Key Facts
• On September 12, the Akishino family attended a Ryukyu dance performance in Tokyo.
• Prince Hisahito participated in his first public activity since his coming-of-age ceremony on September 6.
• The event, “Ryukyu Dance Maki no Kai,” was held at a Noh theater in Shibuya.
• Ryukyu dance is a traditional Okinawan art form, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property.
• Princess Kiko and Princess Kako have prior experience learning Ryukyu dance.
• The performance commemorated 80 years since World War II, emphasizing resilience and hope.
• National Living Treasure Fusako Shida, who once taught Princess Kiko, made a special appearance.
• The family watched the two-hour performance attentively and applauded enthusiastically.
• Princess Kako described the performance as conveying a strong message of peace.
• Prince Hisahito commented on the enjoyment and the practicality of the costumes for Okinawa’s climate.
• On September 16, Prince Hisahito and Princess Kako will attend the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championship Evening Session, marking their first joint public activity in six years.
• The Imperial Household Agency anticipates more public engagements for Prince Hisahito following his coming-of-age ceremony.
Summary
The Akishino family attended a Ryukyu dance performance in Tokyo on September 12, marking Prince Hisahito’s first public activity since his coming-of-age ceremony. The event highlighted Okinawa’s traditional art form, Ryukyu dance, and commemorated 80 years since World War II. Princess Kiko and Princess Kako, who have prior experience with Ryukyu dance, joined the family in appreciating the two-hour performance. National Living Treasure Fusako Shida, a former teacher of Princess Kiko, made a special appearance. Prince Hisahito expressed his enjoyment and noted the practicality of the costumes. The Imperial Household Agency expects more public engagements for Prince Hisahito in the future, including a joint appearance with Princess Kako at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championship Evening Session on September 16.
