The second daughter of the Akishino family, Kako, has become even more beautiful, and the timing of her marriage is worrisome.

Two reasons why an unofficial announcement of engagement is possible

Dressed in a light green dress, Princess Kako, 31, repeatedly lowers her right hand toward her left hand in front of her chest.

This was a scene from the New Year’s visit to the Imperial Palace on January 2. The gesture made by Princess Kako was a sign language meaning “thank you. On the occasion of Kako’s 31st birthday on December 29 last year, the Imperial Household Agency posted the following document on its official website.

I understand that, as a member of the same society, you have a sincere respect and appreciation for those who have devoted themselves to the betterment of society through their activities and daily lives over the past year.

In the year leading up to her 31st birthday, Kako was energetically active. The year before last, she performed more than 130 official duties, and her activities last year exceeded that number. Yuji Odabe, professor emeritus at Shizuoka University of Social Welfare, said.

His younger brother, Hisahito, has reached the age of majority, but he will not be able to pass on his official duties immediately. Her academic work at the University of Tsukuba comes first. I don’t think Kako will be as busy this year as she has been in the past.

What is of interest is the timing of the marriage. When Kako graduated from International Christian University in March 2007, she commented on her own marriage.

As for the timing of my marriage, I hope it will not be too late. As for whether or not I have a partner, I do not intend to answer that question, including in the future.

Is 31 years of age a “not-too-late” timing? Noriko Tsuge, a part-time lecturer at Seibu Bunri University and the producer of “Window on the Imperial Family” (TV Tokyo), explains.

There is a possibility that they will suddenly announce an unofficial engagement. One reason is that His Highness Prince Eugene has reached the age of majority. Kako must have been relieved to hear that her younger brother, though still a student, has reached the age of adulthood. The second reason is that the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics were held last fall. I am sure you must have a strong sense of accomplishment to have successfully witnessed the Deaflympics through your enthusiastic efforts in sign language. I believe that the hurdles to her marriage have been lowered by the two important events of last year.

Up to now, various men have been rumored as possible partners for Princess Kako. A sergeant of a former noble family, a famous dentist, and a friend from her school days ……. Kako lives alone in the Akasaka Imperial Palace (Minato Ward), and it is impossible to tell from the outside if she has a man to nurture her love. Her marriage is likely to be a surprise announcement. What will her life be like afterwards? Mr. Shinji Yamashita, a commentator on the Imperial Household, comments as follows.

According to the current law, if she marries, she will leave the Imperial Family, but unfortunately she will not be able to live her married life as a “common citizen” because of the extremely high level of attention that Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako is attracting. Her sister, Mako Komuro, is still the center of attention four years after moving to the United States.”

Will she be able to respond to the public’s blessing with sign language and a smile? The time for the announcement may not be far off.

From the January 23, 2026 issue of FRIDAY