ATHENS, GREECE - MAY 28: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski welcome Japan's Princess Kako at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece on May 28, 2024.

Kako of Japan turns 30: Meet the charismatic Princess of the Imperial family

Naruhito's niece has gained significant prominence in recent times, especially since her older sister Mako lost all her titles and privileges upon marrying a commoner.

DECEMBER 30, 2024 1:20 PM ESTDEC 30, 2024, 1:20 PM EST

The Imperial family commemorated Princess Kako of Japan's 30th birthday this Sunday, marking an important milestone that highlights her growing maturity and vital role within the Japanese royal household. She has undoubtedly become the most charismatic princess among the current members of the Yamato dynasty, the world's oldest.

Japan's Princess Kako attends the annual autumn garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo on October 30, 2024.

The young princess, the middle daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino (59) and Kiko of Japan, has recently stepped into the spotlight, embracing responsibilities crucial to the royal institution. This shift occurred, in part, due to the departure of her elder sister, Mako (33), who married a commoner in October 2021, relinquishing all her titles and privileges.

Japan's Princess Kako and Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou meet at Presidential Palace in Athens, Greece, on May 28, 2024.

Princess Kako, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, experienced challenges as she watched Mako navigate intense scrutiny and criticism post-marriage to Kei Komuro, with whom she currently lives in New York. The wedding became a focal point for national conversation. Despite their public roles, the sisters maintain a close relationship, enriched by their similar ages, and their emotional farewell was deeply meaningful.

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Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako of Akishino from Japan visiting the commemorative monument of the Centennial of Japanese Immigration to Peru. The princess visits Peru to commemorate 150 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Once a promising figure skater, Princess Kako studied at Gakushuin University (Tokyo) before sitting for an entrance exam at the International Christian University in August 2014, the same institution her sister attended. Three years later, she ventured to the United Kingdom to study performance and psychology at the University of Leeds. Alongside her academics, she is skilled in sign language and actively engages in charitable initiatives.

Princess Kako smiles at well-wishers during Empero's public appearance for his 83th birthday at the Imperial Palace, December 23, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan.

Character-wise, Fumihito's daughter is regarded as the most vivacious and authentic among her family, a remarkable quality in such a traditionally reserved setting. In light of her sister's challenging departure, Kako is proceeding cautiously; as of now, there are no known public romantic involvements.

Japan's Princess Kako walks after attending a funeral service for Japan's late Princess Mikasa at Toshimaoka Cemetery in Tokyo on November 26, 2024. Princess Mikasa, born Yuriko Takagi in 1923 and who was the oldest member of Japan's royal family and great aunt to the emperor, died aged 101 on November 15 in a Tokyo hospital.

With her international education and vibrant personality, she introduces a modern perspective to the Imperial Family. Notably, she has been undertaking official engagements abroad on her own. In late May, she traveled to Athens, Greece, marking her third state visit, followed by a trip to Lima, Peru, in November 2023.

TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 01: The japanese royal family, emperor Akihito, seated third left, accompanied by empress Michiko, seated third right, and crown prince Naruhito, seated second left, accompanied by his wife crown princess Masako, seated left, watch prince Hisahito, bottom center, son of prince Akishino, seated second right, and princess Kiko, seated right, with three princesses, standing are princess Mako, left, the first daughter of Akishino and Kiko, princess Aiko, center, daughter of Naruhito and Masako, and princess Kako, the second daughter of Akishino and Kiko, pose for a family photo session for the new year at the Imperial Palace on January 1, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan.

While it may seem unconventional for the emperor's niece to assume such a prominent role, options are limited. Women of the Yamato dynasty are prohibited from ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne and are often marginalized in various aspects.

Princess Kako of Akishino speaks during a ceremony marking the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Greece diplomatic relations and the 2024 Japan-Greece Year of Culture and Tourism at the National Gallery in Athens on May 27, 2024.

The Imperial House is continuously embroiled in ongoing discussions regarding this dilemma, with a solution appearing to be far off due to the male-only succession rule, especially as the number of males in the family dwindles. This raises concerns as succession remains an exclusively male-centric domain, a norm that is increasingly being challenged both domestically and internationally. Currently, expectations rest on Kako's younger brother, Prince Hisahito, who is 18 years old.