Japanese Princess Aiko graduates from university

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, has graduated from the university she attended in the capital, Tokyo.

AA

The 22-year-old Japanese Princess Aiko, the only child of her parents, has completed her 4-year undergraduate program at the Department of Japanese Language and Literature, Faculty of Letters at Gakushuin University, located in the Mejiro district of the capital.

For the graduation ceremony, Princess Aiko wore a light pink, long-sleeved traditional 'furisode' kimono paired with a navy blue pleated 'hakama' skirt.

In a statement regarding her graduation, Aiko said she would fondly remember her campus life, during which she attended both online and in-person classes over her 4-year academic term.

'I AM HAPPY AND GRATEFUL'

Aiko stated, "Looking back on the four years of my university life, I see that every day was rich and full of learning. I am also happy and grateful to have met wonderful teachers and friends."

Referring to her graduation thesis, which focused on the classic 'Waka' poems of the renowned 12th-century Japanese poet Princess Shikishi, Aiko noted that she was "impressed by the beauty and the variety of interpretations of Waka poetry."

Referring to the period starting in April when she will work at the Japanese Red Cross Society, Aiko said, "As a member of the Imperial Family, I want to contribute to society by fulfilling both my official duties and my activities within the organization."

It was reported that the Department of Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University's Faculty of Letters had 99 graduates this year, including the Japanese Princess.

SHE SERVES AS HONORARY PRESIDENT

In a statement by the Imperial Household Agency (Kunaicho), it was announced that Aiko would begin working at the Japanese Red Cross Society as a contract employee starting in April.

It was reported that Aiko, whose working conditions were not detailed, would commute to the organization's headquarters in the Minato district of Tokyo.

The Japanese Red Cross Society's statement noted that plans were being made for "comprehensive preparations to ensure the Japanese Princess can work comfortably" during her shifts.

The honorary presidency of the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is the Japanese branch of the Switzerland-based International Committee of the Red Cross, is held by Aiko's mother, Empress Masako of Japan.