Princess Kako: Emperor Naruhito's Niece

Princess Kako, the 20-year-old second daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, has been riding a massive wave of popularity since her coming of age late last year. Perhaps the closest parallel is the “Mitchī boom” triggered by the 1958 announcement of the engagement of then Crown Prince Akihito (the current emperor) to Shōda Michiko (now Empress Michiko). As the first commoner ever to marry into the Japanese imperial family, Michiko brought a breath of fresh air and modernity to the venerable institution. The media carried story after story about “Mitchī,” whose youthful beauty and intelligence seemed to portend a brighter future for women all over Japan.



Today, in the Heisei era, the emperor’s granddaughter is doing what Michiko did in the preceding Shōwa era: injecting vitality and relevance into the imperial household even while preserving its hallowed traditions. The grace and natural refinement that have made her an “important cultural asset” have also transformed the young Princess Kako into a symbol of hope for the Japanese people.



On December 29, 2014, Princess Kako celebrated her twentieth birthday and made a formal appearance before the emperor and empress to take her place as a full-fledged adult member of the imperial family. On January 2, 2015, just four days later, she made her first appearance at the customary New Year’s Greeting event, when the emperor and his family appear before crowds of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace. Some 80,000 visitors poured into the palace grounds as Princess Kako’s debut fueled a surge of interest. It was the third largest turnout since 1989, the beginning of the current Heisei reign era.



Princess Kako was the picture of elegant poise and grace as she made her public debut in her official role. Appearing in light makeup and a long gown, she stood on the veranda of the Chōwaden Reception Hall beside her similarly attired sister Princess Mako, who was home on vacation from her studies overseas. Princess Kako’s look was pitch perfect for the sister of a future emperor (her younger brother Prince Hisahito is second in line to the throne) and for the new face of the imperial household, kindling hopes for the new year and a bright future. As Japan’s oldest family, the imperial household represents a priceless cultural heritage that we should all work to protect. A unique cultural tradition is Japan’s elevated yet inclusive New Year’s Poetry Reading (Utakai Hajime), in which the imperial family gathers with other notables and members of the general public to recite original poetry in the Japanese style.



At a news conference marking her coming of age on December 29, 2014, Princess Kako told the press, “I believe I should perform each of the tasks I humbly receive with care and respect.” As far as I know, Princess Kako is the first female member of the imperial family to use the expression itadaita shigoto in reference to taking responsibility for her official duties. Intelligent, self-effacing, and eager to be of service to others, the articulate princess conveyed a mature awareness of her position as sister to the future emperor. She was also refreshingly forthright about her own character: “My biggest shortcoming is that I have a short fuse, just like my father. At home I often get into quarrels over minor things.” Asked about marriage, the princess replied, “I’d like to eventually.” She characterized her ideal mate as “someone I can feel relaxed around.” Here, too, she communicated her attachment to her family and her healthy attitude toward family life in general.



Meanwhile, Princess Kako has developed focus and persistence through her outside hobbies, figure skating and dance. She has distinguished herself particularly in the former sport, coming in first in her class in the Japan Skating Federation’s 2007 Spring Cup competition. Princess Kako’s slim, graceful figure is another benefit of her devotion to figure skating. In this and other ways, she has injected a contemporary sensibility into the imperial family even while honoring its traditions.



Princess Kako is known both for her active, energetic lifestyle and for her unusual independence and initiative. Last year, she made the personal decision to withdraw from Gakushūin University, the college of choice for members of the imperial family, and enroll at International Christian University. As the princess explained it, she was ready for a change of environment, having attended Gakushūin-affiliated schools since kindergarten. Appearing before reporters in a navy blue blazer and white blouse on April 2, 2015, just before attending ICU’s spring entrance ceremony, Princess Kako said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to begin student life anew, and I want to spend my time here meaningfully.”