On October 4th, Princess Tsuguko attended the opening ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of Japan-Oman Diplomatic Relations "Oman-Yamanashi Jewelry Exhibition" at the Embassy of Oman in Tokyo.
Photo:
Oman’s Embassy in Tokyo opens Yamanashi Jewelry Exhibition - Oman Observer
More photos, thanks to Nippon AR!
A reporter from Daily Shincho found Princess Tsuguko at izakaya chain restaurant "Torikizoku" in early September. She was with a man in his late 30s, allegedly her partner of 8 years, who works for a mega bank affiliated financial group. They shared a bowl and left after an hour.
The reporter nervously asked for an interview and Tsuguko agreed to answer some questions.
About this low-cost restaurant choice: "I happened to say, "let’s have dinner" and visited several restaurants but I didn’t have a reservation so I couldn't enter. That’s why I decided on Torikizoku. I’ve been to Torikizoku with my colleagues. It’s my first time here since the pandemic. I will come to similar places like this with anyone, like izakaya. I also eat yakitori normally.” (Reporter notes her frank response)
Are you marrying your partner?: "Not at all. We’re just good friends. Thankfully, I have many friends, both men and women, who I eat with."
No other partners? : "No, I don't. It’s not that I'm a workaholic (work is life). I'm not in a rush to get married."
Asked about Mako-san's marriage as a royal: "No, I'm not in a position to comment anymore… to the Naishinno-sama 内親王さま (princess) like that"
[I notice Tsuguko refers to Mako quite formally with her former title Naishinno and more respectful honorific -sama]
The reporter thinks about the IHA recent SNS consideration and the agency's struggles with PR and methods in the changing times, wondering if Tsuguko's response hints for the future of an "open Imperial family."
Source:
Daily Shincho (September 20) includes photos of the “date” and older photos
On September 22,
Jisin followed up on Daily Shincho's report on the "izakaya date" and cheap dinner. People online commented on Tsuguko's frankness, personality, etc.
An Imperial journalist said "when Tsuguko was studying aboard in the UK in her 20s, her online diary (blog?) leaked, causing controversy about her frank content about love. However, times have changed.
Besides official duties, Princess Tsuguko works for Japan UNICEF, commutes by train, and such outings are normal. She was also spotted at a restaurant in Roppongi last November, staying until midnight."
more photos of Princess Hisako at the 53rd National Mama-san Volleyball Tournament:
