Princess Mako of the Akishino family celebrated her 30th birthday on October 29, 2023, marking this milestone with reflections on her public duties and social commitments. The Japan Imperial Household Agency released footage of Princess Mako strolling through the Akasaka Imperial Garden, giving the public a glimpse of her typical day.
Over the past year, Princess Mako has engaged more actively than ever, completing 134 public duties which surpassed the previous year’s total by approximately 20. Among these activities, she expressed her concerns for the victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and historic torrential rains, emphasizing her commitment to those affected by disaster.
Notably, her role as the president of the Japan Crafts Association has seen her visiting areas impacted by these natural calamities. During her visit to Ishikawa Prefecture in October, she met with traditional craft artisans who were victims of the earthquake, conveying her sympathy and support directly. "I wish for a society where everyone can live safely and have access to diverse choices," she stated, highlighting her vision for Japanese society.
This commitment to community service and disaster relief is part of her broader social responsibilities, which also include promoting traditional arts and crafts throughout Japan. Her involvement with the Japan Crafts Association enables her to connect deeply with artisans and the craft community, fostering ties and resilience.
Internationally, Princess Mako visited Greece to commemorate the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Greece, participating in various diplomatic functions where she expressed her hopes for continued friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Apart from her traditional duties, she has also been involved with the Japan Deaf Federation, where she works part-time, maintaining her engagement with the deaf community and participating actively in events related to disability advocacy.
On her birthday morning, Princess Mako visited both the Emperor and Empress and the former Emperor and Empress to convey her birthday greetings, marking the occasion with these personal exchanges.
Reflecting on the past year, she acknowledged the sadness felt due to the loss of notable figures such as former Princess Yuriko, who passed away at the age of 101. Princess Mako noted how the late princess supported her when she was nervous, reflecting on her warmth and encouragement.
Her public activities provide insight not only to her obligations as part of the Imperial family but also to her personal resolve to support and uplift communities and acknowledge individuals who contribute significantly to the country's cultural fabric.
Looking forward, Princess Mako continues to balance her responsibilities between her royal duties and personal interests. She hopes to inspire positive action among the youth, advocating for initiatives such as Girls Messe 2024, where she praised young participants for their courage to speak out for social issues. "Continual action requires energy and courage," she remarked during her address, underscoring the spirit of leadership she exemplifies.
Overall, the celebration of her birthday is not just about the age she marks but also about the legacy she aims to build as she engages with various sectors of society, championing arts, humanitarian efforts, and international relations. Her work embodies the resilience and cultural richness of Japan, and as she moves forward, the anticipation surrounding her future contributions continues to grow.
