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

[iceflower]

Welcome to part 3 of the thread for the Current Events of Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito!


You can find the old thread here:

** Princesses Mako,Kako & Prince Hisahito Current Events Part 2: May 2017 - October 2021 **

Please take a look at the
TRF Community Rules & FAQs!

· Only pictures you have written permission to share can be posted here. You can post links to any pictures.
· No more than 20% of the text of an article can be posted, along with a link to the original article.
· It's a copyright violation to post translations of entire articles.
· We expect our members to treat each other and the royals and persons in these threads with respect.
· Opinions should be backed up by reference to published reports.
· Off topic and empty posts will be deleted without notice.
· Please be careful not to write in capital letters.

Happy Posting!

[Prisma]

On November 22nd, Princess Kako remotely attended the 4th Urban Greenery award ceremony from Akasaka East residence and sent a video message. Last year's ceremony was canceled. Her sister, Mako Komuro, used to attend this event 2017-2019.

Photo: Sankei

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcQ_6_95yUU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28YJYoRUANw

[Prisma]

Princess Kako turns 27 on December 29. Video and photos were taken on December 3 at Akasaka Estate.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, Sankei

In Photos: Princess Kako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, turns 27 - The Mainichi

Japan's Princess Kako turns 27, duties still curbed due to pandemic - Kyodo News

[...]

The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko has expressed concern for those affected by the pandemic after receiving briefings from experts, as well as gratitude for those who have supported the vulnerable, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

With this year marking the 10th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan, she also expressed condolences to the victims as she reflected on previous visits to Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, the agency said.

The princess has wished happiness for her elder sister former princess Mako [...]

A close aide said the princess is "making efforts to engage in the activities that Ms. Mako engaged in."

In October, she took over the honorary presidency of the Japan Tennis Association following her sister's marriage, and attended an urban green infrastructure ceremony in November that Mako used to attend while wearing a green dress from her sister.

[...]

Also that month, the princess attended an event commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Girl Scouts movement in Japan, where she was impressed by efforts to realize gender equality, according to the agency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR381h8bOzU

TBS/JNN compiled a video of Princess Kako from birth to 27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoulLc9bVSA

ETA: Japan's Princess Kako Turns 27, Wishing for Sister's Happiness | Nippon.com

[...]

The princess [...] started working at the Japanese Federation of the Deaf as a part-time employee in May this year.

She has been doing paperwork and other tasks remotely about three days a week, trying hard to be a help to the federation, according to the agency.

Princess Kako turns 27, wishes sister happiness in her new life | The Asahi Shimbun

NHK reports birthday events for Princess Kako will not be held because her grandfather Professor Emeritus Tatsuhiko Kawashima died in November and her mother Crown Princess Kiko is in mourning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-gNidhxo6Q

[Somebody]

She seems such a kind and thoughtful young lady. How wonderful that she wore her sister's dress to an engagement that previously Mako would have attended.

[Heavs]

I love that walk through. A little awkward and cheesy to stare "thoughtfully" at trees whilst nature-ish music plays but she did well and looks great. The grounds are definitely gorgeous.

There's a lot of pressure on her with her sister starting her new life and it seems she's stepping up to the plate and the info the IHA put across seems genuinely thoughtful, although it's been filtered through several layers of course, some personality still comes through such as wearing her sister's dress to an engagement, which I love.

I didn't realise that the Scouting movement had made it's way to Japan so quickly.

[Prinsara]

Superficial, but she is so pretty, too (in addition to being kind and loyal), and even manages to squeeze a little style out of the ultra-conservative IJF princess uniform. I hope she doesn't have to deal with too much pressure in the wake of her sister's departure.

[iceflower]

Princess Kako visited the mausoleum on the 33rd anniversary of the death of Emperor Showa, or Emperor Hirohito, at Musashi Imperial Graveyard today, January 7:


** gettyimages gallery ** gtresnews gallery **

[Prisma]

A reporter asked about media coverage of Prince Hisahito's high school at the regular Crown Prince household press conference on January 21. Takaharu Kachi, top aide to the Akishino family, did not have a response at the time.

On January 24th, Kachi released a written response questioning/complaining about the weekly magazines and Internet reports of a minor based on speculation and asked for understanding, mentioning Prince Hisahito is studying hard to go on to higher education.

"In general, what is the attitude of the media to report on the advancement of minors who are entering the examination period on a weekly basis based on speculation?"

"[Prince Hisahito] is currently studying hard to go on to higher education, and I hope you will watch over [him] quietly."

Sources: Mainichi, Asahi

Background:
- Prince Hisahito, a 3rd year at Ochanomizu University Junior High, cannot continue with the Ochanomizu system because its senior high school is an all-girls school.
- Senior high school entrance exams are typically held in February and date varies per region and public/private school
- Japanese school year ends in March and starts in April

[Prinsara]

So no one knows where he will go to high school yet? Shouldn’t the entrance exams have been long over by now?

[Prisma]

I assume Prince Hisahito's family knows where he applied and his top choices. The IHA will announce when ready. Usually entrance exams are held in February although some are held in January or March, some examples below:

Gakushuin Girls Senior High School - entrance exam/admissions for 2022
A entrance exam (about 90 girls): February 1 with next day results
B entrance exam (about 40 girls): February 3 with next day results

Gakushuin Boys Senior High School - entrance exam/admissions for 2022 (about 20 boys)
Entrance exam: February 14 with results that afternoon or February 15

Ochanomizu University Senior High for 2022
Entrance exam: February 13 with results on February 16

Tokyo Metropolitan High Schools for 2022 (page 2 is in English)
Recommendation based admission:
Entrance exam: January 26-27 with results on February 2

Academic test based admission, 1st round for full or part-time:
Entrance exam: February 21 with results on March 1

Academic test based admission, 2nd round:
Full time, entrance exam: March 9, results on March 15
Part time, entrance exam: March 25, results on March 28

[Prisma]

At the regular press conference on January 27th, IHA Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura also commented on media coverage surrounding Prince Hisahito's high school destination. His response was similar to Akishino family top aide Takaharu Kachi's written statement, "[Is] it good to report on minors based on speculation?" and "hope to watch over [him] quietly."

Source: Jiji

On January 28th at the Akishino family regular press conference, a reporter asked Takaharu Kachi about weekly magazines speculating on marriage for Princess Kako. Kachi replied such reports were "regrettable" and requested "to watch over [her] quietly" same as the case for reporting on Prince Hisahito.

Source: Asahi

It appears the reporter(s) are needling the Akishino family... what do you think about this? what do you think about that? Maybe questions about media coverage of Fumihito, Kiko or Mako next?

[Heavs]

It's interesting what is considered "needling" in different cultures. In the UK speculation in the media over where the little Cambridges may eventually go to senior school is considered fairly standard, albeit a little eye roll worthy and no one is actually expecting or even pushing for an official answer (because 100 articles on different schools and different houses they may move to are much more lucrative).

I can see why the media is interested. Gakushuin or somewhere similar and everything is as expected, a left field choice like Mako and International Christian University (different level of education I know) and well.....

Considering the IHA made comments about Princesses signalling that they may get married fairly recently I can see why there is speculation, and that's before you get into the Mako situation and how that may or may not impact her sister. It's very unfortunate for her but it's not surprising that Kako's theoretical engagement is being brought up and scrutinised.

I imagine that there will be heightened gossip about the family for a while and resultant statements from the IHA as well.

Also I don't think being Crown Prince to one's own brother helps in terms of gossip either, generally speaking.

[Prisma]

Media has speculated on Japan's Imperial family before: marriage (especially Naruhito's and most recently Mako's), rifts, Masako's adjustment disorder, Aiko's health, Aiko's university, accusing Michiko of destroying Emperor Showa's beloved grove of trees, etc. It's rare for the Imperial family to address such reports or reporters asking for comment.

There wasn't much officially on Mako's marriage limbo until the end. Since her father's birthday statement explored the topic of media/Internet speculation and possibly standards for response, it appears the IHA press association is giving the Akishino family the opportunity to respond to... everything now? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I don't know if that's a good or bad action. It'll be interesting to see how the IHA or each household reacts. Perhaps we'll simply get a string of "regrettable" and "watch over [him/her/them/us] quietly" aka "no comment"

[Tatiana Maria]

Thank you so much for your coverage of these developments, Prisma.

Could you please give us an overview of the recent media coverage and speculations about Hisahito's high school choice and Kako's marriage? Without the context, it is hard to interpret the exchanges between the media and the Akishino household.

Originally Posted by Prisma

There wasn't much officially on Mako's marriage limbo until the end. Since her father's birthday statement explored the topic of media/Internet speculation and possibly standards for response, it appears the IHA press association is giving the Akishino family the opportunity to respond to... everything now? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Fascinating. I was taken by great surprise by the unprecedented frankness from the IF/IHA regarding Mako's PTSD, and it is beginning to feel as if something has irrevocably transformed in the relationship between the imperial house and the media/public.

[Prisma]

Apologies for the delayed response.

Regarding Prince Hisahito's high school speculation (PLEASE remember these are from weekly magazines!)
- media focused on public Tsukuba University High School (Bunkyo Ward) and the private Tokyo University of Agriculture Daiichi High School (Setagaya Ward)
- allegedly, Hisahito's eventual goal (or his parents' goal for him) is the University of Tokyo
- Tsukuba University High School has a good reputation for that goal because about 30 of its students pass the University of Tokyo’s entrance exam nearly every year.
- Tsukuba University and Ochanomizu University established an “affiliated school admission/advancement system” since 2017 which allows students to transfer WITHOUT taking academic test (This is the root of the criticism/speculation)
- Princess Kiko wanted to use the system to get Hisahito into Tsukuba University Junior High in 2019. However, the plan was shelved due to Kei Komuro problem/increased scrutiny on the Akishino family so Hisaito continued under the Ochanomizu system.
- Hisahito’s education at Ochanomizu has been questioned before. There were suspicions of “Imperial privilege” when his enrollment to Ochanomizu kindergarten was announced in 2009. The usual entry is through a lottery, group tests, and a highly selective process. At the time, Princess Kiko was honorary researcher at Ochanomizu University (eventually granted a Ph.D. in 2013 and is now an honorary research fellow). In order to support female teachers and researchers, the university has a “special admission system” to accept their children to the attached schools including kindergarten and that’s allegedly how Hisahito was admitted.
- Ochanomizu University’s “special admission system” was established only 1 year before Hisahito’s enrollment.
- media notices how convenient such admissions systems were setup before Hisahito’s enrollments

- Prince Akishino has been visiting professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture for 10+ years and that’s the connection with Tokyo University of Agriculture Daiichi High School.
- The relationship with Gakushuin is bad. Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko haven’t attended alumni gatherings for 10+ years.
- Prince Akishino wanted to attend a different university but obeyed his father’s wishes and attended Gakushuin University but distanced himself since graduating.
- Emperor Emeritus Akihito intended to graduate from Gakushuin University but did not have enough credits to continue to the 3rd year due to public service, including attending Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. He was absent/didn't have credits for ~6 months. The university and IHA tried to negotiate a September graduation instead of March. However, Gakushuin University only gave 2 options in the end: repeat the year or drop out. Emperor Emeritus Akihito dropped out and audited the classes instead. Prince Akishino is aware of his father’s hurt and distrusts Gakushuin University. IHA website says Emperor Emeritus Akihito “Finished education at Gakushuin University, 1956.” not graduated

Sources:
https://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/.../?all=1&page=1
https://www.dailyshincho.jp/article/...1121132/?all=1
https://www.news-postseven.com/archi...10.html?DETAIL
https://www.news-postseven.com/archi...30.html?DETAIL
https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/51028

Despite media speculation about Imperial privilege or special admission… Prince Hisahito TOOK the entrance exam for Tsukuba University High School on February 13 like any other applicant. The entrance examination starts at 9am and ends after 3pm in 5 subjects: Japanese, Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Sciences. Media captured Hisahito entering the campus around 8am.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CHvW6uA0PU

Results are released on Tsukuba University High School's website on February 16. The IHA announced his enrollment the same day.

Sources: Sankei, NHK

I haven't looked into Princess Kako's marriage rumors yet. I'll respond in a few days or so.

CORRECTION Sankei and Jiji say Prince Hisahito used the "affiliated school admission system" but NHK says he took the entrance exam anyway...??

Mainichi seems to have the clearest (?) Google translation that Prince Hisahito was admitted under the "affiliated school admission system" and he took the internal selection test on February 13

Asahi is similar to Mainichi. He was admitted under the "affiliated school admission system" and had to take the entrance exam/academic achievement test for pass decision. Weekly magazines were wrong.

I'm still not clear whether the academic achievement/internal selection test was the same as the entrance exam...

[W.Y.CII]

Could be both, he has to take the entrance exam (maybe the requirement for any admission) and the affiliated school admission system gives him advantage. But the problem is, how huge this advantage is.

[Prinsara]

Does it mean something that he’s going to attend a public high school?

[Heavs]

Originally Posted by W.Y.CII

Could be both, he has to take the entrance exam (maybe the requirement for any admission) and the affiliated school admission system gives him advantage. But the problem is, how huge this advantage is.

Well it is an advantage that everyone from the school gets, correct? So it's not just an Imperial advantage. He seems to have had to do what everyone else in the same school system had to. Of course it seems there are questions about how he got into that system in the first place.

I do think there would be some criticism whichever route they went, although I can see why there are queries over it.

That said, many wealthy and well connected/well connected in a particular way people play "Game of Schools" all over the world so it's no surprise that they might have. Realistically Hisahito was always going to go to roughly where they wanted him to go, even if it was option B rather than option A. Though it's interesting that it's a public school and uni system and a very large one.

Interesting that Gakushuin has so thoroughly fallen out of favour with the Akishino family - or was never actually in favour at all.

[kellymo]

Originally Posted by Heavs

Interesting that Gakushuin has so thoroughly fallen out of favour with the Akishino family - or was never actually in favour at all.

Kiko's father taught at Gakushuin. I wonder if that has something to do with the Akishinos attitude towards Gakushuin. I can't imagine Gakushuin doing anything other than bending over backwards to make the Imperial Family happy. Then again, so would any school in Japan...

[Prisma]

Originally Posted by Prinsara

Does it mean something that he’s going to attend a public high school?

Yes, he's going to a public high school

Originally Posted by Heavs

Well it is an advantage that everyone from the school gets, correct? So it's not just an Imperial advantage. He seems to have had to do what everyone else in the same school system had to. Of course it seems there are questions about how he got into that system in the first place.

I do think there would be some criticism whichever route they went, although I can see why there are queries over it.

That said, many wealthy and well connected/well connected in a particular way people play "Game of Schools" all over the world so it's no surprise that they might have. Realistically Hisahito was always going to go to roughly where they wanted him to go, even if it was option B rather than option A. Though it's interesting that it's a public school and uni system and a very large one.

Interesting that Gakushuin has so thoroughly fallen out of favour with the Akishino family - or was never actually in favour at all.

Anyone who meets the conditions for the affiliate system should be eligible. The IHA announcement on Prince Hisahito's high school mentions he was recommended for the system based on his grades and Tsukuba University High is his top choice.

Originally Posted by kellymo

Kiko's father taught at Gakushuin. I wonder if that has something to do with the Akishinos attitude towards Gakushuin. I can't imagine Gakushuin doing anything other than bending over backwards to make the Imperial Family happy. Then again, so would any school in Japan...

Why would his grandfather being a Gakushuin professor be a problem?
I agree most schools would bend over backwards for an Imperial family member.

Ochanomizu University (blue outline, including university, high school, junior high, elementary) and Tsukuba University High (red outline) are next to each other: FNN

Yahoo Japan comments on Prince Hisahito's high school. Mix of congratulations, accusations, etc. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ce...er=recommended
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/7d...abd67/comments

A comment from English Japan Today's article (please note: IHA announcement didn't mention the affiliate system is temporary 5 years)

He was admitted to Tsukuba University High School through a temporary (from 2017 to 2022, only for 5 years) partnership scheme between the two universities, according to the agency.

According to a suvvy journalist, the pass was fixed by the end of last December under the condition that he receives general examination to know school's expectations for students on February 13th and applying to only this school.

On the same day, it was reported in the news that Prince Hisahito's composition, which won the 2020 Nonfiction Literary Award for Children, had many plagiarism.

The IHA said that Prince Hisahito would correct it, and the award organizer also replied that there would be no problem if the omissions in the references were corrected. However, the application guidelines state that corrections after application are not allowed.

The Japanese and English comments mention the affiliate school system is temporary for 5 years (2017-2022) but I haven't found that info outside of the comment section yet. However, I wonder if affiliate school systems will be renewed? It makes sense for such partnerships to be reviewed occasionally.

On February 16th (same day of his high school announcement), the IHA reported Prince Hisahito's award winning essay had insufficient references. Geez, more scrutiny on the Akishino family...

In 2021, he won 2nd place at the "12th Children's Nonfiction Literature Award" for his essay "Visiting the Ogasawara Islands" about a 2017 trip.

Prince Hisahito accused of plagiarism in praised essay | The Asahi Shimbun

[...]

A weekly magazine and others reported that some parts of the essay “bear a close resemblance to unreferenced material.”

A person related to a magazine contacted the agency about the matter on Feb. 15.

Hisahito checked the essay and concluded that its reference list was insufficient, officials said.

Hisahito will further check the essay and will notify the city of Kita-Kyushu, which gave a literary award to the prince, if additional inadequacies are found, the agency said.

[...]