On February 14, 2025, Princess Aiko of Japan hosted a winter reception at the Imperial Household Agency’s Shinhama Imperial Wild Duck Preserve in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, where she met foreign ambassadors for the first time. Together with her cousin, Princess Kako, she welcomed ambassadors from 12 countries, including Switzerland and Cuba.
The gathering at the preserve is an annual traditional winter event organized by the Imperial Household Agency. The agency currently manages two Imperial Wild Duck Preserves: the Saitama Imperial Wild Duck Preserve in Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture, and the Shinhama Imperial Wild Duck Preserve in Ichikawa City, Chiba.
Shinhama Imperial Wild Duck Preserve is also known as the site where Emperor Naruhito proposed to Empress Masako. In October 1992, a year before their marriage, then-Crown Prince Naruhito discreetly visited the preserve without security, riding in a vehicle used by Imperial Household Agency staff. There, he secretly proposed to Masako Owada, who was then working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is a lovely joint engagement for the Imperial cousins. They both look happy and rather relaxed. Good for them.
ReplyDeleteVery nice that the two cousins get on so well.
DeletePrincess Aiko's outfit reminds me of something that Princess Anne would wear. Therefore, it is way too old looking for her young age! However, seeing the two cousins' interaction is heartwarming!
ReplyDeleteWell...things seem to be moving in the right direction. Yay!
ReplyDeleteBoth princesses are dressed very nicely but I'm especially impressed with P.Aiko's ensemble. The colours are lovely, the silhouette attractive, and I like the leather boots. A slightly shorter skirt and a more youthful handbag would've completed a stylish look. But for now, 'well done!'
- Anon 9:13
Yes I agree much much better. The two cousins together supporting each other
DeleteVery agree.
Deletewell done Aiko, she looks so formal, well polished and modern. I like boots, the skirt and jacket are well fitting, the leather gloves are a plus.
ReplyDeletePrincess Aiko wearing Black Watch, what a lovely surprise.🌞Virginia
ReplyDeleteYes! The Black Watch skirt is such an improvement over some of her other outfits. And boots! My memory may be failing, but I can't remember seeing boots with a skirt before on anyone in the Japanese Imperial Family.
DeleteLes deux cousines ont l'air de bien s'entendre avec un léger mieux dans leur look ;
ReplyDeleteje suis ravie de voir la princesse Aiko de porter des bottes !
Does anyone have a little extra info re this event; why the visitors are all dressed in uniform hat, trench coat, boots
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, as well. I was thinking it was nice of the hosts to provide the coats and hats to protect the clothing of the foreign dignitaries at the wild duck preserve because with wild animals, you never know. Christine
DeleteThis is just all speculation on my part but, maybe it's related to the bird flu situation. Many zoos and preserves are trying to prevent any possible spread of the virus. So, visitors are often asked to either sterilize their shoes (usually by stepping into a solution of bleach and water) upon entering and exiting a place with protected birds *or* swapping out their shoes for boots provided by the facility and leaving them behind when they leave. The two princesses were probably allowed the "step in the bleach" process out of curtesy (or their boots were pre-sterilized?) while the guest were given boots and protective overcoats. Of it could be the preserve has lots of bird droppings and they didn't want the guess to get it on their nice shoes, etc.
DeleteI was wondering the same, about why they are all dressed identically.
Delete- Anon 9:13
鴨猟に参加するので汚れても良い服を提供しているのかもしれませんね。
Delete訓練した鴨を使い野生の鴨を狭い堀に誘い込みます。人間を見て驚き飛び立つ鴨を大きな捕獲網ですくい取ります。
そして最後は皇族方がお出ましになり鴨を放してやるのです。
写真に写っている独特な着物にハンチング帽をかぶる男性は鴨を操る鷹匠です。
この鴨場は天皇陛下が雅子様にプロポーズをした場所です。皇太子はカメラマンを避けるために小型トラックに隠れて皇居を出たそうですよ。
If the translater is right... it sounds like a stressful event for the ducks ... for the clothing ... I like both outfits, pretty and appropriate ...
Deleteこれは伝統的な狩猟で、絹糸で作った特別な網で鴨を傷つけることなく捕獲します。捕まえた鴨は足に標識をつけて放鳥し、野鳥の生態や分布の国際的調査と研究に寄与しています。
Deleteしかし、たしかに鴨にしてみれば迷惑でしょうね。
私も、二人お姫様のこの場にふさわしい装いが好きです。
Thank you Anon 01:44 and 14:02 for your always informative comments. You always give us lots of useful information about subjects we would not know about. Much appreciated.
Delete- Anon 9:13
Their outfits are very good on them. They are enjoying themselves.
ReplyDeleteBoth Aiko and Kiko look lovely and they seem to have a great time. I love the pics with the wild ducks. Helena
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! I seriously think this is the best I've ever seen Princess Aiko look! Holy Cow! Everything is properly fitted, coordinated AND (this is the most significant) ***MODERN!*** She's not wearing something someone twice her age would wear. She looks great! She looks like a modern princess representing her royal family. Well done Aiko! I'm just gobsmacked right now, y'all!!
ReplyDeleteI agree what a delightful look
DeleteTotally agree; this is a fabulous outfit on Princess Aiko, it’s young and spirited but dignified, too, and fits well! The boots are SUCH a great touch and such a refreshing change of pace for her. It is a real treat to see the two cousins working together and enjoying themselves ♥️ — Jane
DeletePrincess Kako pants need to be longer.
ReplyDeleteKako est charmante, comme souvent. Sa petite veste est jolie, la tenue lui va bien. Paloma.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely engagement for the cousins to carry out together. PA is dressed age appropriate,but it’s a miss for PM.
ReplyDeleteLowri.
The pleated skirt looks good, great fit and moves well, I like this. Her jacket looks nice. The boots and bag look modern, fabulous! One of the nicest outfits I have seen on her lately.
ReplyDeletePrincess Kako's pants I feel are a good length, combined with her boots. Her jacket is a good length, fits well.
How lovely to see these two cousins appearing so relaxed and happy together. They are dressed very conservatively, but their outfits are beautifully tailored and look quite good on them.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
Both ladies look wonderful. Aiko has blossomed into a lovely young woman.
ReplyDeleteNice look for the Pss;s. Also nice to see them work together.
ReplyDeletecss
Post a Comment
(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)