Seven Years After Graduation in Gown and Cap Princess Kako Shines in Official Duties and Smiles Following Her ICU Graduation Words
It’s graduation season.
A relatively recent graduation among the Imperial Family is that of Princess Kako of the Akishino family (31). In March 2019, Princess Kako graduated from International Christian University (ICU).
Since then, she has energetically carried out her official duties, continuing to charm those she meets with her radiant “Princess Kako smile.” Princess Kako chose ICU because it allowed her to study broadly without committing to a single major. Here, we present how her life has unfolded since graduation, as reflected in the statement she gave at the time.
“My basic approach is to carefully tackle each task I am asked to do.”
When asked by reporters at her ICU graduation, Princess Kako responded with this written statement. True to her words, she has since appeared at various events in her official capacity.
Though her fresh appearance in the black gown and mortarboard at the graduation ceremony is still vivid in memory, it is surprising to realize that seven years have already passed since that day.
Princess Kako’s greatest charm lies in her ability to naturally blend among the people like the beautiful older sister next door, bringing energy and brightness to those around her with her smile.
It’s only a dream, after all
In April of last year, she visited Ishikawa Prefecture, meeting artisans involved in lacquerware and ceramics who had been affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains, listening to their experiences during and after the disasters. She was reportedly impressed by both the appeal of Ishikawa’s traditional crafts and the dedication and passion of those involved.
In May of the same year, she visited Gifu Prefecture to attend the “2025 National Urban Greening Festival.” At the ceremony held at the Gifu World Rose Garden in Kani City, Princess Kako spoke as follows:
“Flowers and greenery bring us refreshment and peace. They also play important roles in mitigating global warming, disaster prevention, and nurturing diverse life forms. It is truly meaningful that all of you cherish, protect, and cultivate these irreplaceable flowers and greenery I envision that, through this fair, warm exchanges fostering the protection and cultivation of flowers and greenery in this blessed natural environment will continue.”
While in Gifu, she also engaged closely with local high school students and children, listening to explanations about the conservation of Japanese giant salamanders and playing with toys made from Gifu-produced wood. Her smile surely left a lasting impression on the students and children she met.
Princess Kako continues to connect with and encourage the public. Reflecting back, when asked about her dreams for the future in her graduation statement at ICU, she replied:
“My dreams for the future are, after all, just dreams, so I wish to continue nurturing them within myself as I always have.”
We can only hope that Princess Kako’s dreams, whatever they may be, continue to move toward realization.
Interview and text by： Kaori Takagi PHOTO： Kyodo News