On May 18, Empress Masako attended the annual meeting of Japanese Red Cross Society, held at the Meiji Jingu Kaikan Hall in Tokyo. Empress Masako, the Red Cross Society’s honorary president, was joined by Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Hanako, Princess Nobuko and Princess Hisako, all of whom are honorary vice-presidents of the society. The Empress presented the medals of merit to 13 individuals and representatives of organizations at the assembly for their work in helping the Japanese Red Cross Society.