Photo/Illutration Princess Aiko waves to people on the street before attending a graduation ceremony at Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward on March 22. (Pool)

Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, graduated from high school on March 22.

Aiko, 18, attended a graduation ceremony held at Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward that day.

She posed for photos and answered questions from reporters in front of the school gate.

“I was able to experience many things and have fun and a very fulfilling school life,” said Aiko. “I’m truly grateful to all those who have supported me.”

She will start studying at the Department of Japanese Language and Literature of the Gakushuin University’s Faculty of Letters in Tokyo from April.

As a precaution against the new coronavirus, Aiko arrived at the high school wearing a face mask. Her parents did not attend the ceremony.

In a statement released through the Imperial Household Agency ahead of her graduation, she said she was grateful as she marks the end of her high school life.

Looking back on her school days, she said the times she spent laughing and talking with her friends, field days that she worked together with her classmates and summer school at Eton College in Britain where she experienced the British culture were among her most memorable school events.

She added that she made a lot of precious memories at her high school.

The emperor and empress also released a statement. Referring to the six-year period from when Aiko started attending Gakushuin Girls’ Junior High School, the couple said their daughter could spend fun and fruitful days by learning a lot through her valuable experiences.