Princess Akiko of Mikasa, the eldest daughter of the Mikasa family, is set to host Nippon Broadcasting's special program "Akiko Queen's All Night Nippon Premium" starting this April. This announcement was made on March 12, 2025, marking the first time in half a century since a member of the Imperial Family has taken on the role of radio personality, following her father, Prince Tomohito, who hosted the show back in 1975.
At 43 years old, Princess Akiko will become the star of this special 70th-anniversary program, where she plans to reflect on her life experiences. Nippon Broadcasting has expressed excitement about the rare opportunity for audiences to hear directly from the royal family. President Mayumi Kayahara mentioned, "A rare opportunity to hear the voice of the royal family is something we highly treasure. I’m very excited about this event." This program marks not only her debut as a radio personality but also the third generation of her family to host the show, with her grandfather Prince Mikasa also having been involved with "All Night Nippon.‟
Princess Akiko is notable for being the first female member of the imperial family to earn a doctorate overseas, earning her degree from the prestigious University of Oxford. Her book, "Red and Blue Gown: Oxford University Study," has sold over 300,000 copies, making it a bestseller. Her experiences abroad and her academic credentials have garnered considerable attention, leading to her selection as the host of this anniversary show.
The upcoming program will feature special guests including kabuki actor Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII and renowned rakugo artist Tatekawa Shinosuke, who will join discussions centered around Japanese culture, arts, and the significance of the imperial family. Listeners can anticipate engaging conversations on various topics, including personal anecdotes related to her late father, reflections on her royal duties, and insights drawn from her expertise on Japanese art.
During the show, Princess Akiko intends to engage her audience by responding to questions and comments sent via email. This interactive element aims to deepen the connection with her listeners, allowing them to contribute to the dialogue. This announcement is particularly significant for fans of the show who want to learn more about the royal family and Princess Akiko's perspectives.
Looking back, the legacy of "All Night Nippon" is substantial, having begun its broadcast run in 1967. Over the decades, it has hosted numerous prominent personalities from various fields, making it one of the longest-running programs on Japanese radio. With this new edition, Princess Akiko's inclusion is seen as both groundbreaking and emblematic of the changing role of the imperial family within contemporary Japanese society.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement as they get prepared for this unique experience. The combination of royal representation and cultural discourse promises to create memorable moments on air. Princess Akiko's debut as host is not just important for her personally; it also serves as a bridge connecting the historical lineage of her royal family with modern-day cultural discussions.
Details surrounding the exact air date and time for "Akiko Queen's All Night Nippon Premium" will be finalized later this month, on March 31. With the esteemed tradition of "All Night Nippon" combined with the insights of Princess Akiko, listeners are eager to tune in and be part of this new chapter of the long-standing show.