Princess Akiko of Japan has lived most of her life shielded from the public eye. Despite being the second cousin of Emperor Naruhito and a key figure in Japan's royal family, Akiko has led a life of relative privacy. Earlier this year, at the age of 43, the princess became the center of headlines when she became the first woman to head a royal branch in nearly 200 years.
© Getty ImagesThis past September, it was announced that the Princess would become the head of the Mikasa family, a role previously occupied by her late great-grandmother, Princess Yuriko. The Imperial House Economy Council, presided by the Prime Minister Shigery Ishiba, also decided that Princess Nobuko, 70, mother of Princess Akiko and widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, would become independent and the head of a new branch of the royal family.
The Imperial House Economy Council determined that the princesses Nobuko and Akiko would maintain independent livelihoods. Princess Yoko, 41, and sister of Akiko, will continue to belong to the Mikasa family, living with her sister at the East Residence of Prince Mikasa, located in the Akasaka Estate, in Tokyo. The estate has a long history, currently housing six imperial residences.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesThe occasion is a significant one, marking the first time since the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) that a princess and granddaughter to an emperor becomes the head of an Imperial Family branch. The creation of the new branch, headed by Princess Nobuko, will increase the number of branch families to five, joining the branches Akishino, Mikasa, Hitachi, and Takamado. This marks the first instance when there's a new family since 1990, when the Akishino family was created.
More details about Princess Akiko
© Formula 1 via Getty ImagesAkiko of Japan has led an academic life. She studied History at Gakushuin University in Tokyo, and acquired a postgraduate doctorate in History of Art at the University of Oxford, with a focus on the presentation of Japan in the Victorian era.
Over the years, the Princess has attended various sporting events like the Grand Prix of Japan alongside other royals, representing her house and country. She's also been involved in talks and conversations where she showcases her knowledge at different universities and institutions.
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