News Discussion

Imperial Family Shares Photos of Adopted Cat Mimi

Mimi's name uses the kanji for "beautiful" and "ocean."

She was adopted by the Imperial Family from a rescue group at four and a half months old.

On December 1, the Imperial Household Agency released photos of Mimi, a cat the Emperor's family began caring for in August. Mimi is a female calico cat. The family adopted her through an animal hospital from a rescue group when she was about four and a half months old.

Her name, Mimi, is written with the characters meaning "beautiful" and "ocean." The family chose the name in the hope of a beautiful sea that symbolizes the Earth. During her official visit to Laos in November, Princess Aiko mentioned this while speaking with local students.

Seven and Mimi

Until then, the family had kept two cats named "Mii" and "Seven," but Mii passed away last summer. To keep Seven from feeling lonely, the family decided to adopt Mimi. The Imperial Household Agency also released photos of Seven on December 1.

In an announcement marking Princess Aiko's 24th birthday, the Imperial Household Agency said she cherishes time with the two cats, calling it a peaceful and comforting part of her day.

1. 1. adopt 引き取る
   We decided to adopt a dog from the local animal shelter.
2. 2. release 公開する
   The studio will release the movie online next month.
3. 3. symbolize 象徴する
   In many cultures, a white dove can symbolize peace.
4. 4. cherish 大切にする
   I cherish the time I spend reading before bed.
5. 5. comforting 安心させる、心を落ち着かせる
   Her kind words were comforting after a stressful day.

1. 1. When did the Imperial Household Agency release photos of Mimi?
2. 2. When did the Emperor's family begin caring for Mimi?
3. 3. What kind of cat is Mimi?
4. 4. Have you ever adopted an animal, or would you like to? Why?
5. 5. Do you think public figures should share photos of their pets with the public? Why or why not?

宮内庁は12月1日、天皇ご一家が8月から飼われ始めた猫「美海（みみ）」の写真を公表した。

美海は三毛猫の雌。今年8月、生後4カ月半だった美海を、保護団体から動物病院を通じて、ご一家が譲り受けられたという。地球の象徴ともいえる美しい海を願い、ご一家で命名された。

11月にラオスを公式訪問した愛子さまは、現地の学生との交流のなかで「私が飼ってる猫も海という漢字が入っています」と話されていた。

ご一家はこれまで、猫の「みー」と「セブン」を飼われていたが、昨夏に「みー」が息を引き取った。残った「セブン」が寂しくならないようにと、「美海」を引き取ることを決められたという。宮内庁は「セブン」の写真も併せて公表している。

愛子さまが24歳の誕生日を迎えられ、宮内庁が公表したご様子のなかで、2匹をかわいがり「触れ合いの時間は、心安らぐひとときとなっています」としている。