Designer Moved to Consider Re-Release: The Story Behind Princess Kako’s Stunning Pink Dress

“May you all be able to fully demonstrate the results of your efforts up to now.”

These were the words expressed in sign language by Princess Kako (30), the second daughter of the Akishino family.

On November 15, the Akishino family attended the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, an international sports competition for people with hearing disabilities, held at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya. This is the first time the Deaflympics has been held in Japan. The family is scheduled to visit various competition venues during the event.

On this day, Princess Kako wore a gorgeous pink one-piece dress. It is believed to be a piece from the Kobe-based brand Viaggio Blu (“Blue Journey” in Italian), proposed as a style that brings out the elegance of an adult woman. Juri Ochi, PR representative of Java Corporation, which operates the brand, commented:

“It’s a dress released in the fall of 2024. We currently sell the same design in different colors, priced at 57,200 yen (tax included). The pink color is no longer produced, but since it looked so beautiful on Princess Kako, we are considering a re-release.”

A flood of inquiries from customers

Princess Kako seems to favor this brand, often wearing other designs from it as well. Ochi continues:

“We believe the first item she purchased was a royal blue dress released in the fall of 2022. She wore the camellia-pattern design during her visit to Brazil in June this year and again at the 70th-anniversary ceremony of the National Federation of Associations for People with Intellectual Disabilities in November.

The camellia pattern was part of last season’s autumn–winter collection. After Princess Kako wore it, we were flooded with inquiries from customers. Because our dresses are entirely handmade in Japan, production numbers are limited, so once orders reached the maximum capacity, we marked them as sold out. We are deeply honored and grateful that Princess Kako has chosen our brand repeatedly.”

The pink dress she wore at the Deaflympics opening ceremony also held special meaning.

“The main color of the event is cherry-blossom pink. Princess Kako likely chose her dress to match the main color and help liven up the event. Since May 2021, she has served as a part-time contract staff member for the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, and she is fluent in sign language. She has a very strong passion for supporting the Deaflympics.” (national newspaper Imperial Household Agency reporter)

Princess Kako tested positive for COVID-19 on November 18, leading to the cancellation of her public duties through the 21st. Upon recovery, she is expected to resume attending Deaflympics events.