28.11.2002

japantoday > national

Princess Aiko turns 1 on Sunday

Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 09:30 JST
TOKYO — Princess Aiko, the first child of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, will turn 1 year old on Sunday.

True to her name, the princess has given and received affection, not only from her devoted parents but from the public in general, winning hearts with her innocent smiles and gestures.

The kanji character for "Ai" of Aiko means love, and reflects the hope of their parents that their daughter will grow to love and be loved.

The baby is the first and only child for the 42-year-old crown prince and his 38-year-old wife since their June 1993 marriage.

While the sudden death of Prince Takamado, a cousin of Emperor Akihito, has brought sadness to the imperial family, Aiko's presence is likely to be a source of comfort for all the imperial family members.

On her recent outings, Princess Aiko has begun to respond to calls of "Aiko-sama" from members of the public by waving her hand.

The first time the princess took an outing was in April when her parents visited the imperial villa in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Since then, Princess Aiko has been taken to two other villas in Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture and Suzaki in Shizuoka Prefecture, and given an opportunity to be surrounded by nature.

The way the crown prince and princess communicate with local residents has changed because of Princess Aiko. The couple have become more relaxed and they spend more time than before talking to local people who come to greet them and admire their baby.

Crown Prince Naruhito has been cooperative as a father, taking turns in bathing Princess Aiko and feeding her.

The baby is the third grandchild for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko have two daughters, Mako and Kako.

At a press conference in February, Crown Prince Naruhito said he would "like to participate in child-rearing as much as possible."

Both the crown prince and princess are particularly interested in children's books and began reading to Princess Aiko in April.

Fond of being outdoors, the princess is taken out to the grounds of the Crown Prince's Palace sometimes twice a day to enjoy the fresh air.

Either held in the arms of her parents or riding in a baby carriage, Princess Aiko is at times accompanied by the pet dogs Pippi and Mari.

She weighed 3,102 grams and was 49.6 centimeters tall at birth. During a medical checkup in September, she weighed 8,490 grams and was 72.8 cm tall.

Under the Imperial House Law, only a male member of the imperial family can accede to the throne.

The female addition to what is believed to be the world's oldest hereditary monarchy is prompting debate on the possibility of a reigning empress due to the lack of a direct heir to the throne after the crown prince and his younger brother Prince Akishino, who turns 37 on Saturday. (Kyodo News)

© 2002 Grieger - Alle Rechte vorbehalten - Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr
Veröffentlichungen, auch auszugsweise nur mit vorheriger schriftlicher Genehmigung