Japan's Princess Aiko turns 21

TOKYO, Dec 01 (NHK) - Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, turned 21 on Thursday.

The Princess has been performing official duties as an adult member of the Imperial family since coming of age last year.

In January, she attended the New Year Reception at the Imperial Palace for the first time.

She also started attending ritual ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Household Agency says Princess Aiko asked the Emperor and Empress for advice on how to conduct herself during these occasions.

The agency says that ahead of her first news conference as an adult member of the Imperial family in March, the Princess carefully prepared her speech and practiced repeatedly.

In April, she started her third year at Gakushuin University's Department of Japanese Language and Literature, where she studies classical works.

She is also taking classes on Japan's traditional performance arts. ...continue reading

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