Meet Princess Kako, Princess Mako’s younger sister: the 27-year-old Japanese royal is a fashionable figure skating champ – and a ‘symbol of hope’

Jul 26 , 2022

Princess Kako is the younger sister of former Japanese royal Princess Mako, who moved to New York in 2021. Photo: @CoutureRoyals/Twitter

Last year, all eyes were on Princess Mako – now Mako Komuro – after she renounced her royal title to marry Kei Komuro, and moved to New York City, where she’s now working at The Met

The younger daughter of Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko is still close with her sister, and has been compared to her grandmother Shoda Michiko

In 2021, Princess Mako of Japan – now simply known as Mrs Mako Komuro – stirred quite the controversy when she decided to marry a “commoner”, aka her university sweetheart. She gave up her imperial title and left the crown family for New York City, where she is now interning at The Met and living happily with her husband in their one-bedroom flat near Central Park.

Japan’s former princess Mako, the elder daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro. Photo: AFP

While Mrs Komuro, 30, is now enjoying life like us common folk, her siblings are still obliged to fulfil their duties as part of the Japanese royal family. Princess Kako, 27, has now stepped into her sister’s shoes – and right into the limelight.

Princess Kako is the 27-year-old sister of Japan’s former royal, Mako Komuro. Photo: @vaninaswchindt/Twitter

As the second daughter of the crown prince and crown princess of Japan, her highness has gained a massive following too. Princess Kako is not only adored for her beauty but also her inner grace and nobility.

So what should you know about her?

She is not in the line of succession, but is a symbol of hope

Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino poses with his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, and their children, Princess Mako, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito, at their Akasaka Estate residence in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

Born in 1994, the second daughter of Japan’s crown prince is also the niece of Emperor Naruhito. She has a younger brother named Prince Hisahito, who will be the successor to the throne after his father, as women are still barred from the throne in Japan.

Princess Kako makes a speech at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society at a hotel in Yokohama near Tokyo, on June 29. Photo: Kyodo

After her coming-of-age celebrations at age 20, Princess Kako stepped into the spotlight and has become a popular icon over the years. According to Nippon.com, her natural grace has made her an important cultural asset to the nation and she is a symbol of hope to the Japanese people.

Princess Kako is often compared to her grandmother, Shoda Michiko. Photo: AP