Dual Birthdays For Japan’s Imperial Family

Two members of the Japanese Imperial Family celebrated their birthdays Sunday and Monday. None were milestones, but still worthy of celebrating.

First was Prince Akishino, the second son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. He turned 43 on Sunday, and gave a press conference where he spoke fondly of his two year old son, Hisahito.

The prince, with his wife Princess Kiko alongside of him, revealed how Hisahito is slowly learning to speak, and loves running around and playing outside.

“It seems the scope of Hisahito’s interest and activities are expanding. He is playing actively outside and running around,” said Akishino.

“He has increased his vocabulary and greeted his grandparents – Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko – by expressing his feelings with his words and gestures.”

‘‘I see from his smile that he is enjoying the moments of being connected’’ with his grandparents, Princess Kiko added.

Prince Akishino also suggested his father reduce his number of duties due to the Emperor’s frail health and old age. Akishino went on to say that each one of Akihito’s official duties can be examined and the contents altered if necessary.

Akishino is second in line to the throne, after his brother Prince Naruhito.

And it was Naruhito’s daughter, Princess Aiko, who turned 7 on Monday. The little princess is said to be enjoying elementary school life, according to the Imperial Household Agency. This spring, Aiko graduated from Gakushuin Kindergarten and entered Gakushuin Primary School in Tokyo.

It is said the princess likes putting her thoughts into words and occasionally creates scenarios for plays. She also enjoys taking care of animals and flowers, as well as singing and playing musical instruments such as the piano and violin.

Unfortunately for Aiko, she was unable to celebrate her birthday as she came down with a fever. Events planned for the celebrations were cancelled, and it is believed it will be several days before the young princess feels better.

Princess Aiko, along with her two cousins – Princesses Mako and Kako – cannot succeed the Chrysanthemum Throne, simply because they are girls. When Aiko was born, there were some talks of allowing women being heirs to the throne. But that all changed with little Hisahito was born two years ago.