On the night of March 25, 2025, a state banquet was held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, welcoming Brazilian President Lula da Silva and his wife, a significant diplomatic event marking the first such gathering in approximately six years. The last state banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress was in May 2019 for U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife. This time, the spotlight was particularly on Princess Aiko, who attended the banquet for the first time, captivating attendees with her elegance.
Princess Aiko, dressed in a soft cherry-colored outfit, was seen engaging warmly with guests, including the Speaker of the Brazilian Lower House. She exchanged pleasantries with him, even discussing the wildlife of the Amazon, which drew attention and praise from the gathered dignitaries. Commenters on social media expressed admiration for her composure, with many noting, "She looks so dignified and graceful!" Videos of the event shared on platforms like YouTube showcased her interactions, further amplifying the positive reception.
However, the evening was not without its share of drama. An incident involving a staff member from the Imperial Household Agency, identified as Inukai Akemi, stirred conversations online. As Princess Aiko approached her seat, Inukai was observed touching the chair and pulling it back, which caused a moment of confusion for the young princess. Although she appeared slightly troubled, Princess Aiko quickly regained her composure and greeted the staff with a polite nod.
Witnesses noted that the Speaker of the Lower House had not yet taken his seat, leaving Princess Aiko in an awkward position. A male staff member quickly intervened, replacing Inukai and supporting the chair as she stepped away. Some viewers of the footage expressed concern over the situation, wondering if there was a miscommunication regarding the timing of seating. Comments ranged from observations about the staff's flustered demeanor to worries about the princess's well-being during the moment.
Despite the brief hiccup, Princess Aiko was able to sit down gracefully, joining the other attendees at the banquet. Throughout the evening, she maintained a serene demeanor, raising her glass in a toast with a warm smile, which seemed to ease the tension of the earlier incident.
The banquet also marked a poignant moment for Princess Aiko as it was not only her first but also a significant occasion for the imperial family. Her presence was particularly noted as she engaged with guests, reflecting her growing role within the royal duties. The Imperial Household Agency had previously stated that Princess Akiko has watched over Princess Aiko with deep respect and affection since her childhood, indicating a supportive family dynamic.
However, the evening also highlighted the ongoing familial tensions within the imperial family. Princess Akiko, who had a harmonious interaction with Princess Aiko, remains estranged from her own daughters, Princess Yoko and Princess Akiko. This rift has been a topic of concern, particularly following the passing of Princess Yuriko of Mikasa in November 2024, which brought the family's discord to the forefront once again. Princess Yoko took on the role of chief mourner, while Princess Akiko's absence from the funeral rites raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the family dynamics.
Reports indicate that Princess Akiko has maintained a distant relationship with her daughters, and there have been no signs of reconciliation. Sources close to the family have suggested that the ongoing tensions have not only affected personal relationships but have also influenced their public appearances. During the banquet, Princess Akiko was seated separately from her daughters, reinforcing the perceived divide within the family.
Notably, Princess Aiko's first state banquet attendance was met with mixed reactions, as some observers noted the distance between Princess Akiko and her daughters during the event. The seating arrangements kept them apart, with Princess Akiko positioned at a separate table from Princess Yoko and Princess Akiko, which many interpreted as a reflection of their strained relationships.
As the evening concluded, discussions about Princess Aiko's future role in the imperial family continued to circulate. Many hope that her involvement in such significant events will pave the way for a more united royal family, despite the evident rifts. The royal family’s public image is crucial, and the hope is that Princess Aiko's charm and grace can help bridge some of the gaps that have formed.
Inukai Akemi, the staff member at the center of the earlier incident, is noted for her role within the Imperial Household Agency. Previously a flight attendant with All Nippon Airways (ANA), she transitioned to her current position as a ceremonial official responsible for foreign affairs. Her involvement in the banquet, while momentarily controversial, reflects the complexities of managing royal events and the expectations placed on staff members in such high-profile situations.
As the imperial family navigates its internal challenges, the presence of Princess Aiko at such events symbolizes hope for the future. Observers remain curious about how her role will evolve and whether she can help mend the familial fractures that have persisted for years. The coming months will be telling as the royal family continues to engage with the public and manage its internal dynamics.
