Born in 2001, Japanese Princess Aiko's Chosen 'First Job'

March University Graduation Expected, Red Cross Contract Employee Work
Delayed Succession to the Throne but High Popularity in Japan

Aiko (22), the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, is reported to begin working at the Japanese Red Cross Society after graduating from university this March.

On the 23rd, local media including NHK reported that Aiko, who is graduating from the Department of Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University, will start working as a contract employee at the Japanese Red Cross Society from April this year, attending work three to four times a week. Initially, Princess Aiko was said to be planning to study abroad, but she ultimately chose to enter the workforce. Her mother, Empress Masako, serves as the honorary president of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Princess Aiko.
Photo by Reuters / Yonhap News Agency

Details about her specific working hours or department have not been disclosed. However, through the Imperial Household Agency, she conveyed, "I have become aware of my responsibilities as a member of society and have started working," adding, "I hope to be of some help to society and the people." The Emperor and Empress expressed their hope that Princess Aiko will "grow as a member of society through her social life."

Princess Aiko has reportedly shown interest in social welfare activities through her university classes. In October last year, she visited the Japanese Red Cross Society with the Emperor to view a special exhibition reflecting on relief efforts during the Great Kanto Earthquake.

Atsu Seiga, president of the Japanese Red Cross Society, said, "We are grateful that Princess Aiko wishes to work at the Japanese Red Cross Society after graduating from university," and added, "We will prepare properly so that Princess Aiko can work with peace of mind."

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who married in 1993, experienced a long period without children due to miscarriages. Aiko was born in 2001, but Empress Masako reportedly suffered from depression due to pressure to bear a son. In 2004, while Crown Prince, Naruhito made a shocking statement saying, "There are movements within the Imperial Family that deny (Masako's) career and character," which caused a stir in Japanese society.

Princess Aiko, who gained attention last April for her "school outfit."
[Photo by Reuters / Yonhap News]

According to the regulation that only males can inherit the throne (the Imperial Household Law), Aiko cannot become the emperor. Currently, the first in line to the throne is Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, and second in line is Fumihito’s son, Hisahito.

However, Aiko is quite popular among the public. Born in 2001, she is known for her humble personality and modest appearance. In 2021, during her Coming of Age ceremony, she attracted attention by borrowing the tiara of her aunt, former Princess Sayako Kuroda, instead of having a new crown made. The tiara, a jeweled headpiece introduced to the Japanese Imperial Family during the Meiji era by imitating Western customs, is traditionally made for Japanese royal women upon reaching adulthood.

Aiko’s cousins, Mako and Kako, had tiaras made costing 28.56 million yen in 2011 and 27.93 million yen in 2014, respectively.

At that time, Princess Aiko reportedly declined to have a crown made, stating, "With the Japanese people facing economic difficulties due to COVID-19, it is not appropriate to use tax money to make a tiara."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.