Japan’s Princess Kako, aged 30 and the niece of Emperor Naruhito, has won worldwide praise after a picture was posted showing her sleeping in an economy class seat on a flight over Brazil. The photo, which went viral almost instantly, had the princess sleeping against the window on a domestic flight, and it showed both her humility as well as her commitment to her royal duties.
As per an SCMP report, Princess Kako had spent an exhausting day traveling to four places on the first day of her 11-day official visit to Brazil, which was arranged at the request of the Brazilian authorities. Her tour schedule included stops in eight cities.
The video widely shared featuring her dozing off after just sitting down generated sympathy and respect on the internet. One of her social media followers commented, “She was like a porcelain doll. It is fully understandable to be tired with such a hectic schedule.” Another expressed alarm about her privacy: “Videos like these should not be posted. Princess Kako is hardworking and humble. We should guard her, not reveal her.”
An up-And-Coming Royal Personality in Japan
Princess Kako has emerged into a greater role in the imperial household, especially after her older sister, Princess Mako, relinquished her royal status in 2021 to marry her university sweetheart and relocate to New York. Since then, Kako has spoken for the household on many single overseas trips and official events.
Complimented for her honesty and sense of responsibility, Japanese media frequently refer to her as “the hope of Japan.” In her coming-of-age speech, she talked about her commitment, stating, “I believe I should carry out every task I am humbly entrusted with, sincerely and respectfully.” The princess has also publicly admitted her weaknesses, once confessing that her quick temper is her own biggest personal issue.
More about Princess Kako’s Life
Aside from her duties as a princess, Princess Kako has an active background in sports and studies. Having been a figure skater herself, she won a district title in 2007. She furthered her education in performing arts and psychology at the University of Leeds in the UK. She is a sign language proficient individual and is engaged in social welfare activities.
Her unconventional style makes her stand out from Japan’s traditionally conservative royal family image. Famed for dressing in bright colors and complex patterns, she’s the focus of what many refer to as a “Kako craze.”
A white camellia-patterned dress she wore during her trip to Brazil racked up more than 500,000 likes on the internet. Her clothing often causes a buzz, as witnessed a year ago in Greece when a royal blue knit top she sported sold out within two days, making the brand’s website have an enormous traffic surge. In the same way, when she was spotted wearing porcelain earrings that were made using the traditional Japanese technique, sales of the accessory rose by fifty times.
As one admirer summed up her appeal: “Her outfits are never boring. Princess Kako truly shows the charming, lively and stylish side of royalty.” Her modern flair and genuine approach to her royal responsibilities continue to win over people both in Japan and around the world.
