An Imperial Week in Photos: Princess Kako Highlights Youth and Cultural Exchange

Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who have been experiencing cold symptoms, have postponed their planned trip to Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, originally scheduled for the end of March. The Emperor also missed two Imperial court spring ceremonies.

Akishino Family's Public Engagements

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko visited the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, on March 20. There, they attended the 120th anniversary celebration of Syuyoudan, a social education organization.

In his remarks, the Crown Prince spoke about the group's work and expressed his hope that "many people will continue to sow as many seeds of happiness as possible, contributing to a society that is more caring and supportive in everyday life."

*The Crown Prince and Crown Princess attend the 120th anniversary ceremony of the Syuyoudan foundation at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on March 20.*

Princess Kako Visits Schools and Youth Groups

On March 24, Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Crown Prince, visited Hamamatsu City. She met with members of COLORS, a group founded by young people with foreign roots, including Japanese Brazilians. The Princess listened closely as they described their activities, which include delivering outreach lessons and sharing experiences through video, and remarked, "I see that you are connecting the achievements, advice, and experiences of your seniors. This is a very important initiative."

*Princess Kako meets with members of COLORS, an organization founded by young people with foreign roots, in Hamamatsu on March 24.*

She then visited a South American international school, where she observed a Japanese-language class in which children practiced reading dates aloud to a rhythm. After watching the students perform taiko drumming, she said, "It was a powerful performance and very impressive."

Princess Kako also visited a school for Japanese Brazilians, where she observed another Japanese-language class. She asked the children, "What do you bring in your lunchboxes when you go cherry-blossom viewing?" She also praised them, saying, "I can see that you are all working very hard at studying Japanese."

*Princess Kako observes a Japanese language class at a South American–focused international school in Hamamatsu on March 24.*

Education, Health, and Culture

On March 26, Princess Hanako of Hitachi visited the Science Museum in Tokyo. She attended the awards ceremony of a student exhibition organized by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, of which Prince Hitachi (Masahito) serves as president.

On March 21, Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko), attended the JKC Sakura Annual Show 2026, one of Japan's largest dog shows, at Tokyo Big Sight. On the 24th, she attended an event hosted by the Japan Society for Menopause and Women's Health, where she serves as honorary president.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa visited Monaco, where she attended an international under-12 seven-a-side rugby tournament on March 20 in her capacity as honorary president of the Japan Rugby Football Union. The next day, she attended the opening ceremony of an official event marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Monaco, before returning to Japan on the 24th.

On March 21, Princess Takamado (Hisako) attended the "Healthy Heart Symposium 2026" in Fukuoka Prefecture, which promotes awareness of heart health. She serves as honorary president of the Japan AED Foundation, which co-hosts the symposium. On the 23rd, she attended the annual general meeting and a special lecture hosted by the Asiatic Society of Japan, where she also serves as honorary president.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun