The importance of “two official duties” for the extremely busy Princess Aiko

Concerned voices gather over “influenza infection

It is surprising that you have been going to work every day at the Japanese Red Cross Society, where you were hired as a temporary staff member. At first, it was thought that she would work only two or three days a week, but I get the impression that she is putting in a lot of effort,” said Shinji Yamashita, a commentator on the Imperial Household.

Aiko Aiko, 23, who graduated from Gakushuin University in March of this year and is now working as a contracted employee of the Japanese Red Cross Society, has been very busy since joining the company in April.

She was scheduled to visit the Sento Palace on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday on December 23, but cancelled the visit due to a flu infection. After joining the Red Cross, it was reported that he was ‘working late,’ and it was in September that he took his summer vacation. Some people are concerned that he may be suffering from fatigue due to the unfamiliar environment.

While he has been busy as a member of society, he has also been energetic in his official duties, attending the spring garden party for the first time in April, and making his first official visit to a local government office in October, when he inspected the National Sports Festival in Saga Prefecture.

Next year, he is expected to be even busier,” said Yamashita.

Possibility of “Visiting the Disaster Area” over a year

The activities of the members of the Imperial Family are classified as public and private, and the work for the Japanese Red Cross Society is private. For adult members of the Imperial Family who have completed their studies, there is an unwritten rule that they must give priority to their official duties. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko is one of the few people who can perform official duties, and based on the precedent set by Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, she will probably make an official visit to a foreign country in the near future. Even if the duration of the visit is short, it will be necessary for Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko to read materials and receive lectures in advance on the relationship between the two countries, the history of the country she will visit, and the outline of the ceremonies she will attend and the places she will inspect. Naturally, a support person will accompany them, but it is a greater burden on the individual than one might imagine.

There is a possibility that important official duties scheduled for this year may be postponed for another year. Yamashita continues.

Currently, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko is working as a volunteer for the Japanese Red Cross Society. As an employee of the Japanese Red Cross Society, there is a possibility that she will travel to Ishikawa Prefecture, which was damaged by the earthquake and torrential rain, for inspection and training. As an official duty, a visit to Ishikawa Prefecture to see a tennis tournament and inspect the affected areas was scheduled for September this year, but was cancelled due to the torrential rain damage. Whether it is as part of his official duties or as part of his work for the Japanese Red Cross Society, there is a possibility that he will visit the disaster-affected areas next year.

Princess Aiko is expected to “keep working” in 2013. An official of the Imperial Household Agency continued in a worried tone of voice, “Not only the Imperial Family, but also the Imperial Household itself, is expected to be in the disaster area.

Not only the Emperors, but also other members of the Imperial Family have a very strong sense of responsibility, and they believe that they cannot do anything halfway. This personality can be a factor that increases the burden of balancing official duties and work. Next year, when I expect to be even busier, I think you will have to find a good balance within yourself.

Princess Aiko is expected to be active in even more places in the future. The sight of the young PRINCESS PRINCESS overcoming her busy schedule is sure to inspire many people.