Princess Kako’s Vision for Her 30s Amid Uncertain Marriage and Busy Schedule

Dressed in an elegant purple dress, Princess Kako (29), the second daughter of the Akishino family, appeared at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall (Chiyoda Ward).

She attended the “National High School Sign Language Speech Contest” held there, and greeted attendees with a five-minute speech in sign language, expressing hopes that “understanding of different backgrounds and situations deepens.”

This contest is a public duty that has been passed down from her mother, Princess Kiko (57), to her sister Mako (32), and now to Princess Kako, marking the fourth year of participation.

 

Witnessed Princess Kako Arriving for Work

As she enters the final year of her twenties, Princess Kako has been the subject of various news reports concerning her potential marriage partner since the beginning of spring. However, Princess Kako continues to carry out her official duties with quiet diligence. In late June, FRIDAY observed Princess Kako arriving at the All Japan Federation of the Deaf. Despite reports suggesting she had “no actual work,” she manages her responsibilities as a part-time contracted employee and remains extremely busy.

With her 30th birthday approaching in December, what kind of future does Princess Kako envision? Imperial commentator Shinji Yamashita believes that it is highly likely she will continue her work in sign language even after marriage.

“Attending the high school sign language speech contest is a public duty, but sign language can be considered her life’s work. It is quite possible that even if she marries and leaves the imperial family, she will continue her sign language work, and there is also the possibility of her becoming a regular employee rather than just a contracted one.”

Although her marriage remains uncertain, it seems clear that Princess Kako envisions a future involving welfare work in her thirties.

From the September 6 & 13, 2024 combined issue of ‘FRIDAY’.