Empress Masako completes this year's silk farming

Empress Masako marked the end of silk farming this year on Friday, having taken part in the imperial tradition passed down since the late 19th century for the first time after becoming empress in May last year.The empress bowed at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery standing on the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, where she had fed shredded mulberry leaves to silkworms and collected some 30 kilograms of cocoons in the end, according to the Imperial Household Agency.Related coverage:Japan emperor upholds tradition, searches for role in 1st yr of reignREAD FULL ARTICLE