On March 7, 2006, former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko made their first visit to Miyake Island, Tokyo, to meet residents who had returned after a prolonged evacuation due to volcanic eruptions. This visit came a year after the islanders were allowed to return home, but only two-thirds had come back due to ongoing volcanic gas emissions. The former Emperor and Empress had been supporting the islanders during their evacuation in places like Tokyo and Shizuoka, and during their interactions, a heartwarming connection emerged with a young girl named Mio Ikeda.

In August 2001, during an unofficial visit to an apartment in Shizuoka where the Ikeda family was staying, Empress Michiko surprised young Mio, who had been evacuated from Miyake Island. This visit stemmed from a promise made the previous day when Mio had told Michiko, 'Grandma, come and play at my house.’ Michiko, encountering a sleeping Mio in her mother’s arms, greeted her with a smile, fulfilling the promise. Following the visit, Mio expressed her gratitude through a heartfelt letter, inviting Michiko to Miyake Island.

The 2006 visit allowed the former Emperor and Empress to witness the island’s conditions firsthand. Conversations with the village mayor and discussions about the volcano’s impact revealed concerns over signs of gas emissions affecting local agriculture and infrastructure. Among those they met was the Ikeda family, and Michiko expressed genuine care for Mio, inquiring if she had made new friends. This visit highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the residents and demonstrated the warmth of human connections in times of adversity.