[The Arctic, New Routes of Power] ⑤
Princess Hisako of the Takamado Family
First Member of the Japanese Imperial Family to Attend the Arctic Circle Assembly
"Korea and Japan are neighbors, and you could say our relationship is like that of siblings. We must cooperate on Arctic issues."
Princess Hisako of the Takamado-no-miya family of Japan became the first member of the Japanese Imperial Family to attend the Arctic Circle Assembly, where discussions on opening new Arctic shipping routes are active, and she emphasized the need for cooperation between Korea and Japan. Princess Hisako is the wife of the late Prince Norihito of Takamado-no-miya, who was the uncle of Emperor Naruhito. This was the first time a member of the Japanese Imperial Family participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly, and during the event, she was one of the most prominent attendees.
Princess Hisako of Takamado-no-miya, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family, is seen conversing with attendees on the 16th (local time) at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the Arctic Circle Assembly was held. Arctic Circle
Princess Hisako met with The Asia Business Daily on the 16th (local time) at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the assembly was held, and stressed that cooperation between Korea and Japan is essential in discussions related to the Arctic. She said, "There is no other choice but to cooperate," explaining, "Both Korea and Japan are open to the Arctic Ocean, so if a problem arises in the Arctic, it poses a simultaneous threat to both countries."
Japan is one of the most active non-Arctic states in engaging with Arctic countries as part of its science diplomacy. In 2013, Japan joined the Arctic Council as an observer state, at the same time as Korea. The development of Arctic shipping routes is considered a major issue where the two countries can cooperate. On September 30, President Lee Jaemyung and former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed ways to cooperate on Arctic shipping routes during their summit in Busan.
Takamado no Miya Vigafur Gragnar Grimsson is leading the discussion with the audience. Arctic Circle
Princess Hisako's participation in this assembly is being seen as more than a one-off event. It signifies that the Japanese Imperial Family is lending its support to the country's Arctic initiatives.
Many Arctic development projects require long-term investment, making it difficult to sustain them without financial support. In such cases, the royal family can serve as a reliable patron. In fact, Norway named its dedicated Arctic research icebreaker after Crown Prince Haakon to signify royal support, calling it the "Haakon." Denmark, Monaco, and other countries also have their royal families actively supporting their national Arctic research efforts. In Thailand, a princess led the launch of a polar research project.
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