Princess Kako of Akishino, a member of Japan's Imperial Family, gained significant attention on social media on Monday when images and videos of her sleeping in economy class during a flight to Brazil were shared online. She is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the throne in 2019.
The princess traveled to Brazil to participate in public events celebrating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Many online users commended her humility for opting to fly economy despite her royal status.
Before boarding the flight, Princess Kako visited four different locations, and she was captured on camera asleep with her head resting against the window. A user quoted by the South China Morning Post remarked, “She looked like a porcelain doll. It’s completely understandable to feel tired with such a packed schedule.”
Mixed Reactions to the Video
While many users expressed admiration, the Imperial Household Agency (IHA), which manages royal family affairs, disapproved of the video's release. Naomasa Yoshida, the agency's top official, stated, “In general, it is not desirable to have videos taken without permission during an individual's private moments.” The agency has reportedly requested that X (formerly Twitter) investigate whether the video breached user guidelines.
Emerging as “the hope of Japan”
Princess Kako has previously undertaken official visits to Austria and Hungary. Her profile has risen since her older sister, Princess Mako Komuro, married her college sweetheart and relinquished her royal title in 2021. The media often lauds Princess Kako for her beauty and commitment, referring to her as “the hope of Japan.”
In addition to her royal duties, the princess has a strong interest in academics and sports. She studied performing arts and psychology at the University of Leeds and is a former figure skater, having won a district competition in 2007. She is also recognized for her fashion sense and advocates for Japanese Sign Language (JSL).
