Prince Fumihito has been a strict but supportive father to Princess Mako, who appears to be a mild-mannered person, but is not shy about speaking up, according to those who know both well.
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Osamu Akagi, president of the Osaka University of Tourism, has advised Fumihito and his family for many years.
Akagi, 73, still vividly recalls the August 2003 trip by Fumihito and his family to Thailand. That was the first overseas trip for Mako, now 25.
Akagi said he was struck by the concentrated manner in which Mako observed the ceremony at a local university where Fumihito was presented with a honorary doctorate. She did not appear fazed or bothered by the mosquitoes that were buzzing around.
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"I felt a strong desire on the part of her parents to instill in her a wide-ranging perspective," Akagi said.
While Mako appears to be a gentle and easy-going person, she is someone who will freely offer her opinion, Akagi said. Even Fumihito has admitted to losing arguments with his oldest daughter.
Yoshihiro Hayashi, the director-general of the National Museum of Nature and Science, said he was struck by Fumihito's past comment that he wanted to place importance on whatever field each of his children develops an interest in.
After Mako expressed an interest in art and cultural properties, Fumihito has visited museums and related study sessions in such fields along with his daughter.
He was apparently a very strict father to both Mako and Princess Kako. The two daughters protested about the difference in their upbringing in comparison with their younger brother, Prince Hisahito, who the two girls feel has been more pampered by their parents.
Beautiful kimono! 
