Princess Kako & Prince Hisahito Current Events Part 3: October 2021 -


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On July 25th, Princess Kako attended the 57th All Japan High School Equestrian Competition opening ceremony at the Equestrian Sports Center in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture. She also watched competition events and visited a medical research facility later.

Although her mother Crown Princess Kiko tested positive for Covid-19 the previous day, Princess Kako tested negative. She wore a mask in enclosed spaces.

Photos: AP Images, FNN, at-s, FNN2
 
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:previous: More info: Princess Kako visited Pharma Valley Center in Nagaizumi, Shizuoka Prefecture after attending the 57th All Japan High School Equestrian Competition on July 25.

She toured the center's model room for the elderly and learned about the latest care equipment. The center's director described the "three-step home for independence" and functionality with artificial intelligence.

Photos: at-s.com
Princess Kako Attends Opening of Equestrian Competition - The Japan News
[...]

“I am rooting for all of you, so that you’ll be able to fully demonstrate the fruits of your hard work, with you and your horse understanding each other and becoming one,” the princess said in her opening address, encouraging the 174 students from 36 schools across the country who are competing in the event.
 
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On August 1st, Princess Kako attended the 27th All Japan High School Girls Baseball Championship Final (Kobe Koryo vs. Gifu Daiichi) at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture.

Photos: Nikkansports, Mainichi, FNN, AP Images
 
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Princess Kako will make an official visit to Peru in early November for the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan. The Imperial Household Agency reports an invitation to Kako was received in late July.

Planning is underway for an approximate 10-day visit and will be finalized pending cabinet approval. This will be Princess Kako's second official visit, after Austria and Hungary in 2019.

Prince and Princess Hitachi officially visited Peru and Bolivia in 2009 for the 110th anniversary of Japanese emigration. Prince and Princess Akishino officially visited Peru in 2014 for the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Princess Mako (now Mrs. Komuro) officially visited Peru and Bolivia in 2019 for the 120th anniversary of Japanese emigration.

Sources: FNN, Sankei

ETA: Japan's Princess Kako to Visit Peru in Nov. | Nippon.com
 
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Princess Kako & Prince Hisahito Current Events Part 3: October 2021 -

On August 27th, Princess Kako attended the 40th National High School Sign Language Speech Contest at Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The event is sponsored by the All Japan Federation of the Deaf, where Kako works as a part-time contract employee since 2021. 10 students participated in the contest.

This year, Princess Kako only signed and spoke at the beginning and signed the rest of her 7-minute greeting with a sign language interpreter speaking. According to the Imperial Household Agency, Princess Kako changed the delivery because she found it difficult to sign and speak at the same time. Previously, she spoke and signed simultaneously.

Photos/sources: AP Images, Jiji, Mainichi, Asahi

ETA: Princess Kako Attends High School Sign Language Speech Contest | Nippon.com

Japan’s Princess Kako Attends Sign Language Speech Contest for High School Students - The Japan News
... “I strongly hope for the realization of a society in which many people deepen their understanding of sign language and deafness, and in which everyone can live with peace of mind and have a wide range of options...”

ETA: tv-asahi reports another reason for the greeting change is the wrong impression that speaking [usually] accompanies signing.
 
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Prince Hisahito turns 17 on September 6.

Birthday photos and video were taken during summer vacation on August 2 at a farm from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. He observed overseas rice plants and seeds of old Japanese varieties, interacting with researchers working on rice genome analysis. According to a close aide, the prince "deepened his interest in agricultural products more professionally."

Photos/sources: Sankei, Asahi, Mainichi

- Prince Hisahito is a 2nd year student at the Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba and actively involved in badminton club.
- In June, he visited at biology laboratory at University of Tsukuba as part of a school event.
- Attended official regional activities for the first time in July when he accompanied his father at the 47th National High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival in Kagoshima Prefecture.
- Other official activities included attending audiences with people from South America with his parents and sister and meeting foreign royalty during their visits to Japan.
- At home, he continues dragonfly habitation surveys and farming rice and vegetables.

Full birthday statement: FNN

Following the revision of the Civil Code in 2022, Prince Hisahito will come of age at 18 next year but his Coming of Age Kakan-no-Gi (Crown Wearing) Ceremony will be held after his graduates high school in spring 2025.
ETA: English articles

Japan's Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, turns 17 - Kyodo News
[...]

Prince Hisahito is the first member of the imperial family in the postwar era to attend a high school unaffiliated with Gakushuin University, established in the 19th century to educate aristocrats. His father is known to favor a liberal education for his children.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the number of subjects the prince is studying has increased, and his assignments have also become more challenging. It said that he also uses break times to ask teachers questions and that he and his classmates study by offering each other advice on how to solve problems.

A member of the school badminton club, his abilities have developed as he has practiced between classes. He also offers advice to first-year students who have recently joined the club.

In June, the prince took part in an excursion for second-year students where he observed research at the University of Tsukuba on insects and their relevance in agriculture and had the chance to use a microscope.

[...]

In early August, he attended a lecture on rice genome analysis during a visit to the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.

The prince continues to pursue his longstanding interest in dragonflies that developed in his elementary school years. He does related fieldwork, including on the grounds of the Akasaka Estate, where he lives with his family.

[...]
Prince Hisahito Turns 17 while Enjoying High School Life | Nippon.com
[...]

In late July, the prince visited Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, with his father for an annual national high school cultural festival, marking his first official visit to an area outside of Tokyo.

[...]

During the summer school break in August, he privately visited the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, his second visit there after visiting with his mother when he was in his first year at junior high school.
 
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On September 6th, Prince Hisahito visited Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial residence for birthday greetings. He entered the Imperial Palace's Hanzomon Gate before 5pm and stayed about 30 minutes. Afterwards, he greeted the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence in Akasaka Estate.

Photos: AP Images, Getty Images
 
Happy birthday to him, how time flows !
 
On September 13th, Princess Kako attended Japan Kogei Association's 70th Traditional Crafts Exhibition and Awards Ceremony at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo. She selected a lacquerware box with blue gradation for the President's Award.

Photos: FNN, Sankei, Mainichi
 
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Prince Hisahito has Covid-19. He developed a fever shortly after returning home from school on September 13 and initially tested negative for Covid and influenza. When his fever did not subside the next morning, he retested and was positive for Covid. Prince Hisahito will recuperate at home until the 18th.

Following his infection, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko canceled a press conference for their official visit to Vietnam scheduled on September 14 at 10am. They later tested negative for Covid and the press conference has been rescheduled to September 15 at 11am.

Sources: NTV, NTV2, Jiji

ETA: Prince Hisahito tests positive for COVID-19, has high fever | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

A close aide says Emperor Naruhito's family are concerned about Prince Hisahito according to NTV.
 
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Prince Hisahito has recovered from Covid-19 and returned to school on September 19. He completed the 6-day recuperation period recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Sources: Sankei, FNN

Reporters repeatedly asked about Prince Hisahito's condition at the Akishino household's regular press conference on September 15. The aide described the prince as "generally calm" and declined to give further information such as if he was feeling better or decrease in fever, citing privacy.

Source: https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_society/articles/000316097.html
 
:previous: Princess Kako was supposed to visit Tottori for 2-days to attend the 10th National High School Sign Language Performance Koshien but she has Covid-19 now and official duties are canceled.

On September 23rd, Princess Kako arrived at Tottori Airport around 3pm and went to Inaba Saigo Crafts Village. She met children who made their own lunch bowls and observed a pottery demonstration at Saigo District Community Center. In the evening, she attended a networking/exchange event for participants of the National High School Sign Language Performance Koshien.

Her throat felt strange before going to bed on the 23rd. She had a fever the next morning and was tested. Princess Kako will recuperate at a hotel in Tottori until September 28.

Kako's speech was displayed and signed on her behalf at the 10th National High School Sign Language Performance Koshien on September 24 with added message that she regrets not being able to attend. "I am truly sorry that I will not be able to meet you all."

Sources: Sankei, NTV

More photos of 9/23: TBS, Asahi, FNN, Nikkansports

Japan’s Princess Kako Tests Positive for COVID-19, Cancels Event Appearance - The Japan News

Kako down with COVID-19, 9th family member to get the virus | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
... Japan is now in the grip of the ninth wave of COVID-19 with hospitals across the nation reporting the highest number of infected patients since the disease was downgraded in May ...
 
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On September 29th, Princess Kako has recovered enough from Covid-19 and returned to Tokyo. She arrived at the Tottori airport after 6am.

Princess Kako will visit Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture for Tohoku University's "110th anniversary of first female students / 100th anniversary of first liberal arts female university students" ceremony .

Photos/source: Asahi, AP Images, Jiji

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The same day, the Cabinet approved Princess Kako's official visit to Peru scheduled for November 1-10 to mark 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Tentative agenda:
11/1: depart Japan, arrive in Lima
11/2: flowers at monument commemorating 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration, attend 150th anniversary ceremony
11/3: travel to Cusco
11/4: tour Machu Picchu
11/5: return to Lima
11/6: visit special needs school
11/7: courtesy call on the President, luncheon, attend 150th anniversary performance
11/9: depart from Lima
11/10: return to Japan

There are also plans to meet with Japanese residents, people of Japanese descent, and former students who studied in Japan. Princess Kako will travel to and from Peru via Houston, USA.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei

Princess Kako to Visit Peru from Nov. 1 - The Japan News
The government Friday approved a plan for Princess Kako to make an official visit to Peru from Nov. 1 to 10.

[...]

She is set to leave Japan on Nov. 1, travel via the U.S. city of Houston and arrive in the Peruvian capital of Lima the same day local time.

In Lima, Princess Kako will attend a ceremony to mark the 150 years of bilateral relations, meet with descendants of Japanese immigrants and visit President Dina Boluarte.

[...]
 
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On September 30th, Princess Kako attended the 110th Anniversary of Female University Students and 100th Anniversary of Liberal Arts Female University Students at Tohoku University's Kawauchi Campus in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Afterwards, she attended a commemorative lecture and met female graduate students, who are "science ambassadors," conveying the appeal of science to elementary, junior high, and high school students.

Princess Kako welcomed Tohoku University's decision to expand eligibility, which at the time was limited to men, to include women, saying, "I feel it was an important step." She also touched on the fact that there are currently few female students pursuing science and engineering fields, "I sincerely hope that we can live in a society where everyone has a wider range of options."

In 1913, then-Tohoku Imperial University admitted 3 women (Chika Kuroda, Ume Tange, and Raku Makita) who became Japan's first female university students. In 1923, 2 women (Tsuya Kubo and Fusa Sakurada) joined the Faculty of Law and Letters as first-year students, becoming the first female liberal arts students.

Photos: AP Images, Jiji


Celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the First Female University Students in Japan - Tohoku University

Princess Kako Attends Ceremony at Japanese University Commemorating Acceptance of Female Students - The Japan News
[...] Princess Kako said that the acceptance was “an important step” and noted that the number of women studying science and engineering in the country is low.

She said that the environment created by society makes it difficult for women to choose science majors, adding, “I hope that we’ll live in a society where everyone can live with peace of mind and have a wide range of options.”
 
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:previous: Princess Kako visits Kagoshima Prefecture October 16-17 for the special National Sports Festival's closing ceremony.

More photos of 10/16: TBS, FNN

ETA: Asahi gallery (Oct 16-17), Getty Images, AP Images


Video of leaving the hotel?

Main agenda per 373news.com
October 16: yabusame (mounted archery) practice at Shijukusho Shrine in Kimotsuki Town, ferry to Kagoshima City
October 17: track and field events, closing ceremony, visit Kagoshima Minami Special Needs School which opened in April

Princess Kako will return to Kagoshima for a day-trip on October 28 for the special National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities, where she'll attend softball in Minamikyushu City and boccia in Ibusuki City.

Source: 373news.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiK7IqFkaYI
 
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:previous: more photos at the Japan Tennis Open on October 18: Nikkansports, FNN

Japan’s Princess Kako Attends Tokyo Tennis Tournament - The Japan News

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Princess Kako visited Kagoshima Minami Special Needs School on October 17. She observed cafe training and then participated as a customer, ordering an apple juice and sweets set. The school serves about 340 students with physical, intellectual, and multiple disabilities.

Source/photos: 373news.com

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On October 19th, Princess Kako visited the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo. She reported her upcoming official visit to Peru in November.

Photos: FNN, Nikkansports, Getty Images, Sankei

NTV reports Princess Kako is scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by the Peruvian ambassador to Japan on October 20th. She has been preparing for the official visit between official duties.

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Recent videos:
 
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On October 22nd, Princess Kako attended the "Girls Messe 2023 Workshop" at the United Nations University in Shibuya, Tokyo. Later, she attended "Girls Messe 2023 Community Action Challenge 100 Awards" at Tokyo Women’s Plaza in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Both events are sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Japan. "Girls Messe 2023" recognizes students from elementary to high school, who tackle various social issues. This year, 6 teams, including from Fukuoka and Miyazaki, were honored. Princess Kako again expressed her desire for gender equality and met representatives of the winning teams. One junior high team created animations to disseminate accurate information about HIV and AIDS.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, Asahi, News Livedoor, Nikkansports
 
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On October 28th, Princess Kako visited Kagoshima Prefecture for the special National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities.

- softball, Minamikyushu City
- boccia, Ibusuki City

Photos/videos: 373news.com, MBC
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On October 30th, Princess Kako worshipped at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries ahead of her official visit to Peru. She entered the palace through Hanzomon Gate before 10am.

Source: NTV
 
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On October 31st, Princess Kako greeted Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial residence ahead of her official visit to Peru. She arrived before 5pm via Hanzomon Gate.

Photos: AP Images, Kyodo, FNN, TBS
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On November 1st, Princess Kako departed from Haneda Airport around 10:30am for a 10-day official visit to Peru for the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations. She will arrive in Lima in the evening of the 1st (local time) via Houston, USA.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi (mixed photos with past year activities), Sankei


Princess Kako Leaves for Peru for 150th Anniversary of Tokyo-Lima Ties - The Japan News
 
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Here's an additional gallery of day 1 in Peru today:


** gettyimages: JPN: Princess Kako Of Akishino Visits Peru - Day 1 **

These are still pictures of her leaving Japan. She hasnt arrived in Peru yet.

I seem to recall that her sister visited Peru several years ago. The country has a quite sizeable number of people of Japanese descent (although for some reason the are called 'chino'), so it makes sense that the imperial family prioritizes regular visits to Peru.
 
I think the Getty Images gallery would have updated with arrival photos in Peru if Princess Kako had landed as scheduled on November 1, evening local time. However, her connecting flight from Houston, USA encountered issues.

- original plane took off, found weather radar malfunction and returned to airport
- passengers were transferred to replacement plane after 3 hours
- replacement plane aborted takeoff because engine failure light turned on and was being repaired on tarmac
- staff from local consulate traveled to airport to provide support, rescheduling, etc.

Sources: NTV, TBS, TBS2, Sankei, Asahi

Hope Kako arrives safely.

Mako visited Peru and Bolivia in 2019 for the 120th anniversary of Japanese immigration.

ETA: NTV's Imperial Household Agency reporter Masako Usui said the 2nd flight (replacement plane) was canceled around 1am on November 2 and Kako went to a hotel. Usui was on the same flight, waiting about 2.5 hours. I assume she's an accompanying press club member.

Updated schedule has Kako taking a similar timed flight tomorrow as the original connecting flight and she will be able to lay flowers at the 100th anniversary monument. However, the Imperial Household Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are currently struggling to cope with the inability to attend a ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations hosted by the Peruvian government. They were seen gathering near the airport's boarding gate and having a meeting.

Source: NTV2

Plane Carrying Japanese Princess Kako Heads Back Due to Failure | Nippon.com
 
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On November 2nd before 11:30pm, Princess Kako arrived in Lima, Peru a day behind schedule following aircraft problems with the connecting flight in Houston, USA.

The 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations ceremony was moved to the 3rd and floral tribute at the monument for the 100th anniversary of Japanese migration was moved the 7th.

Photos: Kyodo, TBS

https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp/news_society/articles/000322759.html
 
Princess Kako's activities in Peru on November 3:

- ceremony at the Peruvian Nikkei Association's Japanese cultural center and met 8 people of Japanese descent including Kamado Arakaki (104), a first-generation Okinawan immigrant
- tree planting at Japanese cultural center
- ceremonies for 150th anniversary of Japan-Peru diplomatic relations at Palacio de Torre Tagle of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including unveiling commemorative stamps
- nursing home for Japanese-Americans in Callao. The facility currently has 36 residents and is run by Emmanuel Society, which was founded mainly by second-generation Japanese
- travel to Cusco

Photos: Getty Images, Getty Images2, AFPBB

Princess Kako Arrives in Peru to Mark 150 Years of Diplomatic Relations - The Japan News
 
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Princess Kako's activities on November 4:

- Machu Picchu for ~2 hours
- meeting with Elvis La Torre, Mayor of Machu Picchu District. Discussions included former Japanese-born mayor Yokichi Nouchi and Kako received an alpaca poncho as a gift

Photos: Getty Images, Nikkansports, FNN

Princess Kako Visits Machu Picchu - The Japan News
[...] “What a spectacular view! I’m feeling the wonderful atmosphere,” she happily told reporters as she stood on a hill where tourists can see the entire area.

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Princess Kako's activities on November 5 in Cusco, Peru.

- Sacsayhuamán citadel
- Coricancha / Convent of Santo Domingo
- Cusco Cathedral
- welcome ceremony in Cusco
- return to Lima

Photos: Getty Images, Nikkansports, FNN, AFPBB

For the afternoon events, Kako wore an altered dress previously worn by sister Mako in Bhutan in 2017.

Princess Kako Visits Archaeological Sites in Peru; Machu Picchu Tourism Spurred on by Japanese-born Mayor - The Japan News


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Princess Kako's activities on November 6 in Lima, Peru.

- vocational school for socially disadvantaged women, watched dancing
- CEBE Ludwig Van Beethoven school for hearing-impaired. The school created a Peruvian sign language videos and sent them to Princess Kako 1.5 months ago and she was able to master it. About 70 children from 3-15 years old attend the school. Princess Kako also attended a 4th grade math class.
- Japan-Peru Friendship National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, which was remodeled with financial assistance from Japan. 38 JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have been dispatched so far.
- meet Peruvians who trained or studied in Japan at a hotel

Photos: Getty Images, Nikkansports, AFPBB, TV-Asahi, AP Images


Princess Kako Greets Hearing-Impaired Children in Sign Language at School in Peru - The Japan News
[...]

The princess used Peru’s Spanish sign language to say, “I’m very glad to meet you. I’m really happy that I’ve been able to come here.”

She then visited the classrooms for each grade. In the classroom for the fourth graders, the students were having an arithmetic lesson, and she gently asked a student through sign language, “Do you like arithmetic?”

[...]
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPz22QK43RE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8mj4GAb69g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnHGvZbbT3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58ZffJP2jUo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNozZGmoBho
 
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Princess Kako's activities in Peru on November 7:

- floral tribute at the monument commemorating the centenary of Japanese Immigration to Peru at the Campo de Marte
- courtesy visit to President Dina Boluarte of Peru and luncheon at the Government Palace
- meeting JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) members, government staff and Japanese residents at the hotel
- performance commemorating the 150th anniversary of Japan-Peru diplomatic relations

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, AFPBB, Nikkansports


https://twitter.com/DiarioElPeruano/status/1721979322372960605

Princess Kako Pays Courtesy Visit to Peru’s President Dina Boluarte - The Japan News
[...]

Princess Kako spoke with the president for about 20 minutes, then attended a lunch hosted by the president. “I sincerely hope the friendship between the two countries, nurtured by many people over the years, will continue for many years to come,” she said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWXvQWXamz8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGPlGJshgdc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Yr7u5U7lA
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Princess Kako's activities in Peru on November 8:

- visit La Union School, a private Japanese elementary and middle school founded by Japanese Americans. She observed classes, met students, and a planted a tree for the 70th anniversary of Association of Athletic Fields of La Union.
- Amano Pre-Columbian Textile Museum in Lima, Peru. Japanese businessman Yoshitaro Amano collected textiles and objects from pre-Columbian Peruvian era. He settled in Peru and founded the museum in 1964

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, AFPBB

https://twitter.com/DiarioElPeruano/status/1722331054663471441
https://twitter.com/DiarioElPeruano/status/1722365513374879984
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ8IFm1wLpE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31NuCRBMZUY
 
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On November 10th, Princess Kako returned to Japan from the 10-day official visit to Peru. She arrived at Haneda Airport after 3pm. Despite plane trouble traveling to Peru, some events were rescheduled and Kako completed all planned activities.

Photos: Asahi, FNN
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On November 11th around 10:30am, Princess Kako visited the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries to report her return after traveling abroad.

Photos: FNN

 
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