Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess said she cherishes the opportunity to use her position in the imperial family to pass on traditional culture to Japanese children, and stressed the importance of engaging with the general public in an exclusive interview with Kyodo News.
The eldest daughter of the late Emperor Akihito’s cousin, the late Prince Toshihito, said studying in England for a year at the age of 19 inspired her life’s work. She spent the 2001-2002 academic year at Oxford University while studying at Gakushuin University.
Princess Akiko responds to an interview with Kyodo News in Tokyo on May 13, 2022. (Joint)
“I was the only Japanese student in my grade, so I was asked a lot about Japan.
Her current work focuses on ensuring that Japanese children have access to cultural heritage through the organization she founded, Shinyusha.
“Children are the future of Japan. I wanted to start by showing them the rich flavors of rice and miso soup, and the joy of small things lying on tatami mats,” she said. “Therefore, I decided to start an activity to convey authentic Japanese culture to children.”
At Shinyu Shrine, you can experience tasting classes such as tasting Japanese tea brewed in a teapot and bottling, and making soup stock from kelp and bonito flakes.
This initiative was born out of my experience in researching the Japanese art collection at the British Museum when I returned to Oxford University between 2004 and 2009.
The first woman in the imperial family to receive a doctorate, her research made her realize that culture cannot be preserved unless it is understood and protected by the general public, not just researchers.
The activities of Shinyusha, of which Hime is the representative, are supported by membership fees, donations, and participation fees from companies and individuals who agree with the purpose.
He said that when he first started the group in 2012, it was difficult to get people to join him, but he is happy to say that once he joins, many people become regulars. Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, we will hold online talk sessions on various cultural themes twice a month.
“When I was a child, my father told me that the role of the imperial family is to connect with people and fulfill their wishes.
The Crown Princess, who has a younger sister, Princess Yoko, 38, said she felt a strong sense of responsibility as a member of the imperial family when she first attended New Year’s greetings from Emperor Akihito in 2011.
The Imperial family waves from the balcony to attendees gathered at the Imperial Palace on January 2, 2011. (Joint shooting)
“I heard the cheers that shook the earth, I saw the small flag of the Japanese flag. I felt the weight of the emperor’s words because some people shed tears. I realized I had to,” she said.
In addition to managing Shinyusha, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince also serves as president of the Japan-Turkey Society and an honorary patron of the Japan-British Society. Visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto from April.
“My father always said that people were his greatest assets, and I am the same. I hope it will increase.”
While she admitted that it would be difficult to hold many positions with the same level of enthusiasm, she expressed her determination to use her status as a member of the imperial family for the benefit of others.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving the imperial family’s cultural traditions, Princess Akiko also asked her 99-year-old grandmother, Princess Yuriko, about the unique words and phrases used in connection with the imperial family, as well as other related knowledge. He said he learned a lot. He is the oldest member of the royal family.
“There is a meaning behind culture, and I believe it is my duty as a member of the imperial family to record it and keep telling it.
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