Princess Aiko Arrives at Osaka Museum to View Girl With a Pearl Earring

Aug 20, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, arrived at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka on the afternoon of August 20, where she was scheduled to view Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece Girl With a Pearl Earring during a two-day visit to Osaka and Shiga prefectures.

Princess Aiko arrived at Itami Airport shortly after 11 a.m. and exchanged greetings with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, who was among those welcoming her.

She is visiting Osaka and Shiga on a one-night, two-day itinerary and traveled to the Osaka museum later on August 20.

At the museum, she was scheduled to view Girl With a Pearl Earring, the celebrated Vermeer painting currently on display in Osaka.

Emperor Naruhito also viewed the painting during a visit to the Netherlands in June.

Crowds gathered along the route to catch a glimpse of Princess Aiko, with some people waiting for around five hours before her arrival.

One woman said she was extremely happy after seeing the princess, while another said the excitement had not worn off even after the visit had passed.

Princess Aiko arrived at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art shortly after 2 p.m.

She wore a light blue dress and jewelry that appeared to include pearls, drawing attention from onlookers because of the visual connection with Vermeer's painting and its distinctive blue head covering.

Princess Aiko has maintained ties with the Dutch royal family since childhood and previously visited the Netherlands with her family.

Her visit to Shiga Prefecture had originally been planned for last year but was canceled after she contracted COVID-19.

She is scheduled to visit a medical and welfare facility in Shiga on August 21.

Source: KTV NEWS

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