TOKYO - Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, attended an event in Tokyo aimed at raising awareness and encouraging support for crime victims and their families, becoming the first member of the Imperial Family to participate in the gathering.
The princess arrived shortly after 1 p.m. at the venue hosting the "Connecting Hearts National Event 2026," which seeks to promote understanding of the difficulties faced by victims of crime and their families while strengthening community support.
Among the speakers was Yumiko Hongo, whose daughter Yuki, then a second-grade elementary school student, was killed in the June 2001 attack at Ikeda Elementary School, affiliated with Osaka Kyoiku University.
Hongo spoke about the importance of compassion and community connections in helping victims and bereaved families cope with their suffering.
"What crime victims wish for is for others to understand and share in their grief," Hongo said. "I do not want to see any more perpetrators or victims. When someone who is suffering finds the courage to say, 'Please help me,' I hope we can build communities where people support one another through the connections they share."
Princess Aiko listened attentively to Hongo's address, taking notes throughout the presentation.
The 2001 Ikeda Elementary School attack remains one of Japan's most notorious school tragedies and has continued to shape discussions about school safety, crime prevention and support for victims and their families.
The princess's attendance marked the first time a member of the Imperial Family had participated in the event, drawing attention to efforts to provide emotional and practical assistance to people affected by violent crime.
Source: TBS
