Princess Kako, who turns 28 on Dec. 29, walks in a garden at the Akasaka Estate. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Photo/Illutration Princess Kako strolls in a garden at the Akasaka Estate on Dec. 2. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)

Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, turned 28 on Dec. 29 and expressed her desire for all people to freely set their own paths in life.

Kako hopes “society will become one where everyone has a wide range of choices in their life and be able to choose a path that maximizes their own potential,” the Imperial Household Agency said.

Kako has resumed her visits to regional areas, which had been suspended for about two years and nine months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the agency.

It said she made official outings 23 times this year, excluding imperial family rituals and events. Six of the official visits were outside Tokyo.

In June, Kako succeeded her sister Mako, who left the imperial family after marrying a commoner, as president of the Japan Kogei Association, which promotes Japan’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts.

Kako has shown great appreciation for many crafts and works at exhibitions.

She also attended Girl Scouts-related events held in Nagano Prefecture in August and in Tokyo in October, and spoke with younger generations.

Kako said she felt encouraged by their serious efforts and thoughts about achieving gender equality and improving environmental issues while actively working toward creating a better society.

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