On October 17th, Princess Akiko gave a special lecture entitled "A City Where Japanese Culture Lives" at Kokushikan University in Setagaya, Tokyo. About 200 students and faculty and staff from the Graduate School of Humanities and the Faculty of Letters attended.
The lecture began with an episode during her time studying aboard at Oxford University. Akiko realized the high level of interest in Japanese culture during her volunteer work at the British Museum. After returning to Japan, she founded "Shinyusha" in parallel with her research activities in Japanese art.
She also spoke about the many challenges to passing on traditional culture, such as a lack of successors, the decline of traditional techniques, and a fading awareness of Japanese culture in modern society. Akiko spoke of her thoughts by citing several examples from her book, "The Last Craftsman's Story," which compiles the stories of craftsmen living in Kyoto.
However, Akiko is optimistic about future and believes traditions will endure. An example given were efforts along a shopping street approaching Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which combines tradition and modernity. A question and answer session followed her lecture. Akiko used the remaining time to introduce some Kokushikan University graduates who now serve as Imperial Guards or her aide-de-camp, highlighting the connection to the university and achievements after graduation.
彬子女王殿下による特別講義(第7回)が行われましたのページです。東京都世田谷・町田・多摩のキャンパスに7学部14学科・10研究科を擁する総合大学。高い志をもち社会に貢献する人材を育成しています。
www.kokushikan.ac.jp
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On November 2nd, Princess Yohko attended the 2024 Super GT Round 8 Motegi Official Qualifying at Motegi Mobility Resort in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture. Unfortunately, GT500 Class driver Kakunoshin Ohta finished in 12th place. Yohko gave him a charm for better luck the next day.