By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
Princess Kako is currently in Greece to honor the long-standing friendship between Greece and Japan. She is visiting as part of the “Year of Culture and Tourism of Greece and Japan,” attending the ceremony marking the 125th anniversary of Japan-Greece diplomatic relations.
The 30-year-old Princess Kako, often referred to as the “Diana of Japan,” is much beloved in her homeland due to her extensive charity work. During her visit, she met with the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was accompanied by his wife, Mareva Grabovski. Upon her arrival in Athens yesterday, she toured the Acropolis Museum and the National Gallery. It is worth noting that 2024 is a significant year for both nations, as it was designated an honorary year in January 2023 during an official visit to Japan by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Princess Kako remarked, “Japan and Greece share a long maritime tradition and many common geographical features, such as the sea and scattered islands, as well as cultural elements like a healthy diet based on seafood. The unique monumental heritage of Greece attracts numerous tourists from around the world. Japanese visitors are captivated by the country’s culture and civilization,” she said. “I was deeply impressed by the architectural perfection of the Parthenon, admiring the magnificence and elegance of this monumental achievement built 2,500 years ago. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique cultural heritage.”
She also highlighted that in Japanese schools, especially in social and natural science and mathematics courses, the wisdom of ancient Greece is integrated into the curriculum. She specifically mentioned “Aesop’s Fables,” a book translated into Japanese about 400 years ago, which she re-read in preparation for her visit to Greece. “Ancient Greek culture continues to inspire Japan to this day,” she stated, adding that she plans to visit the Museum of Asian Art in Corfu, which houses a large collection of Japanese artworks, as well as the Monastery of Faneromeni in Salamina, where Japan has contributed significantly to the restoration of its valuable frescoes.
Who is Princess Kako?
Princess Kako of Japan, the daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and great-granddaughter of Emperor Hirohito, is often referred to as the “Diana of the East” due to her popularity stemming from her charity work. Also known as the “Hope of the Throne,” her 20th birthday celebration in 2014 saw 80,000 people gather at the palace.
Apart from her active involvement in charitable and social causes, particularly for the deaf, Princess Kako has gained recognition for her diplomatic engagements, leading to her being regarded as a “cultural asset” and a “symbol of hope for the Japanese people.” However, Princess Kako is not eligible to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, as it is strictly forbidden for women to do so in Japan. Nonetheless, she remains highly beloved due to her ability to bridge tradition with modernity, reflected in her public appearances and style.
In 2021, her older sister, Princess Mako, chose to marry a “commoner” (a decision not permitted for Japanese princesses). As a result, Mako had to renounce her title, privileges, and wealth, opting to live as an ordinary citizen. She now resides with her husband in a two-room apartment in New York. Earlier this year, it was revealed that their mother, 57-year-old Princess Kiko of Akishino, is suffering from a mysterious stomach ailment that prevents her from eating normally. With concerns about her mother’s health and Mako absent, Princess Kako had to “step forward.”
Honoring Japanese Traditions
Princess Kako’s adherence to Japanese traditions has endeared her even more to the public. This is evident in the case of her older sister, Princess Mako, who in 2021 decided to marry a “commoner.” This marriage led to Mako renouncing her title and the privileges of remaining within the imperial family. She chose to live a regular life with her husband in New York, working at the Met. A photo of Kako bidding farewell to Mako on the day she left the palace went viral, sparking widespread commentary.
