[Full text published] Aiko answers why she chose to work for the JRCS

On the 1st, Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, who joined the Japanese Red Cross Society, answered questions in writing from the Imperial Press Association. This is the full text of questions from the Imperial Palace Press Association and Princess Aiko's answers.

Question 1: I chose to get a job instead of going to higher education after graduation. Please tell us why you chose to go out into society and then join the Japanese Red Cross Society, as well as any words that Their Majesties said to you. What kind of activities would you like to be involved in at JRCS?

As I have watched the members of the Imperial Family, including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and Their Majesties the Emeritus Emeritus and Emeritus Emeritus, engage in their official duties while being close to the people of Japan, I have come to understand that the basic role of the Imperial Family is I have come to realize that it means ``fulfilling one's duty while sharing the joys and hardships with the people,'' and that it also means ``my heart goes out to those who are walking a difficult path.''

Under these circumstances, I started volunteering and gradually became interested in welfare activities in general. I became particularly interested in volunteer work, as I mentioned at a press conference two years ago after reaching adulthood, seeing volunteers who go to disaster-stricken areas and continue to work hard even in harsh environments. I saw this on the news and was moved by it, and a close friend of mine from junior high and high school was volunteering to help with the recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and I heard about his activities. I think it was a great opportunity.

At university, I took classes related to welfare, and as my interest in welfare activities increased, I began to think that I could do a job that would help people facing various difficulties in addition to public service, and after graduating from university, I started working in society. I started thinking that I wanted to go out and get a job in the welfare field.

At such a time, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture from the Japanese Red Cross Society with Their Majesties, and also to visit a special exhibition held at the Japan Red Cross Headquarters on the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake. I was also able to do it. Through exhibits and explanations, we deepened our understanding of the wide variety of JRCS activities, including domestic and international disaster relief activities, humanitarian crisis relief activities, and social welfare projects, and at the same time realized the great role the company plays in society. . For this reason, I was attracted to the activities of the JRCS, which can directly contribute to society, so I talked to my parents about this, and they encouraged me to work at the JRCS. I would like to. I am grateful that the JRCS has kindly agreed to work with me, and I have been able to start working there from April of this year.

I will be working as a part-time employee at the JRCS, but I would be happy if I could get a variety of experiences, including volunteer work, which I was originally interested in, as well as being exposed to a wide range of Red Cross activities and taking on new challenges. think.

There are many things that I am trying to do for the first time, but I would like to receive guidance from people at work, have a sense of responsibility as a member of society, learn various things, and work hard so that I can be useful as soon as possible. I am.

Question 2: After graduation, I think you will have more opportunities to engage in activities as a member of the imperial family. As an adult member of the Imperial Family, please tell us about your impressions of New Year's events and entertaining foreign guests, and your aspirations for future activities that you will be involved in while balancing your work.

Until now, I have been able to attend several events as a member of the imperial family while monitoring my academic progress. When doing so, we will model the behavior of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Majesties the Emeritus Emeritus, and other members of the Imperial Family.If there is anything that we do not understand, we will discuss it with Their Majesties or other members of the Imperial Family in advance. We have been working on this project by asking people and getting their advice.

As an adult member of the royal family, I felt a real sense of being able to participate in events such as New Year's events and the Imperial Palace Luncheon, which in the past I had only heard about from my parents or seen indirectly on the news. At the same time, I began to feel that I had to approach the situation with sincerity.

In February, I attended the Imperial Palace Luncheon for the first time. Before the meal began, I was a little nervous about having to share a meal with guests from other countries, but the guests spoke to me in a friendly manner, and in a relaxed atmosphere, we learned about each other's countries' climates and food cultures. I was able to talk about things like that and it stayed with me. I believe that such a place is a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the climate and culture of the other country, and is a meaningful time for both countries, allowing us to communicate the charms of Japan to other countries. felt.

Also, the other day, upon graduating from university, I visited the Jingu Shrine and the Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu. It was my first time visiting a local area by myself, so I was relieved that I was able to complete the visit safely. At the same time, I was deeply touched by the warm welcome I received from so many people at the places I visited, and I am truly grateful that my visit was so memorable.

I think there will be more opportunities to attend public activities in the future than ever before. Although it may be difficult to balance both official duties and work, I am grateful for having been able to spend the past 18 years in the warm environment of Gakushuin, and I hope to make use of what I have learned during that time. However, I would be grateful if I could be involved in a variety of activities. I would like to continue to work on my duties with all my heart and soul, while receiving the understanding and help of those around me.

Question 3 At the press conference for adults, you stated that your marriage is "still a long way off." Please tell us about your current thoughts on your ideal timing, partner image, and views on marriage, and what advice you would like to receive from Their Majesties. Please let me know if you have any. Have you ever had an encounter that moved you?

Two years have passed since the adult interview, but my awareness of marriage has not changed since then. I believe that the ideal relationship is one where we can both smile when we are together.

I haven't received any specific advice from my parents, but I think it's wonderful to have a relationship where we can care for each other like our parents do.

It may sound like an exaggeration to call an encounter that moved my heart, but for me, all of the encounters I have had so far have enriched my soul and are irreplaceable treasures, for which I am deeply grateful. . I would like to continue to cherish each encounter while feeling the joy of various encounters.

Question 4: It will soon be five years since His Majesty the Emperor ascended the throne, but discussions regarding stable succession to the throne have not progressed. As the Imperial Princess, how do you perceive the decline in the number of members of the Imperial Family and the decline in the number of people responsible for public affairs, and what do you think about the future of the Imperial Family and your own role?

I understand that the number of members of the Imperial family who can engage in public affairs is smaller than before, but I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the system. Personally, I hope to be able to help Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and other members of the Imperial Family by carefully handling each of my duties.