From May 22 to 27, 2025, H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and of Venice, carried out an important visit to Japan in his capacity as Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy. The journey was marked by institutional meetings, cultural encounters, and two gala evenings organized by the Japanese Delegation of the Orders.
Tokyo: The 7th Charity Gala and the Launch of the Istituto d’Arte Savoia
The highlight of the Prince’s stay in the capital was the 7th Charity Gala, held on May 24 at the exclusive Roppongi Hills Club. In the presence of Dames, Knights, and many distinguished guests, the event aimed to support two projects initiated by the Japanese Delegation.
Savoia Wine Project
The first is the Savoia Wine Project, launched in 2024 to help revitalize an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Through the cultivation of Nebbiolo grapevines and the future production of a symbolic wine, the project promotes sustainable and inclusive development, also providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The evening featured an update on the encouraging progress of the initiative.
Istituto d’Arte Savoia (IAS)
The second project, officially launched during the gala, is the Istituto d’Arte Savoia (IAS): a philanthropic educational program offering free, high-quality art experiences to children across Japan. Funded by the proceeds of the gala, the program will begin in summer 2025 in 32 kindergartens, nurseries, and after-school centers in Tokyo and Kanagawa.
Among the guests of honor were Cav. di Gran Croce Iehiro Tokugawa, 19th Head of the Tokugawa Shogunal House; world-renowned architect Cav. di Gran Croce Kengo Kuma; and celebrated artist Dama Prof. Hiroko Takahashi, all members of the Orders. Also in attendance were Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto, former UN Special Representative, and composer Tomoyuki Tanaka, musical director of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Osaka: A New Opening in the Heart of Kansai
On May 25, the Prince traveled to Osaka aboard the iconic Shinkansen and attended a concert that evening by the artist ATSUSHI at Osaka Castle Hall—an event reaffirming the deep connection between art and solidarity.
The following day, the first-ever Charity Gala organized by the Japanese Delegation in Osaka took place in the beautifully restored Former Sakuranomiya Public Hall. The event welcomed many new local supporters, most of whom were attending a Dynastic Orders event for the first time. The atmosphere was warm, respectful, and rich in interest—laying the foundation for future engagement in the Kansai region.
The Savoia Wine Project and the Istituto d’Arte Savoia were once again presented, generating great curiosity and receiving numerous proposals for collaboration from attendees.
Through this visit, H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto reaffirmed the active and international role of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, promoting charity, cultural dialogue, and the timeless values of chivalry across generations and borders.
