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Princess Mako of Japan quietly marked her 27th birthday on December 29, 2021. The second child of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko celebrated by increasing the official duties she carries out on behalf of the Imperial Family.
The Imperial Household Agency revealed that Princess Kako became the Honorary President of the Japan Tennis Association in October 2021. Before this appointment, she had watched tennis and wheelchair tennis on video during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games last summer.
Earlier, in May 2021, Princess Kako began working part-time at the Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD). According to her aides, the princess is in charge of clerical work and appears committed to “helping people as much as possible.” The organization is known for its advocacy on behalf of the deaf in Japan, including commenting on laws for their welfare and implementation of the sign language interpreter system.
In November, Princess Kako added duties her sister Mako had previously carried out, attending a virtual meeting of the 4th Green “Wa” (harmony) Exchange. The organization monitors the status of urban greening and awards companies and local governments that have beneficially contributed to the urban environment.
Princess Kako wore the same green dress as her sister Mako, who had briefed her in advance. Princess Kako enthusiastically assumed the duties her sister Mako had carried out before her marriage, and like her sister before her, she actively participated while asking questions during the event.
Former princess Mako married the commoner Kei Komuro in October, losing her title and noble status according to the Imperial Household law.
Over the past year, Princess Kako has gradually assumed many of Mako’s responsibilities, including that of the Honorary President of the Japan Tennis Association. Many of the duties involve representing the Imperial Family at various ceremonies.
The focus of Princess Kako’s birthday this year was her work. Celebrations related to her birthday were postponed because the family is in mourning following the death of her maternal grandfather, Professor Tatsuhiko Kawashima, in November.
(Read the Sankei Shimbun report in Japanese at this link.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
