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


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On December 10th, Princess Mako and Princess Kako attended a charity screening of "Frozen 2" at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills in Minato, Tokyo. The screening supports victims of Typhoon No. 19. Princess Mako was seated next to Mizuki Nakamoto, singer of the Japanese version of "Into the Unknown."

Princesses Mako and Kako join charity screening of 'Frozen 2' for typhoon victims - The Mainchi

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, Getty Images

https://www.instagram.com/p/B55KEsoFaGN/
 
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On December 17th, Princess Mako and Princess Kako attended duck netting for diplomats at Shinhama Imperial Wild Duck Preserve (Shinhama Kamoba) in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. About 30 guests from 17 countries attended. The Imperial family hosts 5 duck netting events as entertainment for diplomats from November to February. This is Princess Kako's first appearance at duck netting and Princess Mako's 6th. [Yomiuri, Kyodo]

AP Images


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:previous: Asahi gallery and 13-minute TV Tokyo video

Princesses host foreign envoys for traditional duck hunt event: The Asahi Shimbun
[...] The princesses also joined their guests in chasing the birds, and the group ended the day with a haul of 208 ducks.

The ducks were later released after a marker was attached to their legs for research on their flying patterns.

[...]

Ambassadors and their spouses from 17 countries, among them Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands, attended.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, thousands of wild ducks and other birds flock to the preserve during their winter migration.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6LN2lwlfve/
 
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Princess Kako turns 25 on December 29

Photos and video were taken on December 3.

Mainichi, Sankei, Asahi

Japan's Princess Kako turns 25 | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
[...] Princess Kako graduated from International Christian University in Tokyo last spring. She took part in various activities over the past year, including ceremonies related to Emperor Naruhito's accession to the throne.

The princess also attended an awards ceremony for children's books in June on behalf of her mother for the first time. The Crown Princess had taken part in the event annually. Princess Kako read all of this year's award winners to prepare her speech at the ceremony.

The princess made her first official trip abroad in September, visiting Austria and Hungary.

[...]

As for her future activities, the Imperial Household Agency says it will scrutinize requests for her attendance before deciding which events she will take part in.

The princess is scheduled to visit the residences of the Emperor and Empress and the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita on Sunday morning.
Japan's Princess Kako turns 25 after univ. graduation, overseas trip - Kyodo News
[...] The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito graduated in March from International Christian University in Tokyo, where she majored in psychology, and has since devoted herself to official duties as an adult member of the Japanese imperial family.

[...]
Various versions of her 25th birthday video. 40 second clip from Asahi, 2-minute version + music from Sankei, 2-minute video from Jiji
 
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Princess Kako, accompanied by Prince Hisahito, visited Fukiage Sento Imperial Palace to greet Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko on her 25th birthday, December 29.

Earlier, she visited Akasaka Imperial Palace for birthday greetings with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Getty Images

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On January 2nd, the Imperial Household Agency released a photo and video of a spring decoration created by Prince Hisahito. The decoration is displayed at Akasaka East residence.

He has helped create spring decorations for 10 years, since preschool. The agency also reported Prince Hisahito and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Imperial Palace on December 31 to observe New Year preparations.

Source: Sankei

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200102/lif2001020007-p1.jpg
 
On January 2nd, the Imperial Household Agency released a photo and video of a spring decoration created by Prince Hisahito. The decoration is displayed at Akasaka East residence.

He has helped create spring decorations for 10 years, since preschool. The agency also reported Prince Hisahito and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Imperial Palace on December 31 to observe New Year preparations.

Source: Sankei

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/200102/lif2001020007-p1.jpg

He and/or the other helpers are evidently very skilled, as the decoration is gorgeous.



Very nice to include ambassadors from so many countries, and the use of modern tracking technology for wildlife research seems very appropriate to the imperial family's tradition of scientific pursuits.


:previous: I agree. Also, the Akishino couple are busier now and the daughters have already taken over some of their parents' duties. I'm also hoping Mako or Kako could some events with Aiko.

It'd also be wonderful to see the 4 cousins together at something or even with their Mikasa and Takamado cousins.

That would indeed be lovely. In general, I am hoping that Princess Aiko and her Akishino cousins will be able to establish a stable and supportive working relationship, so that the transition from the current emperor's reign to that of his brother or nephew will not be too difficult, if it occurs while Aiko remains a member of the imperial family.
 
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:previous: Prince Hisahito has the advantage of having 4 adults to take him on events so he'll be well-prepared. His parents and sisters were given patronages.

Princess Aiko joining her cousins will increase her experience. I don't know when Empress Masako will take on solo duties again or if a mother-daughter or father-daughter event will happen soon. At the moment, Princess Aiko is limited to accompanying both parents or possibly only her father in the future. There are some events she isn't likely to attend, even if Masako's absent such as Red Cross general meeting, Florence Nightingale Medal ceremony, audiences with world leaders, etc. Maybe Aiko accompanying Princess Hisako could be another option.

Back to Akishino children news: Man admits to charges in knife incident at Prince Hisahito's school - Kyodo News
[...]

Kaoru Hasegawa, a resident of Kyoto, said there was "no mistake" in the allegations presented against him at the Tokyo District Court.

The trial concluded later in the day with prosecutors seeking an 18-month prison term, and the defense team requesting a suspended sentence. The court will deliver its ruling on Feb. 14.

Prosecutors submitted two knives with their blades stained pink as evidence, saying the defendant "had always held a personal interest in the imperial system."

"His motive was to draw public attention," they said.

Hasegawa apologized, saying his actions were "reckless" and "unforgivable" but did not touch on the imperial family.

According to the indictment, Hasegawa used pruning shears to cut the cable of a security camera installed on the grounds of Ochanomizu University Junior High School on April 26, 2019. Carrying two knives with blades of around 11 centimeters each, he then entered the school's grounds disguised as a contractor.

[...]
 
On January 27th, the IHA reported Prince Hisahito was diagnosed with influenza on January 26th. He will not attend school this week. His family members do not have flu symptoms.
Sources: Jiji, Asahi

On January 27th, Princess Kako attended the 42nd Meeting to Honor Mothers Who Raised Hearing Impaired Children at Kensei Kinenkan in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Crown Princess Kiko used to attend this meeting until the accession; Princess Kako accompanied her in 2014.

Photos: Sankei, AP Images
 
On February 7th, Princess Kako visited the exhibition "Treasures from Budapest: European and Hungarian Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest and the Hungarian National Gallery: Japan-Hungary Friendship 150th Anniversary" at the National Art Center in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo.

She officially visited Hungary last September.

Photos: Sankei, Asahi, AP Images

There was hardly any Japanese coverage when Princess Tsuguko opened the SAME exhibition with the Prime Minister of Hungary back on December 5... :glare: (Takamado thread post #558)
 
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Man found guilty over knife incident at Japanese prince's school - Kyodo News
A Japanese court sentenced Friday a 57-year-old man to 18 months in prison, suspended for four years, over an incident last April in which knives were left on Prince Hisahito's classroom desk at a Tokyo junior high school.

Kaoru Hasegawa, a resident of Kyoto, admitted to trespassing and other charges during the first hearing of his case at the Tokyo District Court last month and offered an apology, saying his actions were "reckless" and "unforgivable" without making any reference to his feelings about Japan's imperial system.

[...]

In handing down the sentence, which was in line with prosecutors' demands, Presiding Judge Hideo Nirei said Hasegawa committed the crime "based on a self-righteous desire to draw public attention" and that his actions "caused great anxiety to school officials and significant social impact."

However, the judge said a suspended sentence was given because he has shown remorse.

Since the incident, which occurred days before the emperor's ascension to the throne on May 1 and shocked the Imperial Household Agency and police with its brazenness, authorities and the school operator have tightened security in the area, beefing up camera surveillance and patrols at the school, according to imperial house sources.
 
I'm glad that the judge did not punish the man harshly simply because the target of the crime was a prince.


On January 27th, the IHA reported Prince Hisahito was diagnosed with influenza on January 26th. He will not attend school this week. His family members do not have flu symptoms.
Sources: Jiji, Asahi

I suppose it is only equitable that the IHA is not confining its announcements about trivial illnesses and school absences to Princess Aiko only. ;)


There was hardly any Japanese coverage when Princess Tsuguko opened the SAME exhibition with the Prime Minister of Hungary back on December 5... :glare: (Takamado thread post #558)

It's unsurprising that the public continues to be indifferent to the shrinking imperial family when, according to the Imperial Household Agency PR and the media coverage, it consists of only a few working members. :ermm:
Your compensating for the lack of Mikasa/Takamado coverage is much appreciated.


:previous: Prince Hisahito has the advantage of having 4 adults to take him on events so he'll be well-prepared. His parents and sisters were given patronages.

Princess Aiko joining her cousins will increase her experience. I don't know when Empress Masako will take on solo duties again or if a mother-daughter or father-daughter event will happen soon. At the moment, Princess Aiko is limited to accompanying both parents or possibly only her father in the future. There are some events she isn't likely to attend, even if Masako's absent such as Red Cross general meeting, Florence Nightingale Medal ceremony, audiences with world leaders, etc. Maybe Aiko accompanying Princess Hisako could be another option.

Very good points! My thoughts were on Princess Aiko's distant future: If she is still enjoying a full-time working role at the tail end of her father's reign, it may be an uncomfortable transition for her if her uncle or cousin decide to minimize her role, so I hope the relationships remain warm and productive.
 
[...]

I suppose it is only equitable that the IHA is not confining its announcements about trivial illnesses and school absences to Princess Aiko only. ;)
Haha, yes. While IHA is often accused of being secretive, I'm puzzled why the agency overshares about colds/flu for minors. I understand for the older royals; a cold/flu is more dangerous for them.
It's unsurprising that the public continues to be indifferent to the shrinking imperial family when, according to the Imperial Household Agency PR and the media coverage, it consists of only a few working members. :ermm:
Your compensating for the lack of Mikasa/Takamado coverage is much appreciated. [...]
Thank you. Fortunately, both Akiko and Tsuguko have some fans despite the lack of official coverage. I can understand for Akiko since she's more visible as a professor at various universities and has many patronages but Tsuguko doesn't have as much public service.

Sankei Imperial Weekly #632: Princess Mako is now working from home over coronavirus concerns. She works 3 days a week for the JP Tower Museum "Intermediatheque" as a researcher.

On March 6, Princess Mako had an audience with the new ambassador to Bolivia. She visited Bolivia last July to mark 120 years of Japanese migration.

... Although the IHA didn't report about Akiko or Tsuguko's jobs, I assume they are also working from home.
 
Prince Hisahito turns 14 on September 6

IHA released videos and photos taken on August 10

Photos: Mainichi

Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, turns 14 - Kyodo News
[...] The young prince took online classes after his Tokyo school temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic from late February but returned to the school in late June, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

He also received online lectures from experts on the global health crisis with his family, the agency said. The lectures covered a wide range of topics, including the function of the immune system and the pandemic's impact on culture and art.

[...]

With his family and officials of the Imperial Household Agency, Prince Hisahito made medical gowns by hand out of plastic bags that were donated for use by health care workers.

During his summer vacation in August, which was shortened to about two weeks, he learned photography techniques from his father while walking around the Akasaka Estate, where they reside. The young prince is interested in observing dragonflies, according to the agency.
Japan's Prince Hisahito Turns 14 | Nippon.com
[...] In a school festival when he was a first-grader, Prince Hisahito made a presentation as part of group activity. He also had an opportunity to learn about circumstances surrounding people with disabilities from teachers and former students of a special needs school via wheelchair experience.

During the school closure, the prince, the third child and only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, did homework, read books and conducted voluntary research about fields of his interest such as animals and nature.

[...]
 
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Princesses Mako, Kako and Prince Hisahito Current Events Part 2: May 2017 -

On September 16th, Princess Mako visited the 67th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. As president of Japan Crafts Association, she selected a lacquer box depicting winter scenery in the Aizu region entitled "Ice Cliff" by a Fukushima Prefecture artist for the president's award from about 600 works. She commented "the harsh winter scene is well represented." In the afternoon, she attended the award ceremony. [NHK, FNN]

This is Princess Mako's first public event in 8 months since January.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi

Japan's Princess Mako attends arts exhibition in 1st outside engagement in 8 months - The Mainichi
[...] The show space has around 600 items on display in seven categories including ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and metalwork. A masked Princess Mako spent an hour observing the exhibits while listening to explanations from an organizer. According to the staff member who accompanied her around the exhibition space, Princess Mako expressed a variety of reactions to the exhibited works, including that "Ice cliff," the president's award-winning lacquer box, "depicts the harshness of winter well."
Exhibition and award ceremony:
 
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On September 27th, Princess Kako watched the 7th National High School Sign Language Performance Competition from the Akishino residence. The event is usually held in Tottori Prefecture. Due to COVID-19, this year's competition was broadcast on YouTube from the venue in Kurayoshi City. 15 teams from 16 schools participated remotely with pre-recorded performances such as dances, plays, and songs. Princess Kako sent a video message for the opening ceremony.

Asahi gallery

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October 10th, Princess Kako attended the online "International Girls Messe Pre-Event" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of Japan. She sent a video message which touched on pre-event’s theme: gender equality, saying "I hope that gender equality will be achieved, everyone can have more choices in life and maximize their potential. I hope that it will become a natural society."

Princess Kako watched enthusiastically and took notes while the activities of Girl Scout members nationwide were presented. The 100th anniversary event was postponed due to the pandemic and only the pre-event was held online.

Photos: Asahi
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Princess Mako celebrates her 29th birthday on October 23

The IHA released photos and video taken on October 6.

Galleries: Asahi, Mainichi

I thought the media overexposed the photos but the agency photos are overexposed already. :ermm:

Princess Mako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, turns 29 - Kyodo News
[...] She has so far participated in 30 online lectures with numerous experts on a range of topics concerning the coronavirus. She read provided materials in advance and put questions to the lecturers.

Last month, she engaged in official duties outside the Imperial Palace for the first time in about eight months, visiting an exhibit of Japanese traditional crafts at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi department store in central Tokyo.

[...]

Asked whether an update on the princess' wedding plans would be released this year, Takaharu Kachi, an aide to the crown prince and his family at the Imperial Household Agency, said "We're not sure at this stage."

[...]

The princess has also created hospital gowns from plastic bags to make up for the shortage during the pandemic, and took a walk in the Akasaka Estate with younger sister Princess Kako.

Princess Mako, who serves as honorary patron of the Japan Tennis Association, watched broadcast matches of the U.S. Open at her residence and was impressed by the victory of Naomi Osaka in the women's singles, according to the agency.
ETA: Princess Mako is using a FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 25 Instant Film Camera
 
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:previous: What tree is that in the garden - perhaps a botanical buff could enlighten me? It seems rather spring-like but it's very pretty.
 
It sure feels like spring. Japan has beautiful flowers and a stunning landscape. Are the princesses living in Tokyo area? It's a bit early for the Autumn leaves. I went to Japan in the beginning of November 2018, and it was not peak season (almost). I believe Kyoto is around at mid-to-end November, and I think Tokyo too.


I highly recommend visiting Japan in the Fall to witness the Autumn Foliage. Very beautiful! I loved it very much! (though I planned the trip for November with that in mind).
 
The captions in the Asahi gallery mention crape myrtle. The Akishino family live in Akasaka Imperial Property in Minato, Tokyo.

Thanks Prisma - I must have missed that!

It sure feels like spring. Japan has beautiful flowers and a stunning landscape. Are the princesses living in Tokyo area? It's a bit early for the Autumn leaves. I went to Japan in the beginning of November 2018, and it was not peak season (almost). I believe Kyoto is around at mid-to-end November, and I think Tokyo too.


I highly recommend visiting Japan in the Fall to witness the Autumn Foliage. Very beautiful! I loved it very much! (though I planned the trip for November with that in mind).

Japan has been on my bucket list for a long time - I'd love to go in both seasons - but think I couldn't miss it in springtime when Hanami is on! I remember reading that the soil in Japan is extra rich, so the autumn colours are more vivid than in other parts of the world.
 
Japan has been on my bucket list for a long time - I'd love to go in both seasons - but think I couldn't miss it in springtime when Hanami is on! I remember reading that the soil in Japan is extra rich, so the autumn colours are more vivid than in other parts of the world.
I would love to go for the Hanami too. But, it's a tricky season, since Sakura trees only bloom for 1/2 weeks. While for Koyo (Autumn Foliage viewing) can last two months (as you find it in September at Hokkaido, moving downwards until the end of November in the south). Both Spring and Fall are high season in Japan, hotels can get very expensive. But, it's a must!


I went on my own as a solo female traveller, and stayed half a month. I did so in order to engage with the locals and learn more japanese (I can read Hiragana and Katakana, and I can speak some Japanese), and I must say that it was one of the best experiences of my life! Japanese people was so welcoming, and I made many japanese friends.


If you go there, then I recommend you to go for variety as I did. I stayed in business hotels, a temple (food was so good!), and stayed with a japanese family in Kyoto (Fushimi to be exact). I also tried taxis, metro, Shinkansen (bullet trains), ferry, cable car, etc. And of course, I went to several restaurants to try Japanese cuisine (I still have many things I want to try that I didn't eat in my trip, one of them Sukiyaki). Variety is a must in Japan, so try to experience everything from modern to traditional!:flowers: If you want some advice or recommendations, I would gladly give you ;)
 
On November 6th, Princess Mako and Princess Kako visited Meiji Jingu to worship for its 100th anniversary. This is Kako's first visit to the shrine; Mako visited with their parents in 2012 and 2014.

Photos: Mainichi, AP Images
 
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Princess Kako celebrates her 26th birthday on December 29.

The Imperial Household Agency released photos and video taken on December 4 at Akasaka Estate.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi

Bunshun's gallery includes older photos

Japan's Princess Kako turns 26, holds duties online amid pandemic - Kyodo News
Princess Kako, the niece of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, turned 26 on Tuesday, while spending much of her recent time at her residence in Tokyo and performing her duties online amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko has received 29 virtual briefings from experts and others on the coronavirus since May, it said, adding she has read documents beforehand and asked questions during the lectures.

[...]

In September, she viewed a sign-language contest for high school students in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, online and greeted participants in a video message.

[...]
Japanese Princess Kako Turns 26, Attending Events Online | Nippon.com
... the princess has participated in 35 online events since May, including listening to explanations about the virus from experts with her family.

[...]

In January, Princess Kako participated in a gathering in Tokyo to honor mothers who raised hearing-impaired children, giving a speech in sign language. It was the first time for her to attend the annual meeting alone. She took part in the 2014 gathering with her mother. Princess Kako practiced new expressions in sign language again and again for the 2020 event.
 
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I wonder why it was decided to do a photoshoot with both sisters (and by whom it was decided). It seems that the sisters support each other and if so, that would probably mean that the family is somewhat divided in them 'against' their parents whose roles primarily rest on their son's shoulders.
 
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