By AKIKO TADA/ Staff Writer
September 11, 2023 at 18:55 JST
Crown Princess Kiko, who turned 57 on Sept. 11, said she had been greatly concerned after the renovation costs of her family’s residence had increased beyond the initial estimates.
“I believe all involved made decisions after careful consideration,” she explained about the renovation work in a written reply to questions reporters submitted prior to her birthday.
The renovations cost about 3.02 billion yen ($20.7 million), with Crown Prince Fumihito and Kiko stating their two wishes to the Imperial Household Agency before it began.
One was to cherish the beautiful interior and exterior designs of their residence, which was previously used by the late Prince Chichibu, and the other was to minimize the renovation budget as much as possible.
Kiko added that Princess Kako, her second daughter, is living in an annex formerly called Gokagusho instead of the renovated Akasaka Estate residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward.
To keep the scale and costs of the renovation low, four family members other than the youngest child Prince Hisahito discussed and decided not to create rooms for the eldest daughter Mako Komuro, who was not married at that time, and Kako.
Instead, the two sisters would continue to use the annex, which had been a temporary residence during the renovation work.
Previously, the family refrained from explaining who would live where, saying it is a private matter and related to security.
However, the Imperial Household Agency thought further explanation was needed regarding major changes, such as Kako residing in the annex.
Kako often visits the family’s residence to chat and dine with them, the agency said.
As for her future works, Kiko said, “Thinking of children who will create the future, I’d like to engage in activities with experts and good colleagues that lead to hope.”
She said she also strongly believes in Kako’s dedication to every official duty.
She also expressed her hopes for Hisahito, her only son and second in line to the throne, to deepen his learning in his own way, accumulate various experiences and cherish his own interests and curiosity.
She added that she continuously wishes for the happiness of Mako, who married and is living in the United States.
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Crown Princess Kiko chats with Crown Prince Fumihito at the renovated Akasaka Estate residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on Aug. 18. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)
