Princess Kako Faces Another Busy Year, Possible Sudden Engagement Raises Concerns About Life After Marriage

Princess Kako (30), appearing in a white jacket and bright green skirt, delivered the following speech with a smile:

“Green gives us refreshment and peace, and allows us to feel the changing seasons. It helps mitigate global warming and the heat island effect, nurtures various living creatures, and plays an important role in disaster prevention. I deeply respect those who have worked hard for the creation of green-rich towns.”

Princess Kako attended the 8th “Midori no ‘Wa’ Exchange Gathering” held on December 15 at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato, Tokyo, which recognizes efforts toward creating greener cities. When award recipients explained their activities, she asked enthusiastically, “How was this carried out?” among other questions.

It Depends on Her Own Thoughts

Princess Kako actively engages in public duties. In 2024, she carried out more than 130 official engagements, and this year she is on a pace exceeding that. Imperial commentator Shinji Yamashita explains:

“This year, there were major events such as the ‘2025 Tokyo Deaflympics’ and the ‘Osaka-Kansai Expo,’ and it was also the 80th anniversary of the postwar era, so she was busier than last year. Next year, the ‘Asia Para Games’ is scheduled in Aichi Prefecture, so her schedule will likely remain just as full.

Some people expect her workload to be lighter now that Prince Hisahito has come of age, but while she is attending university, academics take priority. Therefore, there is no expected impact on Princess Kako’s public duties.”

Princess Kako will turn 31 on December 29. While public anticipation of her marriage is growing, there are also uncertainties. Yamashita continues:

“Until around 1965, female members of the Imperial Family typically married around age 20, so public duties as an adult member were not really considered. However, from the 1970s, like the general population, female royals increasingly pursued higher education and later marriage. As they remain in the Imperial Family for longer after reaching adulthood, they take on more public duties. Today, there are unmarried female royals around 40 years old. Regarding Princess Kako’s marriage, it ultimately depends on her own decision.

A sudden engagement announcement is, of course, possible. Under current law, she would leave the Imperial Family upon marriage, but given her extremely high public profile, she is unlikely to enjoy a fully private life as a regular citizen. Even Princess Mako, her elder sister, remains the focus of public attention four years after moving to the United States.”

Next year, there is no doubt that Princess Kako will continue to be a beloved figure among the Japanese people.