Purchased for 7,000 won at the same event 10 years ago
First holiday after joining the Red Cross on the 1st
Aiko Princess (23), the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, who is often seen in a simple and friendly manner and enjoys great popularity in Japan, has become a hot topic for still using a water bottle she bought in the first year of middle school. On the 23rd, the Japanese monthly magazine 'Josei Jishin' reported that "Aiko has been using an 800 yen (about 7,100 won) water bottle she purchased in the first year of middle school for 10 years."
Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is smiling brightly while attending the graduation ceremony at Gakushuin University in Tokyo on the 20th. [Photo by AP · Yonhap News]
Aiko attended a gathering event held at her alma mater, Gakushuin University, on the 14th. She first visited a guide dog experience booth operated by 'Eye Mate.' Eye Mate is an organization that trains guide dogs to support the independence of visually impaired people. At the booth, charity products were being sold, and when the person in charge introduced the products, Aiko took out her tumbler with the Eye Mate logo from her bag.
It turned out that Aiko had also attended an event held by this association 10 years ago, and at that time, she bought a stainless steel tumbler at the booth with 800 yen pocket money given to Emperor Naruhito. The media recalled the episode where Aiko did not make a separate crown for her coming-of-age ceremony in 2021 but borrowed one from her aunt, explaining, "She is a person who cherishes things, which is touching."
Earlier, Aiko started her official social life by joining the Japanese Red Cross Society on the 1st. Local media reported at the time, "At the time of joining, Aiko showed enthusiasm for her first job by saying she would do all the miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning trash cans and answering phones." Shortly after joining, Aiko expressed through the Imperial Household Agency, "Although I am powerless, I hope to be of some help to others and society, even if just a little."
Princess Aiko, the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, posed on the 1st as she started her first day at the Japanese Red Cross Society in Minato Ward, Tokyo. Princess Aiko, who graduated from Gakushuin University this year, will work as a youth volunteer coordinator at the Japanese Red Cross Society starting in April. [Photo by AFP · Yonhap News]
This visit to her alma mater was also Aiko's first day off schedule after joining the company. Josei Jishin said, "This schedule is intended to care for the vulnerable and protect animals," adding, "It seems that the Emperor also views Aiko's participation in this event favorably." As Aiko's frugality was highlighted, Japanese netizens responded with comments such as "Each episode of Aiko heals the hearts of many Japanese people," and "The princess's humanity, which values everything, is wonderful." Aiko's popularity in Japan is considerable. According to a survey conducted in 2019, over 80% of respondents believed that Aiko Princess, the only daughter of the Emperor, is suitable as the next Emperor. However, due to the male succession principle of the Japanese Imperial family, Aiko's succession to the throne is difficult.
Earlier on the 1st, the Imperial Household Agency, the administrative body responsible for royal affairs, launched an official Instagram account to share information about the royal family. This is the first time the Japanese Imperial family has used social networking services (SNS). The Imperial Household Agency introduced that it would disseminate information such as the activities of the Emperor and Empress through the Instagram account. The Instagram account posted photos of events held from January to March this year, as well as photos of Princess Aiko, who joined the Japanese Red Cross Society on that day, receiving explanations from the Red Cross president last month along with the Emperor and Empress.
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