Crown Princess Kiko turns 56 on September 11.
Photos and video were taken on August 18 at the temporary Akishino residence.
Galleries:
Asahi,
Mainichi
Written responses to press questions (Google
translation)
Summary:
- resuming in-person visits, continuing virtual visits
- participation at international conferences for tuberculosis, pregnancy and hypertension, Imperial Gift Foundation Mother and Child Aiiku Association, etc.
- concern for people's suffering and hardships from pandemic, heavy rain damage, and heat wave
- grateful for opportunities to meet in-person
- Japanese recipients of Nobel prize, Paralympics, etc.
- sad farewells to honorary director of the Tokyo Children's Library & translator Kyoko Matsuoka, who Kiko and her children met during trips to the library, and fashion designer Hanae Mori "who dressed me and my daughters for important events at the Imperial Court."
- she's pleased Japan has become a "low prevalence country" for tuberculosis according to WHO standards
- relieved all Crown Prince Proclamation events have been completed and renewed sense of responsibility that comes with the position
- continue to support Their Majesties and pray for the peace of people's lives
- limited opportunities to see the Emeritus couple due to the pandemic but since they have moved to Akasaka Estate this spring, Kiko hopes to see them more often
- quick passage of time as she recalls Princess Aiko as a little girl playing with Mako and Kako. Princess Yuriko reached 99, a milestone of longevity.
- Kako's activities have expanded, including inheriting Mako's patronages. Kiko "would like Kako to fully fulfill your duties as a member of the royal family while gaining experience in public activities. Regarding marriage and the future, I will listen carefully to my second daughter's feelings and thoughts, and also my thoughts and feelings. I hope I can convey my thoughts."
- About Mako: "It's been almost a year since the two got married. The two of them had a clear idea and consulted with those around them about the process leading up to their marriage. It seems that she continues to be grateful to many people. I sincerely hope that the two of you will work together, take care of your health, and lead a peaceful new life. I pray for the happiness of both of you. Regarding the current situation and life, I will refrain from answering because of the person's wishes."
Crown Princess Kiko Turns 56, Wishes for Married Daughter's Happiness | Nippon.com
Japanese Crown Princess Kiko turned 56 on Sunday as she wishes for the happiness of her first daughter, former Princess Mako, who married commoner Kei Komuro in October last year and lives in New York now.
"I sincerely hope that the two will join hands and live their new life peacefully," Crown Princess Kiko said in a statement answering questions from journalists ahead of her birthday.
"I hope that some day I can make a banksia rose arch and walk around the garden slowly along with my daughter," the Crown Princess also said.
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"Together with the Crown Prince, I will pray for peace of people's daily lives at any time and fulfill my duties while supporting the Emperor and Empress," Crown Princess Kiko said.
Kiko turns 56, yearns to take a stroll with daughter Mako | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
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The Banksia rose was Mako’s signature mark when she was a princess and is a favorite flower of Kiko and her husband.
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Turning to Princess Kako, Kiko’s second daughter, the crown princess said, “I am hoping that she will fulfill her duty as a member of the imperial family by carrying out more official public activities.”
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With regard to Kako’s future, including her marriage, Kiko said she hoped to share her thoughts with her while listening carefully to her daughter’s feelings and opinions.
Kiko said Prince Hisahito, second in line to the Chrysanthemum throne after his father, “is leading a full life” as a first-year student at the University of Tsukuba’s Senior High School, adding that he raises vegetables on a plot near the family’s Akasaka Estate residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward.
Kiko said her family helps him by pulling up weeds.
Turning to her future hopes for him, she said, “I want him to become a person who can look at the world from a wider perspective” through exchanges with people from all walks of life.
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The Crown Prince couple are looking at Makino Botanical Encyclopedia Original Illustration Collection and a picture book "The Busy Days of Granny Peas and Grandpa Soramame"
