Society

Princess Aiko, Prince Hisahito speak to reporters

Mar 18 (NHK) - Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, has expressed her aspiration at her first news conference as an adult member of the Imperial family.

The princess, who turned 20 in December, held the event on Thursday.

She first mentioned the strong earthquake that hit mainly Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures on Wednesday night. She said she was sad to hear that there were victims, and offered sympathy to those affected.

The princess expressed gratitude for years of support from many people. She said she wants to do her utmost to help her parents and other Imperial family members by cordially carrying out her duties.

Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and nephew of the Emperor, has graduated from a junior high school in Tokyo.

The prince posed for photos with his parents in a schoolyard on Thursday ahead of his graduation ceremony at Ochanomizu University Junior High School.

He told reporters that he had many experiences and spent three fruitful years at the school, although some classes were canceled.

Prince Hisahito is the first Imperial family member after World War Two to study at a junior high school other than one in the Gakushuin school system.

He is going to enter Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba, from April.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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