“I’m a little nervous.” “Thank you for your cooperation over the next two days.”
Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, arrived in Saga Prefecture on her first solo local official business and was greeted politely by Governor Yoshiyoshi Yamaguchi and others at the airport.
The visit started on October 11th and lasted for 2 days and 1 night. He seemed to be deepening his awareness of being a member of the imperial family alongside the people by experiencing first-hand how people live and local circumstances. (Kyodo News = Mitsuhiro Shizu)
▽Carefully prepared
Every year, members of the imperial family attend the National Sports Festival (formerly known as the National Sports Festival), and Princess Aiko also joined them this time. On the first day, the 11th, they cheered on boys’ 100m and other track and field events, and on the 12th they cheered on judo.
According to aides, this is the first time they have actually seen each of them. Princess Aiko exclaimed, “I was so moved that I could even hear footsteps, which you can’t hear on TV.”
When watching a game, an expert will be present to explain the rules and provide commentary.
“So you also attended Kanoya University of Physical Education.” Takahiro Nishida, vice president of the All Japan Judo Federation, was surprised that Princess Aiko was aware of her background.
Princess Aiko, who appeared to have prepared carefully, said, “I watched the judo at the Paris Olympics until late every night.”
▽Experience history and culture
Local public affairs also provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area.
During my stay, I visited the Prefectural Saga Castle Honmaru Historical Museum to see an exhibition of great figures produced by Saga during the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration period. I was also deeply absorbed in the skit depicting the passion of Tsunetami Sano, the founder of the Japanese Red Cross Society, where Princess Aiko works.
I visited Nao Handmade Washi, a workshop located in the mountains, and tried my hand at paper making. He was impressed by the 300-year-old tradition as he learned from the craftsmen, saying, “It’s profound.”
“While valuing each of my duties, I would like to do my best to the best of my ability so that I can be of even the slightest help to Their Majesties and other members of the Imperial Family.”
At a press conference in 2022, Princess Aiko expressed her thoughts as an adult member of the imperial family.
On this visit, many people gathered everywhere we went, and Princess Aiko kept smiling and waving with her car window open.
