Princess Kako Faces Health Concerns Amid Marriage Rumors and Busy Official Duties Starting in March
“This is a wonderful invention that helps protect people’s lives.”
On March 2, Princess Kako (31), the second daughter of the Akishino family, visited the “Naruhodo Exhibition” in Yurakucho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and shared this impression.
The “Naruhodo Exhibition” showcases inventions created by women to enrich daily life. Princess Kako picked up the “Multifunction Smartphone Accessory Emergency Whistle,” which won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award. The item is designed so that its handle, normally used as a stand, functions as a whistle, allowing one to alert others to their location during a disaster.
“Princess Kako arrived in a neat outfit, wearing a white cardigan and a black skirt. She smiled throughout the visit. While the inventor explained the product, she listened attentively, nodding in understanding,” said a reporter covering the Imperial Household for a national newspaper.
Visits to foreign countries are especially difficult
Members of the Imperial Family typically take on more official duties once the warmer spring months arrive. In 2024, Princess Kako carried out over 130 engagements, and last year she maintained an even busier pace. From March onward, she is expected to continue with a demanding schedule, explains Imperial commentator Shinji Yamashita.
“Some may assume that Princess Kako’s workload would lighten now that Prince Hisahito has completed his coming-of-age ceremony, but while she is attending university (University of Tsukuba), academics remain her priority. Therefore, even if Prince Hisahito undertakes many official duties, it won’t significantly reduce Princess Kako’s responsibilities. She is likely to remain as busy this year as she was last year.
Official visits abroad, in particular, place a heavy physical and mental burden on her. She must receive briefings from experts on the history and culture of the countries she visits, review materials on the facilities she will tour and the people she will meet, and prepare her remarks—there are many aspects to consider in advance. For younger members of the Imperial Family, schedules abroad tend to be tight, which raises concerns about physical strain. In fact, her planned visit to the Musashi Imperial Graveyard after last June’s trip to Brazil had to be canceled due to health issues.”
Princess Kako turned 31 on December 29 last year. Attention now turns to the rumored timing of her marriage. When she graduated from International Christian University in March 2019, she commented on the matter:
“Regarding the timing of marriage, I think it should not be too late and, if possible, it should be good. As for whether there is a partner, I do not intend to answer, now or in the future.”
At 31, this could be considered a not too late time for marriage. While she continues to devote herself energetically to official duties, a sudden announcement of an engagement or wedding may also be possible.
PHOTO： JMPA