By AYAKO NAKADA/ Staff Writer
September 11, 2024 at 16:30 JST
Crown Princess Kiko marked her 58th birthday on Sept. 11 with a statement expressing concern about the ongoing online criticism of her family and sharing her hopes for her only son, Prince Hisahito.
Hisahito, second in line to the throne, turned 18 on Sept. 6 and is now an adult member of the imperial family.
“I hope he will value each of his duties and gain experience over time,” Kiko said in a written response to questions submitted by the Imperial Household Agency press club ahead of her birthday.
She reflected on Hisahito’s childhood, recalling his interest in bug hunting, growing vegetables and creating clay models of old tools after studying them in illustrated reference books.
“I strongly feel that these experiences, (which nurtured his curiosity and creativity,) have contributed to his growth and continue to support his development,” she said.
Hisahito is currently a third-year high school student.
Kiko stressed the importance of respecting his decisions about where to study, saying, “I will respect whatever choice my son carefully considers and makes.”
She added that she will offer encouragement if he faces challenges in deciding his future path, helping him to use the strengths he has cultivated.
Kiko also referred to her visit to Kanazawa in April, where she met with children and expectant and nursing mothers who had left their hometowns after the Noto Peninsula earthquake on Jan. 1.
“I cannot help but wish for the health of those living on the Noto Peninsula and those who have left,” she said.
The Akishino family has faced ongoing online criticism, particularly regarding the marriage of their eldest daughter, Mako Komuro, and Hisahito’s education, much of it based on speculation and unverified information.
Kiko said candidly, “When my family faces these situations, it becomes difficult to maintain peace of mind, and we often struggle with it.”
She also expressed concern that online backlash has become a social problem, saying, “I think many people are having a hard time.”
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Crown Princess Kiko holds a bouquet crafted entirely from Mino "washi" paper, featuring sunflowers, marguerite daisies and other flowers, on Aug. 14. She says that it makes her feel happy. (Provided by the Imperial Household Agency)
