THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
October 25, 2020 at 18:50 JST
Princess Aiko attended a guidance session for freshmen at Gakushuin University on Oct. 24, the first time she has gone to the campus after the coronavirus pandemic forced students there to take classes online.
Wearing a mask, Aiko, 18, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, expressed her joy and resolve months after she was enrolled in the university in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, where her father also attended, in April.
“It came six months later, but I am delighted to meet with my classmates and teachers,” Aiko said. “I am determined to try many things at school while treasuring the excitement of learning new things.”
University officials said they will continue with online classes for the time being.
But they will consider starting in-person classes and other activities on campus while monitoring the trajectory of new COVID-19 cases in the capital.
Aiko entered Gakushuin University with her major in Japanese literature.
But the entrance ceremony in April was canceled due to the pandemic, and she has been taking online classes at her home in Akasaka Imperial Residence.
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Princess Aiko, a freshman at Gakushuin University in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward on Oct. 24 (Pool)
