Tokyo, Dec 1 (EFE).- Princess Aiko of Japan, only daughter of Emperors Naruhito and Masako, turned 23 this Sunday at a time when she is seeing her official role increase as a member of the imperial family after completing her university degree last spring.
The princess began working at the Japanese Red Cross in April, specifically in a department focused on training volunteers, according to the Imperial Household Agency in a statement issued on the occasion of her birthday.
Within her roles as a member of the imperial family, Aiko made her first official solo visit to attend a sporting event in Saga prefecture (southeastern Japan) last October.
Previously, in February, the princess attended a lunch at the Imperial Palace with the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and the Kenyan First Lady, Rachel Chebet, an event that she considered an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history and culture from other countries, the Agency indicated.
Aiko was also scheduled to visit Ishikawa Prefecture, the central region of the country that was hit by a strong earthquake on January 1, but heavy rain forced the trip to be cancelled.
The princess also recently attended the funeral in memory of Princess Yuriko, her father’s great-aunt who until her death this November was the oldest member of the imperial family.
On weekends, Aiko likes to walk with her parents and play tennis, badminton or volleyball with staff from the Imperial Household agency, the statement indicates. EFE
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