Imperial Family Update

Photo from Wikipedia

There has been little news about the Imperial Family in Japan this year because of the pandemic. 

On December 1st, Princess Akiko turned 19 years old.  Empress Masako turned 57 on December 9th.  The Emperor Emeritis turned 87 on December 23rd.  The Empress Emeritis turned 86 in October. (I think the news is avoiding using the word celebrated out of respect for people suffering in the pandemic).

In mid-December, Emperor Naruhito and Emperess Masako remotely visited a factory in central Japan where disabled people work. They also attended the Global Environmental Action International Conference in Tokyo.

Princess Akiko, daughter of the Emperor and Empress is a first year college student at Gakushuin University in Tokyo and is attending classes remotely because of the pandemic. She is studying Japanese literature and taking language classes in English and Spanish. The Emperor, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, and Crown Prince Akishino all graduated from Gakushuin University. Although she is the only child of the Emperor and Empress, she is not in line for the throne.  Currently the law says only males can succeed.

Twenty-nine year old Princess Mako, niece of the Emperor, publicly stated again she will go ahead with her postponed marriage to commoner Kei Komuro, although a date has not been set. Their engagement was announced in September of 2017, but for various reasons, including her parents disapproval, the wedding has not yet taken place. When she marries, she will lose her imperial status. 

The annual new year event at the Imperial Palace has been canceled for 2021.  This is the first time the event has been called off since 1990, the year Emperor Hirohito, grandfather of the current Emperor, died.