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06-29-2020, 08:46 PM
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Heir Apparent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
Tabloids focused on Princess Tsuguko late 2019 and early 2020 about a possible engagement.
Jprime December 17, 2019 reported Princess Tsuguko would soon be engaged to her boyfriend of several years, a major bank employee. Reporters tried to ask him (referring to him as Mr. A) in November while he hailed a taxi but he quickly escaped.
Bunshun followed Princess Tsuguko and her alleged boyfriend leaving a seafood pub in Ginza on January 10. Photos include Princess Tsuguko and a female friend visiting an Okinawan restaurant in September 2019.
Bunshun become bold. Their reporters caught Princess Tsuguko and her alleged boyfriend on January 29 leaving a shabu-shabu restaurant in Roppongi.
Exchange on page 2
Reporter: Did you hear that your engagement is likely to be announced?
Tsuguko: No... I haven't.
Reporter: What is your relationship with Mr. A, who is with you?
Tsuguko: It is a friend
Reporter: So, are there any other people who love you?
Tsuguko: No, I don't.
Reporter: It is often reported about marriage...
Tsuguko: I'm not saying anything to anyone.
Reporter: So, the engagement rumor isn't true?
Tsuguko: Indeed
Reporter: 6 years have passed since you said in 2014 that you probably wouldn't marry for at least 3-4 years. How do you feel now?
Tsuguko: Indeed (laughs) but he's a friend. |
It is an interesting double standard (from my perspective as a foreigner) how discussion of grave royal issues such as Emperor Showa's war responsibility is controversial and curbed, and yet walking up to a royal at a restaurant to press her about her romantic prospects is unremarkable.
It seems as if Princess Tsuguko won't be departing the imperial family in the near future, perhaps to her mother's disappointment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bu_zhidao
I think this picture is a good example of how Princess Tsuguko was a little more rebellious:
https://media.gettyimages.com/photos...11?s=2048x2048
Although not very extreme, her makeup is definitely gyaru inspired, and I think she had a fake tan as well. She's much paler now. There was also a time when she dyed her hair, something most Japanese royals don't do. Unless they're hiding their graying hair *cough*the Crown Prince*cough* |
It never occurred to me, but now that you mention it, it does seem much nearer to the image of a 'gyaru' than for example the Akishino princesses, who seem to adopt a much more traditionalist aesthetic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ista
Princess Tsuguko is well known to have been a bit of a wild child in her younger years. There were many references in gossip columns at the time.
In this linked article about the press coverage of Princess Noriko's engagement, there is a short paragraph towards the end of the article about Tsuguko, and what a challenge she was to Princess Hisako:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20.../#.XvdyYS-ZPjA |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
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.
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I wonder if the apparent "royal rebel"/Roppongi party girl reputation in the media accounts for the existence of a fanbase?
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06-29-2020, 09:01 PM
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Wouldn't Tsuguko be supposed to deny everything until it is announced? And if they are indeed not yet engaged, she can truthfully deny the rumor even if they would be considering marriage; I just hope that if she wants to marry him, he is considered worthy of a marriage to an imperial princess.
The 'a friend' is what we've heard in many countries when a boy friend or girl friend of a royal showed up. Not sure how whether it works the same in Japan though.
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07-01-2020, 03:44 AM
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 Yes, her denial would be expected. It's also highly unusual for media to approach any Imperial family member outside the choreographed press conferences/photo ops. I can't recall that happening before. Perhaps Bunshun thought it safe to ask a lower-ranking member. I doubt any media would try to interview Princesses Mako or Kako when they're out privately.
Princess Hisako's message for the 2020 Digital Japan Bowl on May 29, skip to 9:20
2020 Japan Bowl Program, page 2 includes her message and a formal photo.
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07-01-2020, 09:04 PM
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A nice and friendly message from HIH.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
Yes, her denial would be expected. It's also highly unusual for media to approach any Imperial family member outside the choreographed press conferences/photo ops. I can't recall that happening before. Perhaps Bunshun thought it safe to ask a lower-ranking member. I doubt any media would try to interview Princesses Mako or Kako when they're out privately.
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Thank you for clarifying! Should we give more credibility to the speculation, then, in view of Bunshun's atypical display of confidence?
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07-04-2020, 03:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tatiana Maria
[...] Thank you for clarifying! Should we give more credibility to the speculation, then, in view of Bunshun's atypical display of confidence?
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You're welcome!  I'm not sure. Perhaps it's an isolated event. If such ambushes happen more or if the tabloids approach a higher ranking royal, I'd imagine the IHA might take some action.
Bunshun has been irritant. The English IHA press release page has 2 links refuting an article in Bunshun's January 2016 issue, claiming Empress Michiko scolded Crown Princess Masako at Emperor Akihito's birthday dinner on December 23, 2015.
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-kunaicho/release.html - for some reason this article merited 2 responses AND English translation from the IHA.
The Japanese IHA press release page refutes Weekly Bunshun "週刊文春" 9 times over the years.
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/...taio-kako.html
The next irritant is Weekly Shincho "週刊新潮" with 7 responses.
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07-04-2020, 07:35 PM
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Princess Hisako recorded a message for the Tokyo American Club's Independence Day Virtual Celebration.
Skip to 9:50 https://www.facebook.com/tokyoameric...99422221396703 (sadly, link already expired...)
Luckily, I transcribed her message last night.
"So, first of all I would like to wish everybody a happy 244th Independence Day hosted by the Tokyo American Club. First I think I’d like to express my condolences for all the lives that have been lost to COVID-19 and send my condolences to all those who’ve lost their loved ones. I would like to convey my admiration and appreciation to all medical doctors and medical workers that have risked their lives to save lives. And of course, my thanks go to the people in the essential services without whose work, none of us would have been able to stay home and stay safe. So thank you to you all.
As an honorary member, or a long time honorary member, of the Tokyo American Club, my late husband and I and my three children have had many an occasion to enjoy the facilities of the Tokyo American Club. The many different interests to which you cater, the wonderful quality of the food and the drinks, the wine. I think of the many fans and in particular, the amazing atmosphere of the American Club is a very, very special thing. It owes a lot, of course, to the wonderful staff and to the many hours that the members of the board and voluntary people offer but as in the case of all large groups, the atmosphere at the Club is made by its members. So I think you should all stand back and applaud yourselves for the wonderful atmosphere you bring to that Club.
This year has been a rather strange year for all of us. It has been a divisive year as well. But the Tokyo American Club stands as an important, visible symbol of the good relations between the United States and Japan. It is an important reference point to which we can all refer. In particular it is important that young people spend a lot of time and space together, and grow to realize that the human race has much more in common that it has differences. In a sense, it is our investment for the future. In this the year, the Zodiac year of the Rat - or as I would prefer to think of it, Mouse - I’m reminded of the well known words of Robert Burns “the best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry.” I hope to see you all soon in person. I hope it all settles but until then, stay safe, make sure you wash your hands, make sure you wear your masks, make sure you social distance, and enjoy it as much as you can but there is no point in being sad about it, we just have to go on. So stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all again soon in person. Happy Independence Day."
I noticed Princess Hisako was the ONLY speaker to wear a mask despite it being a recording at her residence. American speakers and the other Japanese speaker Mayor Masaaki Takei of Minato Ward did not wear masks for their recorded messages. I know the Imperial family must be apolitical but I wonder if the princess was trying to encourage wearing masks.
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07-07-2020, 11:32 PM
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Thank you for transcribing her excellent speech!
Quote:
"So, first of all I would like to wish everybody a happy 244th Independence Day hosted by the Tokyo American Club. First I think I’d like to express my condolences for all the lives that have been lost to COVID-19 and send my condolences to all those who’ve lost their loved ones. I would like to convey my admiration and appreciation to all medical doctors and medical workers that have risked their lives to save lives. And of course, my thanks go to the people in the essential services without whose work, none of us would have been able to stay home and stay safe. So thank you to you all.
[...]
It owes a lot, of course, to the wonderful staff and to the many hours that the members of the board and voluntary people offer but as in the case of all large groups, the atmosphere at the Club is made by its members. So I think you should all stand back and applaud yourselves for the wonderful atmosphere you bring to that Club.
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It was considerate of her (and perhaps very Japanese?) to pay homage to the labor of the members and staff of the club, in addition to essential workers and medical staff in general.
Quote:
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It has been a divisive year as well. But the Tokyo American Club stands as an important, visible symbol of the good relations between the United States and Japan. It is an important reference point to which we can all refer. In particular it is important that young people spend a lot of time and space together, and grow to realize that the human race has much more in common that it has differences.
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I wonder what her talk of "a divisive year" is referring to - Japanese politics, American politics, Japan-US relations?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
I noticed Princess Hisako was the ONLY speaker to wear a mask despite it being a recording at her residence. American speakers and the other Japanese speaker Mayor Masaaki Takei of Minato Ward did not wear masks for their recorded messages. I know the Imperial family must be apolitical but I wonder if the princess was trying to encourage wearing masks.
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Interesting observation. The "make sure you wash your hands, make sure you wear your masks, make sure you social distance" seems like a fairly direct appeal also. But it is in line with the government guidance, isn't it?
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07-09-2020, 12:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
Bunshun has been irritant. The English IHA press release page has 2 links refuting an article in Bunshun's January 2016 issue, claiming Empress Michiko scolded Crown Princess Masako at Emperor Akihito's birthday dinner on December 23, 2015.
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-kunaicho/release.html - for some reason this article merited 2 responses AND English translation from the IHA.
The Japanese IHA press release page refutes Weekly Bunshun "週刊文春" 9 times over the years.
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/...taio-kako.html
The next irritant is Weekly Shincho "週刊新潮" with 7 responses. |
I wonder, does the IHA lash out at Bunshun in particular because it is the most radically inaccurate, or accurate? 
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07-14-2020, 01:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tatiana Maria
Thank you for transcribing her excellent speech!
It was considerate of her (and perhaps very Japanese?) to pay homage to the labor of the members and staff of the club, in addition to essential workers and medical staff in general.
I wonder what her talk of "a divisive year" is referring to - Japanese politics, American politics, Japan-US relations?
Interesting observation. The "make sure you wash your hands, make sure you wear your masks, make sure you social distance" seems like a fairly direct appeal also. But it is in line with the government guidance, isn't it?
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You're welcome! I'm bummed the club removed the Facebook video. Perhaps it's restricted to members?
I suspect "divisive" could apply to all 3: Japanese politics, American politics, Japan-US relations. PM Shinzo Abe continues to be dogged by scandals and problems: former top aide Kawai vote-buying, Moritomo land document tampering, wife Akie Abe's cherry blossom viewing party, unpopular attempt to extend of retirement age for prosecutors, ridiculed "Abenomask" initiative to give all Japanese households 2 face masks, fumbling of COVID-19 response.
Sadly, face masks has become a political issue in the US. As for Japan-US relations, the US seeks to decrease the trade deficit and wants Japan to pay more for US troops. Many in Okinawa protest the relocation of a US military base from Ginowan to Henoko. Also, US aircraft has lost windows over schools/residential areas in recent years.
I didn't listen to the other speakers. Princess Hisako didn't need to wear a mask in her own home so I found it noteworthy that she did regardless of government guidelines/common practice in Japan.
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09-02-2020, 01:20 AM
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On August 28th, Princess Hisako visited the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and congratulated the Ambassador on Australia and New Zealand winning the bid to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. She was presented a signed Matilda's jersey.
Photos: https://japan.embassy.gov.au/tkyo/Pr...amado_JFA.html
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09-09-2020, 10:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
You're welcome! I'm bummed the club removed the Facebook video. Perhaps it's restricted to members?
I suspect "divisive" could apply to all 3: Japanese politics, American politics, Japan-US relations. PM Shinzo Abe continues to be dogged by scandals and problems: former top aide Kawai vote-buying, Moritomo land document tampering, wife Akie Abe's cherry blossom viewing party, unpopular attempt to extend of retirement age for prosecutors, ridiculed "Abenomask" initiative to give all Japanese households 2 face masks, fumbling of COVID-19 response.
Sadly, face masks has become a political issue in the US. As for Japan-US relations, the US seeks to decrease the trade deficit and wants Japan to pay more for US troops. Many in Okinawa protest the relocation of a US military base from Ginowan to Henoko. Also, US aircraft has lost windows over schools/residential areas in recent years.
I didn't listen to the other speakers. Princess Hisako didn't need to wear a mask in her own home so I found it noteworthy that she did regardless of government guidelines/common practice in Japan. |
It's interesting that Princess Takamado's remarks are open to being interpreted as referencing some very divisive political issues, though she obviously did not take a side on those issues. I wonder if one of the senior royals, who (apart from the Emperor Emeritus) typically appear to make fewer references to political issues compared to more junior royals, would have included it in their speech.
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09-11-2020, 03:48 AM
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On September 10th, Princess Hisako attended the unveiling ceremony of a bronze statue of her late husband Prince Takamado at the Takamadonomiya Memorial JFA Dream Field in Mihama Ward, Chiba. The training facility was completed in April. Prince Takamado was the first honorary patron of Japan Football Association (1987-2002) and succeeded by his wife.
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/2...9110001-p7.jpg
https://www.sankei.com/images/news/2...9110001-p8.jpg
NNN screenshots
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09-13-2020, 12:27 AM
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December 7, 2019: Princess Hisako attended the 69th National Elementary and Junior High School Composition Competition Award Ceremony at Hotel New Otani Tokyo.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chof...3285468386833/
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10-04-2020, 03:42 PM
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On October 4th, Princess Hisako attended a charity event organized by the Beirut Support Group to raise money for recovery from the blast that took place in Lebanon August 4.
https://twitter.com/ArabNewsjp/statu...98979881189382
Noh theatre charity event raises money for Lebanon | Arab News Japan
Quote:
A "Pray for Beirut" charity event held in Tokyo on Sunday raised about $100,000 in pledged donations for Lebanon following the massive explosions at the Beirut port in August.
The event featured a traditional Japanese Noh play, the oldest surviving form of Japanese theatre, Arabic music and a Lebanese banquet.
The event was held at a Noh theatre in the Cerulean Hotel in Tokyo and was attended by Princess Takamado in a show of support and solidarity of the people of Japan for Lebanon.
Proceeds from tickets and a charity auction went to the Japanese Red Cross and UNESCO.
[...]
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10-12-2020, 07:56 PM
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On October 12th, Princess Hisako visited a special exhibition of Toen Morikawa sculptures at Kasuga Taisha Museum in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. The exhibition includes 6 pieces of Netsuke from the Takamado collection.
Video: news24.jp
https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2020/10...0479000p/9.jpg
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10-15-2020, 11:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Prisma
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Her enthusiasm for the birdwatching community always seems quite genuine.
Thanks for the updates; she seems to be keeping very busy.
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