[...]
To me, the interesting thing is that there is that pushback on Twitter, and it makes me wonder a bit if with the Akishino family's elevation in status whether there is increased interest and criticism coming their way. If so, Prince Akishino may be in for a taste of what Naruhito has had to deal with as CP.
Criticism has already begun and as in the past, it's the wife and her family who are targeted vs directly criticizing the born prince.
Recent weekly magazines about Princess Kiko and the Kawashima family:
In early January,
Daily Shincho claims staffing problems and the pressure to be perfect with 2 successors in the Akishino family.
* Allegedly, the Akishino household has always been a "difficult" work environment.
* With Prince Akishino becoming Koshi, their family's staff will increase from 20 to 51.
* Unfortunately, working conditions are severe and turnover is high. The Akishinos keep dismissing and asking the government or IHA to send new candidates.
* One employee from the transportation industry quit after a week in spring 2018.
* An assembly is held every morning where each staff reports yesterday's and today's activities and receives directions and criticism. Prince Akishino is present but passive; Princess Kiko leads this severe assembly and wants perfection.
* 2 administrative IHA staff happened to visit one morning before going to the Chiyoda office and even they found the assembly tense.
* Due to the lack and consistency in staff, the existing employees are overworked.
* Adding to the problems are schedule changes. Typically a month's agenda should be planned ahead with overnight visits planned 3 months ahead.
* Princess Kiko makes late changes, forcing the staff to quickly reschedule meetings, accommodation, etc.
* Overtime is common as is recalling staff on their days off. Sometimes temporary workers are hired from the private sector.
Another
Daily Shincho article in January
* worries about the inconsistent staff's effect on Prince Hisahito
* Outside of school, Ochanomizu primary school classmates and alumni are not invited over so staff entertain Hisahito but he gets upset when he loses at cards or games. There's concern staff may let him win and that would not build his character properly.
* Prince Akishino appreciates the "independence and autonomy" policy at the Ochanomizu system yet some argue such a "self" policy has led Mako to choose the wrong marriage partner.
news-postseven on Princess Kiko's younger brother Shu
* Gakushuin high school graduate, majored in veterinary medicine at Azabu University, University of Tokyo graduate, and currently professor at Tokyo Agricultural University
* His ex-wife (divorced November 2012) is from Soma, Fukushima. He organized relief efforts to Soma and actively volunteered after the March 2011 tsunami and earthquake disaster.
* Although initially uneasy about being recognized as an Imperial relative, he seems to have embraced being known as "Princess Akishino's brother"
* 2 years ago, he was introduced as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Princess Akishino's brother" at a lecture about regional revitalization with horses.
* He served as chairman for an NPO "T" which was established in 2010 and originally supported social participation for people with disabilities and then switched to 2011 disaster relief/recovery efforts.
* There were problems about what happened to the donations and getting donations. Donors who gave 1 million yen got a meal with "Princess Akishino's brother"
* Shu Kawashima resigned after controversies
It's unclear whether the NPO used Shu or Shu used them or both. Anyway, news-postseven claim IHA officials are concerned about Shu Kawashima. Relatives should be discreet/downplay/avoid their connection to the Imperial family.
