Crown Prince & Crown Princess Akishino Current Events Part 1: May 2019 -

[Prisma]

Japan lowered the age of majority to 18, effective on April 1, 2022 but some actions remain restricted at 20. Prince Hisahito is the first Imperial family member become an adult after the change. Since he's a 3rd year high school student at the critical time for university preparations, the Imperial coming-of-age ceremonies will be postponed to spring 2025, after graduation.

I agree with Somebody that his actual 18th birthday will be celebrated with the usual photos, video and press release on past year activities.

See IHA update at Princess Kako & Prince Hisahito Current Events Part 3: October 2021 -

Old articles:

• Coming of age: Why adults in Japan are getting younger - BBC
• Official Age of Adulthood in Japan Lowered to 18 | Nippon
• Japan’s Legal Adult Age is Now 18 (from 20): 8 Things That Change, 4 That Stay - Japan Forward

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended the opening ceremony of the International Congress of Entomology in Kyoto today, August 25:


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[Prisma]

Prince Hisahito privately attended International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2024). He was invited by the organizers and is a member of the research group that will present a poster on dragonflies at the Imperial Palace the next day.

The family visited poster exhibits after the opening ceremony.

More photos: Mainichi, FNN

At Kyoto Station

https://twitter.com/x/status/1827635310047772995

 

[Prisma]

On September 10th, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako visited the "Kusano Shizuka Japanese Embroidery Exhibition: Decorating the Tale of Genji with Flowers" at Nihonbashi Takashimaya in Chuo, Tokyo. Some 200 pieces such as formal kimonos and folding screens were on display, inspired by women in the Heian era novel, and embroidered by Kusano. Her needles, tools and thread were also exhibited.

This is Kiko and Kako's first joint appearance in 5 years. Mother and daughter last attended an event together at the Save the Children 100th Anniversary Charity Dinner in May 2019.

Photos: AP Images, Asahi, FNN

 

[Prisma]

Crown Princess Kiko turns 58 on September 11

Birthday photos and video were taken on August 14 at the Akishino residence. The Crown Prince couple look at books about forests in Gifu prefecture and admire a bouquet of Mino washi paper.

Photos: Asahi, AFPBB, Mainichi (mixed with past year photos)

Written responses to questions from IHA press club: 秋篠宮皇嗣妃殿下お誕生日に際し（令和6年） - 宮内庁

• mostly about Prince Hisahito's coming of age, his future, wishes and expectations for him, official activities with son and husband
• she is in good health now after a bout of poor health earlier this year
• recap of activities, particularly for mothers and children
• activities vary. sometimes she has several events in the same week, other weeks are more free and multiple events may conflict
• when questioned about her response to online criticism / bashing, she begins with concerned for others who suffer the same issue.
• mentions distress and difficulty to remain calm
• however, she is grateful that there are people who truly care and understand our family
• inspired by and pleased with Princess Kako's activities and experiences. hopes for her health and happiness
• reminisces about Mako and always wishes for her happiness

Crown Princess Kiko turns 58, addresses online criticism | The Asahi Shimbun

Crown Princess Kiko marked her 58th birthday on Sept. 11 with a statement expressing concern about the ongoing online criticism of her family and sharing her hopes for her only son, Prince Hisahito.

[...]

“I hope he will value each of his duties and gain experience over time,” Kiko said in a written response to questions submitted by the Imperial Household Agency press club ahead of her birthday.

She reflected on Hisahito’s childhood, recalling his interest in bug hunting, growing vegetables and creating clay models of old tools after studying them in illustrated reference books.

[...]

Kiko stressed the importance of respecting his decisions about where to study, saying, “I will respect whatever choice my son carefully considers and makes.”

[...]

The Akishino family has faced ongoing online criticism, particularly regarding the marriage of their eldest daughter, Mako Komuro, and Hisahito’s education, much of it based on speculation and unverified information.

Kiko said candidly, “When my family faces these situations, it becomes difficult to maintain peace of mind, and we often struggle with it.”

She also expressed concern that online backlash has become a social problem, saying, “I think many people are having a hard time.”

Crown Princess Kiko received birthday greetings from Imperial family members, including Princess Aiko who entered Akasaka Estate before 10am. Afterwards, the Crown Princess visited the Imperial Palace around 11am for greetings with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and then visited the Emeritus couple back at Akasaka Estate.

Photos: FNN, FNN2, Nikkansports

English videos of Crown Princess Kiko's 58th birthday and September 10 embroidery exhibition visit with Princess Kako

 

[victor1319]

English videos of Crown Princess Kiko's 58th birthday and September 10 embroidery exhibition visit with Princess Kako

In the first video the Crown Princess is quoted saying, that the future Crown Prince and godwilling Emperor can follow his own interests, when he starts higher education next year. That sounds very liberal!

 

[Prisma]

Crown Princess Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will make an official visit to Türkiye in early December to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan. The visit is expected to last just under a week and include a courtesy visit to President Erdogan.

The couple received an invitation from the Turkish government in August.

Sources: Sankei, NTV, FNN

I wish Princess Akiko had been invited instead...

 

[iceflower]

Crown Princess Kiko paid a visit to a health promotion center in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture today, September 15:


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[iceflower]

Today, September 17, Crown Princess Kiko attended the “Research Fellowship-RPD Research Exchange Meeting" in Tokyo:


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[Prisma]

Crown Princess Kiko paid a visit to a health promotion center in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture today, September 15:


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She visited September 14-15, partly related to Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association where she serves as President.

September 14 in Kanazawa City: learn about Yoboukai medical services, which provides STI testing, in disaster area

September 15 in Suzu City:

• inspect health checkups which resumed after delays from the Noto earthquake. Screenings were conducted by Ishikawa's branch of Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association. Kiko helped setup the clinic.
• meet local restaurant owners, who provided meals to evacuees from March to August.

More photos: FNN, TBS, Sankei Imperial Weekly 864

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended the award ceremony of the Fukuoka Prize for "individuals and organizations who contributed to the preservation and creation of Asian culture" in Fukuoka today, September 26:


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[Prisma]

On October 1st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended "Kyoto's scenery colored by traditional performing arts," the opening performance of the 2024 (Reiwa 6) Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto in Kyoto.

Photos: Mainichi, NHK, Yomiuri, AP Images

 

[Prisma]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Kyoto Prefecture October 4-5 for the 100th Anniversary of Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The prince is Patron of the Japan Association of Botanical Gardens.

• 10/4: Kyoto Botanical Gardens tour
• 10/5: 100th Anniversary ceremony held at the Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

Photos:

• Mainichi, Sankei, Getty Images
• AP Images, Sankei2, Yomiuri

 

[Prisma]

On October 15th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended the welcome reception of the 64th Convention of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad at Kaiun Club in Chiyoda, Tokyo. About 180 people of Japanese descent from some 20 countries, including Latin America and North America, attended the event.

Renato Ishikawa, President of the Brazilian Japanese Cultural Welfare Association, proposed a toast in Spanish and Portuguese. The conference will be held October 15-17 and its theme is "Let's overcome the era of division and conflict! ~ Nikkei society contributing to the realization of coexistence."

Photos: Asahi, Getty Images, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On October 16th, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko met recipients of the 2024 Japan Foundation Awards at the Akishino residence.

On October 17th, Crown Princess Kiko met the 72nd Honolulu Cherry Blossom Queen and others selected from the Japanese community in Hawaii at the Akishino residence.

Photos: Sankei Imperial Weekly 868

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Fukui today, October 19:


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[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko spent another day at the prefecture of Fukui today, October 20:


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[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attendedthe reception of the Blue Planet Prize Award Ceremony in Tokyo yesterday, October 23:


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[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko paid a visit to Saga yesterday, October 25:


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[Prisma]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Saga Prefecture October 25-26 for the 23rd National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities and local inspection.

• Saga Prefectural School for the Blind
• Higashiyoka Tidal Flats Visitor Center
• Opening ceremony of 23rd National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities
• Swimming events

秋篠宮皇嗣同妃両殿下のお成りについて

秋篠宮皇嗣同妃両殿下のお成りについて / 佐賀県

www.pref.saga.lg.jp

October 26 photos: Getty Images, AP Images