Japan’s Princess Aiko marks coming-of-age with official ceremonies
- The only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako turned 20 last Wednesday, and is now considered an adult
- She was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, went to sanctuaries to offer prayers, and visited her grandparents
The princess, who became an adult member of the imperial family when she turned 20 last Wednesday, earlier in the day visited sanctuaries that enshrine the family’s ancestors and Japanese gods to offer prayers.
Dressed in formal wear, the princess stood straight and tall as she received the medal from her father, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Later in the day, having changed into a long white gown, the princess greeted her parents. She completed the outfit with a tiara borrowed from her aunt Sayako Kuroda, the emperor’s sister who left the imperial household upon marriage to a commoner in 2005.
She decided not to create a new tiara in light of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the agency.
After greeting her parents, the princess made an appearance in the palace for a photo session with the press, saying “thank you” in response to congratulations.
