Princess Aiko News and Current Events Part 4: January 2021 -

Alisa · Mar 21, 2024

She is just beautiful and lovely. Many congratulations to her on this accomplishment!

Prisma · Mar 22, 2024

The Imperial Household Agency revealed Princess Aiko reported her university graduation to the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries on the morning of March 22.

Source: NTV

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Princess Aiko participated in the Gakushuin Girls' Senior High School's graduation concert on March 12. She attended the practice and performed in the chorus. When Aiko graduated from high school 4 years ago, the concert was not held due to the pandemic. This year, the school invited alumni from pandemic years and their parents. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako also attended the performance. Afterwards, Their Majesties toured the campus and thanked high school and university teachers and staff for the care given to Aiko.

Princess Aiko is busy preparing for her March 26-27 visit to Mie and Nara Prefectures.

Sources: NTV, FNN

Prisma · Mar 26, 2024

On March 26th, Princess Aiko traveled to Mie Prefecture to report her graduation from Gakushin University and Japanese Red Cross Society employment at Ise Jingu. She departed from the Imperial Palace around 8:30am to Tokyo Station and arrived in Toba, Mie Prefecture before 1pm.

After changing clothes at a hotel in Toba, she visited Geku (Outer shrine) around 3pm and Naiku (Inner shrine) around 4:30pm. Princess Aiko offered tamagushi and bowed deeply.

Photos: AP Images, TBS

FNN gallery of departure from Tokyo and arrival at Toba, Mie.
FNN gallery of Geku
FNN gallery of Naiku

Tokyo station:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772415621466136712

Nagoya station?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772474558726938672

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772475051020898445

Prisma · Mar 27, 2024

More galleries of March 26: Asahi, Sankei, Nikkansports, Getty Images
Iseshima - Geku
Iseshima - Naiku

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On March 27th, Princess Aiko visited Saiku Historical Museum and Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience in Meiwa, Mie Prefecture before traveling to Nara Prefecture.

Saiku Historical Museum tells the history of Saiku, residence and office of Saio, an unmarried Imperial princess appointed to serve Ise Jingu. There's also an exhibit on Princess Shokushi's waka poems (Aiko's graduation thesis subject). Princess Shokushi served as Saio at Kamo Shrine for 10 years.

Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience tells the history and culture of the Heian period. Princess Aiko met local elementary school students playing "Kaiawase," a shell game played by Heian era nobility.

In the afternoon, Princess Aiko visited the Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. She reported her graduation from Gakushuin University and Japanese Red Cross Society employment, offering tamagushi and bowing.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, Getty Images

camelot23ca · Mar 27, 2024

Aiko seems to really be coming into her own this past year. She’s a lovely young woman - just based on pictures and the short videos above, she seems to be very friendly and maybe more outgoing than her parents?

iceflower · Apr 1, 2024

Princess Aiko met with the press on her first day as non-regular staff at the Japan Red Cross Society in Tokyo today, April 1:

** gettyimages gallery **

https://twitter.com/x/status/1774665231035437159

Prisma · Apr 7, 2024

On April 2nd, the Imperial Household Agency released Princess Aiko's written responses to press questions about her job: 愛子内親王殿下日本赤十字社ご就職に際しての文書回答 - 宮内庁

The press asked about marriage thoughts again...

no changes since response from coming-of-age press conference 2 years ago.

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Although part-time, Princess Aiko went to work every day the first week because she's in training. The agency reports Aiko will visit Meiji Jingu on the morning of April 10 to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Empress Shoken's death.

Sources: TBS, NTV

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Princess Aiko begins 1st day of work at Japanese Red Cross Society - Kyodo News

... The princess was one of eight new employees to start their jobs at the headquarters on Monday...

"While my days as a working member of society have just begun, I will endeavor to adjust quickly to the workplace and be of assistance," she said, adding that her parents had wished her luck..

Princess Aiko, Daughter of Emperor, Empress, Begins Working for Japanese Red Cross Society - The Japan News

“It was a sobering feeling that I had taken my first step as a member of society,” the 22-year-old princess, dressed in a navy blue suit...

The princess has been assigned to the youth and volunteer division of the JRCS.

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Longer videos of Mie and Nara visit

iceflower · Apr 10, 2024

Princess Aiko visited Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo today, April 10, to mark the 110th anniversary of the death of the wife of former emperor Meiji, former empress dowager Shoken who died on April 9, 1914:

** gettyimages gallery **

Prisma · Apr 10, 2024

Thanks! More galleries: FNN, TV-Asahi, Mainichi

Princess Aiko Visits Meiji Jingu Shrine for 1st Time; Offers Sacred Branch While Wearing Long White Dress, Hat - The Japan News

... Princess Aiko took the day off from the Japanese Red Cross Society, which she joined on April 1.

Prisma · Apr 11, 2024

According to NTV, Princess Aiko only took the morning off to visit Meiji Jingu and went to work in the afternoon.

Empress Masako's family visited the Imperial residence on April 10 to celebrate Princess Aiko's university and job milestones. Yumiko and Hisashi Owada, younger sister Reiko Ikeda and others visited the Imperial residence for dinner, staying about 2 hours.

Source/video: TBS

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Princess Aiko will attend the spring gagaku concert on the morning of April 14. This is a solo appearance. She has attended gagaku concerts with Princess Kako or Emperor Naruhito.

Source: NTV

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On April 11th, Princess Aiko visited the Emeritus couple to report her university graduation and new job. Wearing a pale green outfit, she arrived at Akasaka Estate around 4pm.

This greeting was originally scheduled for March 20, immediately after the graduation ceremony but Aiko had caught a cold recently. It was decided to postpone to prevent infection.

Photos, source: FNN, NTV, Kyodo

On April 14th, Princess Aiko attended the spring Gagaku (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance) concert at the Imperial Household Music Department in the Imperial Palace.

Photos: FNN, Mainichi, AP Images

Prisma · Apr 16, 2024

English articles and subtitled video of spring gagaku concert

Princess Aiko Attends Gagaku Court Music Concert; Princess Reportedly Enjoyed Concert Greatly - The Japan News

Among the six gagaku pieces performed at the concert was “Shikite,” which involves dancers removing their right sleeves at the shoulder. The princess occasionally put on her glasses as she watched the performance. According to the staff who accompanied her, the princess said she enjoyed the concert very much.

Japanese Princess Aiko Watches Court Music Performance | Nippon.com

Prisma · Apr 19, 2024

Some details on Princess Aiko's job at the Japanese Red Cross Society's Youth and Volunteer division:

edit information magazines about Red Cross volunteer corps
organize training sessions for volunteers (individual and group activities)

She is working with senior staff as well as her newly hired colleagues, and is doing well. Although a part-time/fixed term employee, close aides say Aiko is currently going to work daily. She may be able to work from home in the future, balancing JRCS job and public duties as an Imperial family member.

Sources: NTV, FNN

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Princess Aiko will make her garden party debut on April 23, joining other Imperial family members at the spring garden party in Akasaka Estate.

Sources: Asahi, NTV, TBS

Prisma · Apr 25, 2024

On April 25th, Princess Aiko visited the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji, Tokyo. She reported her university graduation and Japanese Red Cross Society employment.

Photos: Getty Images, FNN, Asahi, Mainichi

https://twitter.com/x/status/1783360691061289331

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English subtitled videos about Aiko's job and cherry trees planted for her birth

Prisma · May 10, 2024

Princess Aiko will visit the spring special exhibition “Dreaming Hikaru Genji — Reading Heian literature diagonally at the archives!” at the National Archives in Chiyoda, Tokyo on May 11. This will be Princess Aiko’s first solo public engagement. The National Archives requested the princess’ visit.

Sources: NTV, Asahi

I thought Princess Aiko's first solo public engagement happened during her visit to Mie and Nara but it appears only events requested by an organizer are deemed "public activities." So... the museum and cultural facility visits in Mie and gagaku activities are private / personal interest / unofficial appearances.

Prisma · May 12, 2024

On May 11th, Princess Aiko visited the Heian literature special exhibition "Dreaming Hikaru Genji" at the National Archives of Japan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Photos: Asahi, FNN, Sankei, AP images

Princess Aiko Visits Heian Literature Exhibition | Nippon

[...] The "Dreaming Hikaru Genji" exhibition introduces Heian literature and its commentaries under the theme of dreams.

Princess Aiko looked at a rare commentary written during the Edo period (1603-1867) on The Tale of Genji from the Heian period and asked, "How many years did it take to complete this?"

She put on her glasses along the way and eagerly looked around at the exhibited materials written about dreams.

Princess Aiko Visits Exhibition as Her 1st Solo Official Duty; Observes Ancient Literary Manuscripts - The Japan News

Princess Aiko studied classical literature at university. The current exhibition has 39 items on display, including literary manuscripts from about 1,000 years ago.

Prisma · Sep 20, 2024

Princess Aiko will visit Shika Town and Nanao City in Ishikawa Prefecture September 28-29 to inspect recovery since the Noto earthquake. Ishikawa Prefecture invited the princess and this will be her first solo regional visit. Aiko's visit to Ise Grand Shrine (Mie Prefecture) in March was private.

9/28:

travel by Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station, then car to Shika
reconstruction briefing at Ishikawa Prefectural Office
visit temporary shopping district at Roadside Station Togi Umikaidō
meet former volunteers and local supporters at Shika Town Office Togi Branch
stay overnight in Kanazawa City

9/29:

watch final of Noto Wakura International Women's Open Tennis Tournament at Wakura Onsen in Nanao. The tournament was established to support recovery after the 2007 Noto earthquake
meet managers of inns and other businesses at Nanao City Wakura Onsen Festival Hall about reconstruction progress
visit exhibition facility to learn about efforts to hold local festivals again
return to Tokyo in the evening

Sources: NTV, Sankei, TBS, Jiji, TV-Asahi, Asahi

Prisma · Sep 24, 2024

Princess Aiko's visit to Ishikawa Prefecture will be canceled due to extensive damage caused by heavy rains that began in the Noto region on September 21. She is deeply saddened by the casualties and damage. Aiko decided to cancel her planned September 28-29 visit in consideration of the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. The Imperial Household Agency also consulted with the Ishikawa Prefecture.

Source: Sankei, FNN, NTV

However, she is scheduled to visit Saga Prefecture October 11-12 for the 78th National Sports Festival. Saga will now be her first solo regional visit.

October 11: fly to Saga, watch track & field events at Saga Stadium, visit Saga Castle History Museum
October 12: judo at Saga Arena, visit Saga Prefecture Red Cross Blood Center and Nao handmade washi paper workshop, fly back to Tokyo

Sources: Sankei, Jiji, sagatv.co.jp, TBS

Prisma · Oct 11, 2024

Prisma said:
[...] However, she is scheduled to visit Saga Prefecture October 11-12 for the 78th National Sports Festival. Saga will now be her first solo regional visit.

October 11: fly to Saga, watch track & field events at Saga Stadium, visit Saga Castle History Museum

October 12: judo at Saga Arena, visit Saga Prefecture Red Cross Blood Center and Nao handmade washi paper workshop, fly back to Tokyo

Sources: Sankei, Jiji, sagatv.co.jp, TBS

Early photos of October 11:

Mainichi, Getty Images, AP Images
FNN1, FNN2- travel from Tokyo, arrival at Saga Airport, meeting governor and welcome from kindergarteners at Prefectural government office
FNN3 - tour Saga Castle History Museum and watch skit based on Sano Tsunetami, statesman and founder of the Japanese Red Cross Society

Prisma · Oct 13, 2024

Princess Aiko's visit to Saga Prefecture on October 12 for 78th National Sports Festival:

first round of men's judo with commentary from Takahiro Nishida, Vice President of the All Japan Judo Federation, at Saga Area
Prefectural Red Cross Blood Donation Center where she was briefed on:
- Donation activities and concerns. Fewer young people are donating blood.
- Disaster prevention, response and coordination with private organizations
Aiko also met university students who had just donated blood
Nao washi paper workshop. She also tried making paper after a tour and learning about the workshop's history. It had been damaged in the heavy rains of 2021 and reopened in 2023.

Photos: Getty Images, Asahi, Mainichi, FNN

https://twitter.com/x/status/1845065392236134507

Longer Day 1-2 videos

Prisma · Dec 1, 2024

Princess Aiko turns 23 on December 1.

Birthday photos were taken at the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Imperial residence on November 22. She appreciates Nao Handmade Washi paper from Saga Prefecture, including sheets she made in October, in the residence photos.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, NTV

Imperial Household Agency statement: NTV

recaps past year activities: university graduation, Ise Jingu visit, solo visits, debuts at Imperial events such as New Year Lectures, garden party, court luncheon, National Sports Festival, tea reception, etc.
employment at JRCS. work is fulfilling
condolences and concern for victims of Noto earthquake, heavy rains, and natural disasters
thinking of Prince Mikasa (died 2016) and Princess Yuriko (recently died in November), both watched over her with such kindness. Aiko feels both sad and deeply grateful as she recalls the many opportunities they had to meet.
values ritual ceremonies and observes moments of silences on war and natural disaster anniversaries
appreciates retreats at Imperial Stock Farm and Nasu Imperial Villa and warm welcome from locals
cat Mii sadly died this year but Aiko is grateful for kindness and sympathies. Aiko continues to care for and cherish dog Yuri and cat Seven
on weekends, she enjoys walks around the Imperial Palace with Their Majesties, or playing volleyball, tennis, and badminton outdoors with staff, and is keen to stay physically active.
Aiko is grateful to the people of Japan for their warm support as she approaches her 23rd birthday in good health

Princess Aiko turns 23, takes on more official duties while working

Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, turned 23 on Sunday, marking her first year as a working adult while growing into her role as a member of the Japanese imperial fa

english.kyodonews.net

Princess Aiko Turns 23; She Performed This Year First Official Duties Outside Tokyo Alone

<p>TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Princess Aiko, the only child of the Emperor and Empress, turned 23 on Sunday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

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On December 1st, Princess Aiko visited the Emeritus couple around 11:20am at Sento Imperial residence for birthday greetings. She received greetings from IHA staff with Emperor Naruhito in the afternoon. Empress Masako was scheduled but suddenly canceled.

Source/photos: NTV, FNN, Asahi

Prisma · Mar 12, 2025

Princess Aiko will attend the naming and launching ceremony of an oceanographic research vessel at a shipyard in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture on March 19. The vessel will conduct marine surveys in the Arctic region. This is Aiko's first solo official engagement since the National Sports Festival in Saga Prefecture in October.

Source: FNN

Prisma · Mar 19, 2025

On March 19th, Princess Aiko attended the naming and launching ceremony of "Mirai II," an arctic research vessel at the Japan Marine United, Yokohama Shipyard Isogo Works in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Afterwards, Princess Aiko spoke to officials from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, which operates the vessel, saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing it in action" and "Research is extremely important." She received a briefing on Arctic research from relevant parties.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN, Getty Images, AP Images

Prisma · Apr 19, 2025

Princess Aiko will receive a briefing on emergency medical care in disasters at the Imperial residence on April 23. The content is expected to be related to her work at the Japanese Red Cross Society. This is her first solo briefing. She has attended briefings with her parents on disaster response and Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: FNN

Prisma · Apr 24, 2025

Princess Aiko will attend a Spring Gagaku concert at the Imperial Palace on April 27. So far, this is expected to be a solo appearance. It will be her 6th appearance at Gagaku concerts. Aiko previously attended with Princess Kako or Emperor Naruhito.

Source: FNN

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She will visit the Osaka-Kansai Expo May 8-9.

May 8:

Japan Pavilion, Grand Ring and Electric Power Pavilion
meeting with relevant parties at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Pavilion

May 9:

EXPO Arena and Singapore Pavilion
Commons A Pavilion, where Tonga, Palau and other countries are jointly exhibiting
food themed pavilion EARTH MART

Sources: TBS, NTV

Prisma · Apr 27, 2025

On April 27th, Princess Aiko attended a Gagaku concert at the Imperial Household Agency Music Department. The performance included a "Rindai" (wheel stand), which is said to have been remodeled by order of Emperor Ninmyo. The ensemble "Kangen" and the dance "Bugaku" were also performed.

According to the music department's technical instructor, Tadaki Oono, who acted as her guide, Princess Aiko asked about how the instruments were tuned and she was impressed by the well-coordinated performance, commenting "This is the result of training."

Photos, sources: Getty Images, AP Images, Asahi, FNN, TBS

Prisma · Apr 30, 2025

Princess Aiko will attend the opening ceremony and deliver her first public speech at the 23rd WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo on May 3.

Sources: NTV, TBS, FNN

WADEM = World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

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English video of Gagaku concert on April 27

Prisma · May 2, 2025

Arrangements are underway for Princess Aiko to visit Shika Town and Nanao City in Ishikawa Prefecture May 18-19 to inspect recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

This is a rescheduled visit because her planned visit in September 2024 was canceled due to heavy rain damage in the area.

Sources: NTV, TBS, FNN

Prisma · May 3, 2025

On May 3rd, Princess Aiko attended the opening ceremony and delivered her first public speech at the 23rd WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Photos: AP Images, Mainichi, Asahi, FNN