Japan’s Princess Kako turns 27

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:24 JST, December 29, 2021

Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, turned 27 on Wednesday.

The princess is working hard to ensure that she is able to fulfill the official duties that she took over from her sister, Mako Komuro, 30, who recently lost her Imperial status when she got married.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Princess Kako is very happy that her sister got her wish and married, and sincerely hopes for her happiness.

Upon her sister’s marriage, Princess Kako took over the position of honorary president of the Japan Tennis Association from Mako.

In November, she participated for the first time in the Midori no Wa Kouryu no Tsudoi awards ceremony, which honors local governments and citizens groups that have contributed to the creation of green cities.

The ceremony, held online, is one that Mako used to take part in. Princess Kako used her sister’s words as a reference for her own video message and wore the clothes her sister had worn at the previous award ceremony.

Princess Kako also watched online a Girl Scout event held on themes including gender equality and contributed a video message. She reportedly was impressed by how many people, including young people, have been actively working toward a better society.

Wednesday events related to her birthday were not held as her mother is in mourning for the death of her grandfather, Tatsuhiko Kawashima.