Princess Kako Attends Youth Declaration Conference in Blue Focusing on New Social Issues and Her New Role

Awareness as the “Elderly Female Member of the Imperial Family”

“Princess Kako will turn 30 years old in December. Regardless of how the future imperial succession issue progresses, as the cousin of Princess Aiko and the older sister of Prince Hisahito, she will likely take on the role of supporting both of them, in both her public and private life, as an elder female member of the imperial family,” says Yuji Odabe, a professor emeritus at Shizuoka University of Welfare, when discussing the future role expected of Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family.

Princess Kako will celebrate her 30th birthday on December 29. Dubbed the “Diana of the East,” Princess Kako enjoys widespread support both domestically and internationally. A book covering her 30-year journey, titled Complete Permanent Edition: The Full Record of Her Growth into the “Diana of the East” – Princess Kako, The Gallant Princess “30 Years of Progress” (Kodansha, 1760 yen), was released on October 31.

Ahead of the book’s release, Professor Odabe shared his thoughts about Princess Kako’s future (the following text is his quoted speech in bold).

“Female members of the imperial family, including Princess Kako, have been exploring different ways of living as times change. They each have their areas of expertise, and they are constantly thinking about what they can do within those areas.”

“The role of the imperial family is, I believe, to interact with the people on behalf of the Emperor and Empress. The imperial family members engage with disaster victims, and they understand the importance of this interaction. However, as social inequality increases, it will become crucial to broaden the support to include those suffering in the midst of disparity.”

Expectations for “New Perspectives”

For example, young carers and young people who are struggling to find employment are groups that have not yet been included in the imperial family’s areas of care. It would be ideal for Princess Kako to connect with people like them, who are recognized as part of a social problem but have not yet received support. Moreover, she and they belong to similar generations. Despite being a member of the imperial family, she has the potential to confront the issues faced by the younger generation as something personal.

Princess Kako has been actively engaged in activities such as dance, which previous members of the imperial family did not pursue. Her proactive approach to new social issues may be easier for the public to accept.

By paying attention to those struggling in society, reaching out, and lifting them up. This is the spirit of Emperor Emeritus when he began his public duties. Over time, the specific targets of whom to help have changed. I feel that Princess Kako should continue to approach the people with empathy using a new and youthful perspective that has never been seen before.

The book Complete Permanent Edition: The Full Record of Her Growth into the “Diana of the East” – Princess Kako, The Gallant Princess “30 Years of Progress”, which will be released on October 31, includes a long interview with Yuji Odabe as well as royal journalist Yasushi Kuno. The book offers a detailed account of Princess Kako’s true character, with precious private photos capturing her private life, drawing support from people across Japan.

Click here to pre-order and purchase.