Repeated references to “equality”] Longing for “natural rights” as seen in the speech of Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family.

A Wish for Equality

On December 29, Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, will celebrate her 30th birthday.

While she is busy with her official duties on the eve of this major milestone, her private life has also been the focus of much attention this year, with reports popping up about a potential future marriage partner.

Former NTV announcer and current Imperial Household journalist Yasushi KUNO spoke to us about the current state of the PRINCESS PRINCESS, who is highly popular not only in Japan but also abroad (all statements in parentheses are his own).

I have been paying attention to the fact that Kako often mentions “gender” and “equality” in her official addresses these days,” he said. I hope that everyone will be able to have a choice in life, and that we can create a society where such things are taken for granted,” she said.

It is true that Japan is not an equal society in terms of gender disparity. He refers to such a situation as a problem and hopes that people will be able to have a variety of choices in life. At the same time as wishing this for Japanese society, it seems to me that Kako is expressing her wish that this would also be the case in the Imperial Family.

When female members of the Imperial Family get married, a lot of things are said about the status of the partner. I can’t help but feel as if I am being asked if the Imperial Family should have the same rights that are recognized in general society, as if to say, ‘Since you have fallen in love with her, it’s fine.

Intended to appeal for “change in the Imperial Family”?

There is no doubt that she made this comment with her sister Mako’s marriage to Kei Komuro in mind. The two of them met at university, dated, and were supposed to have a very normal marriage. But things got complicated and a big fuss was made about it.

It is difficult in today’s Imperial Family for Princess Kako to get married immediately “because she fell in love with him” without regard to the family background of her partner. But I think this is a sign of the Imperial Family’s awareness of the need to gradually make changes in this area.

Looking at the way her official duties have been conducted recently, I have another impression. That is that Kako herself is a person who loves to interact with people. When she performs her official duties, I am sure she speaks to people willingly. When I see her smile, I can’t help but feel that way.

Kako has an affability that allows her to easily enter the circle of ordinary people. I think this is one of her great strengths. She also has a very warm eye toward children. If she didn’t love communication, she wouldn’t be so good at sign language, which she sometimes demonstrates. It is a proof that she is studying very hard.

Although she is a PRINCESS PRINCESS, the public must recognize her as a ‘kind person from the bottom of her heart. I believe that among the current members of the Imperial Family, Kako has achieved the most in her attitude of joining the people and trying to understand their feelings as much as possible.

The “Complete and Permanent Preservation Edition: The Complete Record of Kako’s Growth into the ‘Diana of the East'” (Kodansha, 1,760 yen), to be released on October 31, includes extremely rare photos of Kako in her office worker suit on her way to work, the first smile she showed at her university student days at the newcomers’ camp, and other photos only this magazine could have seen. The book provides a detailed report of Kako’s true face along with more than 100 all-color photographs.

Click here to pre-order or purchase.