi was selected to grow rice for use at Daijokyu-no-Gi on behalf of eastern Japan, or Yuki province, and Kyoto was chosen as the source of rice from western Japan, or Suki province.

JIJI Press