Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko: First press conference (Part 1)
(to be continued in Part 2)
Welcome to Issues in Japan.
On March 17, Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, who came of age last December, attended her first press conference in the Great Hall of the Imperial Palace.
This time, I would like tentatively to introduce almost all parts of the question-and-answer at that press conference.
Question:
How do you feel about your coming of age? Please tell us your impressions of your official duties and events as an adult member of the Imperial Family, as well as your future activities and aspirations.
Answer:
Before I begin, I am deeply saddened to hear that some of you lost your lives in last night's earthquake.
I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and those who have been affected by the earthquake.
Now, I will answer your questions.
I am very happy to have reached the age of 20 on December 1 last year.
Looking back on the fulfilling months that have passed so quickly, yet seemingly for a long time, I realize that all of my experiences to date have been possible only with the support and cooperation of many people.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have supported me in various ways and warmly congratulated me on my coming of age.
On the day of my birthday, I did not really feel that I had reached the age of majority, but on the occasion of the December 5th coming-of-age ceremony, His Majesty the Emperor bestowed upon me the Order, and when I put it on for the first time, I felt the weight of the Order. I felt a deep sense of humility and a sense of being tightened up.
In the New Year, I attended the "New Year's Celebration Ceremony" for the first time as an adult member of the Imperial Family, and from the end of the year to the beginning of the New Year, I participated in several court rituals, which were all new to me and made me very nervous.
At the same time, it was a little strange for me to be participating in these events that I had only heard about from my parents, but it was a moment when I became aware that I am a member of the adult members of the Imperial Family and that I must participate in each of these events with a sense of responsibility.
As for the future, I am still a university student, so for the time being I will be giving priority to my studies, but I would like to do my best to the best of my ability to be of assistance to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and other members of the Imperial Family, taking each of my duties with care.
