Princess Kako’s Elegant All-White Look Draws Attention as Speculation Grows Over More Joint Appearances with Prince Hisahito

Eventually, he will carry out official duties on his own

“The colors are truly beautiful.”

“These materials are invaluable for understanding the relationship between our two countries.”

Princess Kako (31), the second daughter of the Akishino family, dressed entirely in white, and Prince Hisahito (19), the eldest son, wearing a dark-colored suit, made these remarks to their guide.

On May 23, the siblings visited a special exhibition at the Kokugakuin University Museum in Shibuya, Tokyo, commemorating the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium. Around 40 items were on display, including a vase decorated with chrysanthemums that had been presented to Belgium by Emperor Meiji and lacquered footed boxes.

“Since Japan and Belgium concluded the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation in 1866, the ties between the imperial families of both countries have been very strong. During the 150th anniversary celebrations in 2016, King Philippe of Belgium visited Japan, and Princess Kako attended the Imperial banquet together with her older sister, Princess Mako. This June, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress are scheduled to visit Brussels, the Belgian capital, where they will participate in events hosted by the King and Queen,” explained a reporter covering the Imperial Household Agency for a national newspaper.

This was the first official engagement Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito had attended together in approximately eight months, since they watched the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium last September. According to Yuji Odabe, Professor Emeritus at Shizuoka University of Welfare and an expert on the Imperial Family, joint appearances by the siblings are likely to increase in the future.

“Prince Hisahito is second in line to the throne. Eventually, he will undertake official duties on his own, but he only completed his coming-of-age ceremonies last September. While he is attending the University of Tsukuba, his studies will take priority. Until he becomes fully independent in his public role, there will likely be more occasions where he appears alongside Princess Kako. It is expected that he will receive guidance from his older sister, who has handled a demanding schedule of official engagements,” Odabe said.

Joint appearances by the siblings also appear to offer advantages for the Akishino family itself. Odabe continued:

“It has been said that Princess Kako and her mother, Crown Princess Kiko (59), held differing views regarding the marriage of Princess Mako and Kei Komuro. Even now, many people still have the impression that the Akishino family is not particularly close. Official engagements featuring Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito as a sibling pair could help dispel that image. Such appearances would also align with the family’s wish to participate in official duties together whenever possible.”

It appears increasingly likely that Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito will carry out more official engagements together in the years ahead.