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

[Prisma]

On October 14th, Princess Kako began a 2-day visit to Saga Prefecture fo the 78th National Sports Festival. She watched the finals of women's bouldering at Kyushu Climbing Base SAGA in Taku City. Afterwards she visited the Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum in Arita Town.

She wore a red dress reminiscent of Arita ware color painting, and porcelain earrings with roses painted with the traditional Somenishiki technique.

Photos: FNN, FNN2, saga-s.co.jp, saga-s.co.jp2, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1846024770376421762

This is copy of a tweeted photo that I can't find anymore. I guess the original tweet generated too much reaction and was deleted.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1845686031166869562

 

[iceflower]

Princess Kako at the closing ceremony of the National Sports Festival today, October 15:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[iceflower]

Princess Kako visited Gifu yesterday, October 17:


** gettyimages gallery **

And today, October 18:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Princess Kako visited Saga Prefecture October 26-27 for the 23rd National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities and local inspection.

• Volleyball at Salonpas Arena in Tosu City
• PICFA, an employment support center for the disabled, in Kiyama Town
• Karatsu Seaside Hotel
• Hikiyama Exhibition Hall in Karatsu City
• Lunch at Karatsu City Hall
• Wheelchair basketball at Karatsu City Cultural Gymnasium
• Saga Hossho Gakuen High School in Saga City
• Saga Prefectural Braille Library (Aisaga) in Saga City

佳子内親王殿下のお成りについて

佳子内親王殿下のお成りについて / 佐賀県

www.pref.saga.lg.jp

October 26 photos: AP Images

October 27 photos: AP Images, saga-s.co.jp, FNN

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850473864935121187

https://twitter.com/x/status/1850803114150162629

 

[camelot23ca]

Kako seems like she could be a tremendous asset for the Imperial House.

 

[iceflower]

Princess Kako met members of the Japan Kōgei Association in Kanazawa, Ishikawa yesterday, October 29:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

On October 28th, Princess Kako met 15 young diplomats from Caribbean countries at the Akishino residence. 2024 is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and 30th anniversary of exchanges with the Caribbean Community.

Photo: tv-asahi.co.jp

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Princess Kako met members of the Japan Kōgei Association in Kanazawa, Ishikawa yesterday, October 29:


** gettyimages gallery **

She met Living National Treasures (Fumio Mae for chinkin lacquer, Kunie Komori for lacquer) and was briefed on Noto earthquake recovery and craft production.

Afterwards, Kako visited the 71st Japanese Traditional Kōgei Exhibition, organized by Japan Kōgei Association, at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa City. She is patron of the crafts association.

Photos: Mainichi, FNN, Asahi

Princess Kako Appreciates Craft Exhibition in Kanazawa

<p>KANAZAWA — Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art in Kanazawa on Tuesday to view the 71st Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Her earrings and barrette are laquerware accessories from Tohka-doh, Yatsui Kiyoshi Lacquer-Ware Shop in Wajima City.

輪島塗 イヤリング 角形 -月にキラメキの蒔絵仕上げ- [朱色] 螺鈿(ラデン)・切り金入り｜輪島市の輪島塗漆器販売　輪島朝市通りの漆器通販サイト　涛華堂|八井浄漆器本店

八井漆器本店は、輪島朝市通りにて輪島塗漆器の販売をしております。輪島塗り漆器通販サイトもご覧ください

k-yatsui.com

輪島塗 バレッタ (大) 長方形 -キラメキの蒔絵仕上げ- [朱色] 螺鈿 (ラデン)・切り金入り｜輪島市の輪島塗漆器販売　輪島朝市通りの漆器通販サイト　涛華堂|八井浄漆器本店

八井漆器本店は、輪島朝市通りにて輪島塗漆器の販売をしております。輪島塗り漆器通販サイトもご覧ください

k-yatsui.com

 

[iceflower]

Princess Kako had a number of engagements in Kawasaki today, November 1:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Through interviews with relevant parties, media report Prince Hisahito has been accepted to the University of Tsukuba in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. He is expected to enroll in the Department of Biology at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in April.

He took the recommendation entrance exam on November 28-29 and submitted a recommendation document from his affiliated high school, essay, and personal interview. Results were announced on December 11.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei

Japan’s Prince Hisahito Accepted to University of Tsukuba; Hopes to Study Natural History Focusing on Insects

<p>Japan’s Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, has been accepted to University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, it has been learned.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

 

[iceflower]

Today, December 16, Princess Kako attended an award ceremony in Tokyo "for companies and other organizations that contributed to urban afforestation":


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Kyosuke Nagata, President of University of Tsukuba, commented on Prince Hisahito's acceptance to the university at a regular press conference on December 26.

• Nagata has not yet been consulted regarding the prince's plans to commute from Tokyo but prefers students to live in dormitories for the fullest university experience.
• He thought it fundamental that Prince Hisahito should learn while being exposed to the same generation as his peers, while acknowledging a student's decision to commute was up to the family.
• Nagata would like to ask "all applicants to understand that our entrance examinations are fair and impartial."
• He intends ensure safety and security at the vast campus in Tsukuba City, and repair dilapidated bicycle paths and increase the number of street lights.
• University of Tsukuba will not provide special housing as dormitories are available.
• It's not the university's job to provide security for individual students. It would be difficult unless there is a legitimate reason other than research or education.
• Department of Biology (where Prince Hisahito was accepted) had 22 available places. 64 applicants were recommended from high schools across Japan, giving a ratio of 2.9 to 1.

At a press conference on December 19th, Governor Kazuhiko Ōigawa said Prince Hisahito's enrollment is a great honor. He personally wishes the prince will live in Ibaraki Prefecture, if possible.

Sources: TBS, FNN, Asahi

 

[Prisma]

Princess Kako turns 30 on December 29.

Birthday video and photos were taken at Akasaka Estate on December 5. Kako strolls through the tea garden, wisteria trellis, camellia flowers, evergreen broadleaf tree (Ogatamanoki), tea plants, along a pond.

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi

IHA Crown Prince Office's press release: 佳子内親王殿下30歳のお誕生日に当たり - 宮内庁

• concern for disaster victims in Noto and globally
• wishes for everyone to live in peace, have wider range of choices
• activity highlights by month
• "Throughout the year, Her Imperial Highness remains grateful to all the people she met, those who welcomed her, those who helped prepare events, and those who supported her in various ways and showed their concern"

Japanese Princess Kako Turns 30

<p>Tokyo (Jiji Press)—Japanese Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, turned 30 on Sunday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

Japanese Princess Kako Turns 30

Tokyo, Dec. 29 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Pr…

www.nippon.com

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Lovely content. Aside from the brief message, I wonder how the lengthy activity report will be received by the public. Clearly, it's aimed at negative press the Akishino family as experienced. In contrast, the press release for Princess Aiko's birthday isn't even posted on the IHA website.

 

[fabaunty]

Congratulations to her IRH Princess Kako , I hope she finds personal happiness this year along with her official activities .

 

[Prisma]

On December 29th, Princess Kako visited Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako around 11am for birthday greetings. She signed "thank you" to well-wishers waiting at the Imperial Palace entrance. Kako works 3 days a week for the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, mainly remotely, but has been going to the office twice a week since April to accommodate official duties.

After visiting Their Majesties, Princess Kako returned to Akasaka Estate to greet the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence.

Photos, sources: AP Images, FNN, NTV

Princess Kako Visits Imperial Palace on Her 30th Birthday

<p>Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Imperial Palace to greet the Emperor and Empress on Sunday, her 30th birthday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

2024 a year of diverse public duties in Japan, abroad for Princess Kako as she turns 30 - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Princess Kako, niece of Emperor Naruhito and second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), will mark her 30th birthday on Dec. 29. Ove

mainichi.jp

Princess Kako turns 30, prays disaster victims all live in peace | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Somebody]

On December 29th, Princess Kako visited Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako around 11am for birthday greetings. She signed "thank you" to well-wishers waiting at the Imperial Palace entrance. Kako works 3 days a week for the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, mainly remotely, but has been going to the office twice a week since April to accommodate official duties.

After visiting Their Majesties, Princess Kako returned to Akasaka Estate to greet the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence.

Photos, sources: AP Images, FNN, NTV

Princess Kako Visits Imperial Palace on Her 30th Birthday

<p>Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, visited the Imperial Palace to greet the Emperor and Empress on Sunday, her 30th birthday.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

2024 a year of diverse public duties in Japan, abroad for Princess Kako as she turns 30 - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Princess Kako, niece of Emperor Naruhito and second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito), will mark her 30th birthday on Dec. 29. Ove

mainichi.jp

Princess Kako turns 30, prays disaster victims all live in peace | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Are you sure about her work schedule (3 days of which 2 in office)? The final article states that she used to work three days a week at the Federation of the Deaf but had to reduce it to two days a week because of her official duties.

 

[Prisma]

Thanks, Asahi Shimbun's English article is accurate.

I used Google translate on Japanese NTV's article which turned out to be unclear. Translation mentioned 3 days, mainly remotely, then 2-days in office since April.

 

[Prisma]

On January 9th, Princess Kako visited the "Pokemon x Crafts Exhibition - Great Discoveries of Beauty and Crafts" at Azabudai Hills Gallery in Minato, Tokyo.

Photos: Mainichi, Nikkei, FNN, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

On February 12th, Prince Hisahito privately visited the Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum and Repatriation Pier in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture. Local high school students guided the prince through exhibits on Siberian internment and repatriation after World War II. Maizuru Bay welcomed back approximately 660,000 Japanese in the 13 years from 1945.

When his parents visited the museum in 2017, an invitation as extended to the prince and there were discussions of a visit in summer 2023. Prince Hisahito decided now when his high school is not in session. This is his second solo regional visit; he privately visited Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture in 2022. It is his 8th visit to a war-related facility.

Photos, sources: AP Images, Asahi, NTV, NTV2, TBS, Jiji

 

[Prisma]

Prince Hisahito has obtained a driver's license ahead of entering University of Tsukuba in April. He passed the regular vehicle test at Samezu Driver's License Center in Shinagawa, Tokyo on February 14.

The university in Ibaraki Prefecture has a large campus and many students drive or bike. The Imperial Household Agency has said the prince currently does not plan to live in the dormitories and will commute from Tokyo.

Photos of Prince Hisahito undergoing street driving training: FNN

 

[Prisma]

Prince Hisahito will hold a press conference for his coming-of-age on March 3 at 2pm at Akasaka East residence. He turned 18 last November but the usual adulthood events have been postponed due to his studies and preparations for university.

Sources: Asahi, Jiji, NTV

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Arrangements are underway for Princess Kako to make an official visit to Brazil in June to mark the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira revealed the news at a meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan and Brazil held in South Africa in the early hours of the February 21st (Japan time).

Prince and Princess Akishino visited Brazil in 2015 for the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations and then-Princess Mako visited Brazil for the 110th anniversary of Japanese immigration in 2018.

Sources: TBS, NTV

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On February 20th, Princess Kako met participants of the "Ship for World Youth" program at the Akasaka East residence. About 30 people from 13 countries attended the audience. The Cabinet Office runs the international exchange and leadership program, where youth take part in trainings, seminars and other activities to promote mutual understanding and friendship.

Photos: FNN, Sankei Imperial Weekly 885

 

[Stefan]

Prince Hisahito will hold a press conference for his coming-of-age on March 3 at 2pm at Akasaka East residence. He turned 18 last November but the usual adulthood events have been postponed due to his studies and preparations for university.

Sources: Asahi, Jiji, NTV

-

So when will his coming of age ceremonies take place? Wasn't it said in spring 2025?

 

[Prisma]

Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age ceremony will be held on his 19th birthday, September 6.

Grand Steward Yasuhiko Nishimura announced the news on February 27. The date was decided based on the schedules of the Imperial family, Prince Hisahito starting at the University of Tsukuba in April, and Crown Prince Akishino's thoughts. September 6 is during the university's summer break.

A series of events, such as Kakan-no-Gi (crowning) and Choken-no-Gi (audience) ceremonies will be held on September 6. Banquet, tea ceremony and a visit to Ise Jingu will be planned later.

Prince Hisahito will begin attending court events after his Coming-of-Age ceremonies.

Sources: Asahi, FNN, Sankei

Japan Prince Hisahito's Coming-of-Age Ceremony Set for Sept. 6

Tokyo, Feb. 27 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princes…

www.nippon.com

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I got his birthday wrong in an earlier post. Oops.

 

[Somebody]

Interesting way of putting it: "and Crown Prince Akishino's thoughts". To me it sounds like a roundabout way of saying that the crown prince decided that it will take place on his 19th birthday... by postponing the ceremonies by one year they ensured that the prince did not have to attend imperial engagements for another year. So, in the end, the change from 20 to 18, was practically cut in half by this postponement. He is now only starting one year earlier than previous members of the imperial family.

 

[Prinsara]

Aiko has graduated and is working, and she doesn’t do anything close to Kako’s level yet (not a criticism, just an observation). I don’t know that it really matters when Hisahito is formally allowed to start contributing — it surely won’t be much at all for quite some time.

 

[Prisma]

On March 3rd, Princess Kako visited the 56th Idea Exhibition (Naruhodo-Ten), organized by the Women Inventors Association, at Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan in Chiyoda, Tokyo. 19 award-winning inventions and creative goods that make daily life more convenient were on display. Kako toured the exhibition while listening to explanations from the winners.

Photos: Asahi, FNN

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To coincide with Prince Hisahito's coming-of-age press conference on March 3rd, Imperial Household Agency released content of his visit to the agency's Archives and Mausolea Department on February 18. He viewed materials related to waka poetry and calligraphy by emperors from the Edo period and learned about restoration work.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi (includes rice farming activities in 2016 and 2018)

悠仁親王殿下のご近影（御成年をお迎えになっての記者会見に当たり） - 宮内庁

悠仁親王殿下のご近影を紹介しています。

www.kunaicho.go.jp

On March 3rd, Prince Hisahito attended a press conference for his coming-of-age at Akasaka East residence. He offered condolences for the fires in Iwate Prefecture and other areas before answering questions from the IHA press club for about 30 minutes.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images

Japanese transcript: 悠仁親王殿下ご成年をお迎えになっての記者会見 - 宮内庁

Japan's Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, vows to fulfill role

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, expresses his desire to approach his public duties with care and awareness as he fulfils his role as a member of the imperial family.

english.kyodonews.net

Prince Hisahito Holds First Press Conference; Prince Shares Concerns About Iwate Pref. Wildfire

<p>Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, held his first press conference on Monday at Tokyo’s Akasaka East Residence.</p> <p>At the start of the press conference, which began at 2 p.m., Prince Hisahito, 18, said he hoped the wildfires in Iwate...

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

NTV video with English subtitles for questions 1-3. No recording from question 4 onwards.

 

[Blog Real]

Prince Hisahito made his first speech:

 

[Prinsara]

It’s nice to see him smile and hear him talk!

 

[Stefan]

I think he cam across a nice serious young man. And understandable that he was nervous. But i guess that the questions were known beforehand or at last what the Reporters were allowed to ask.

 

[iceflower]

Prince Hisahito ahead of his high school graduation ceremony in Tokyo today, Match 18:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

More photos: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN

The Imperial Household Agency also released badminton club photos from June 2024 to coincide with his graduation. Prince Hisahito will visit the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries and greet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on March 19. He will visit Musashino Mausoleum in Hachioji, Tokyo on March 20.

Statement on Prince Hisahito's high school life: FNN, NTV

His parents attended the graduation ceremony. The Crown Prince household issued their statement: NTV

Japan's Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, graduates high school

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, graduates high school at a ceremony in Tokyo.

english.kyodonews.net

... “I was able to spend three fulfilling years in classes and extracurricular activities,” Prince Hisahito said in the morning before the ceremony as he answered questions from the press about his life at the school.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my teachers, friends, and others who have taken care of me. I believe that I was able to make unforgettable friends,” the prince said with a smile...

Japan’s Prince Hisahito Graduates From High School; Set to Study Biological Sciences at Tsukuba University

<p>Prince Hisahito, the 18-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, attended his graduation ceremony on Tuesday for the Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp