Wearing 26,000 Won Clothes but 140 Million Won Accommodation? Controversy Over Japanese Princess's Overseas Visit Expenses

Japanese Princess Kako Spends 14.73 Million Yen on Hotel in Greece

Princess Kako (30), niece of Emperor Naruhito, who is known as the "Ulzzang Princess" for her outstanding looks, reportedly incurred accommodation expenses exceeding 100 million yen during her visit to Greece last May, according to local Japanese reports. At the time, Princess Kako attracted significant attention for wearing an inexpensive knit sweater priced at 2,990 yen (about 26,000 won).

Princess Kako, niece of Emperor Naruhito, is giving a speech at the National Gallery in Athens, Greece, on May 27th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 5th, Japan's Gendai Business reported, "According to documents issued by the Imperial Household Agency, the hotel accommodation costs in Greece amounted to 14.73 million yen (about 137 million won)." This expense was incurred during Princess Kako's visit to Greece in May to commemorate the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Greece. Princess Kako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito and the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito.

The media noted, "The total expenditure for Athens and Corfu, where the princess stayed, is recorded as 14.73 million yen," adding, "The costs for accompanying staff are also included, and although it varies depending on the number of people, it is a considerable amount." The accommodation where the princess stayed was a 5-star hotel offering panoramic views of the Parthenon and downtown Athens, with nightly rates ranging from about 60,000 yen (approximately 550,000 won) to 700,000 yen (approximately 6.52 million won). If the princess stayed in the most expensive room, the accommodation cost for five nights alone would exceed 3.5 million yen (about 32 million won).

During her visit to Greece, Princess Kako attracted explosive interest for wearing inexpensive casual clothes. She wore a dark blue short-sleeved knit sweater paired with white wide pants, and the fact that the knit sweater was priced at 2,990 yen (about 26,000 won) including tax became a major topic. Some criticized her choice of inexpensive casual wear at an event representing Japan as inappropriate, but others defended Princess Kako, saying it elevated the dignity of the Japanese royal family. Amid the controversy, the knit sweater became very popular and sold out.

Princess Kako during her official visit to Greece in May. [Photo by Sankei Shimbun]

Contrary to the appearance of frugality symbolized by her outfit, the media explained the large accommodation expenses by stating, "Since it was an official royal visit, it is natural that a prestigious and secure hotel was chosen," adding, "The hotel is easily accessible from central Athens and close to areas popular among young people. Above all, its elegant and luxurious atmosphere is also popular with young women."

However, controversy continues because the Imperial Household Agency's budget is funded by taxes. Japanese netizens reportedly expressed critical opinions such as, "With tax increases and soaring prices making life difficult for citizens, I question whether diplomacy is necessary every time I see news about the royal family," and "Couldn’t that money be used to help those in need?" Nonetheless, some voices urge caution, noting that the host country bears some costs and that the exact details of the princess’s accommodation are not fully known.