Princess Kako of Japan received praise after a viral video showed her flying economy class on a flight to Brazil for a state visit.
The 30-year-old is the niece of Emperor Naruhito and a member of Japan's imperial family.
In June, the princess visited South America at the invitation of the Brazilian government. She toured the country for 11 days, visiting eight cities.
Highlights
- Princess Kako of Japan was praised for flying economy class during her official visit to Brazil.
- During her 11-day trip, Princess Kako visited eight cities in Brazil.
- She received the Order of the Ipiranga, a top civilian honor in São Paulo, recognizing her efforts to strengthen Japan-Brazil relations.
The purpose of the trip was to commemorate 130 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil.
Image credits: rwthofficial/X
Kako was seen falling asleep shortly after taking her economy class seat, her head resting against the plane's window.
Before boarding the flight, she had visited four different locations on the same day, according to Japanese media.
Image credits: rwthofficial/X
Many on social media applauded the royal for choosing to fly economy, viewing it as a sign of humility.
"She looked like a porcelain doll. It is completely understandable to feel tired with such a packed schedule," one commented, as per the South China Morning Post.
"Thank you for your hard work, please get some rest♥️♥️♥️" another user wrote.
Princess Kako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito and a member of Japan's imperial family
Image credits: Nippon Television
The princess has taken on a more prominent role in Japan after her older sister, Princess Mako, gave up her royal title and moved to New York in 2021 with her husband.
"I believe I should carry out every task I am humbly entrusted with, sincerely and respectfully," Princess Kako said in her coming-of-age ceremony.
Kako embarked on her first official solo overseas visit in 2019, going to Austria and Hungary.
Image credits: Nippon Television
Despite being younger, Prince Hisahito— the brother of Princess Mako and Princess Kako—is next in line for the throne, as women are barred from royal succession in Japan.
Princess Kako participated in figure skating and won a district championship in 2007.
She later studied performing arts and psychology at the University of Leeds in the UK, in addition to studying at Trinity College Dublin. She graduated from university in 2018.
She is also fluent in sign language—the royal has worked for the Japanese Federation of the Deaf—and is involved in charity work.
She visited Brazil to commemorate 130 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the South American country
Image credits: Nippon Television
Image credits: Nippon Television
From the late nineteenth century until the end of World War II, Japan's emperor held sovereign power and commanded the army and navy. However, under the postwar Constitution, the emperor's role was redefined as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People."
Therefore, the imperial family no longer influences national politics and is instead limited to ceremonial duties, such as carrying out "acts in matters of state" as stipulated in the Constitution.
These acts include promulgating laws, convoking the National Diet (Japan's legislature), and meeting with visiting royals and heads of state.
The 30-year-old royal has been described as "the hope of Japan" by local media
Image credits: Nippon Television
Though her brother will become emperor after her uncle and father, Princess Kako has been referred to as "the hope of Japan" by local media.
Her bold and colorful fashion choices, which contrast with Japan's conservative royal looks, have also earned her compliments and sparked a "Kako craze" in the country.
A blue knit top she donned during a visit to Greece last year sold out in Japan after two days.
Image credits: Nippon Television
Her trip to Brazil included visits to Rio de Janeiro and the capital, Brasília, where she met President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
She also visited the memorial to pioneer Japanese immigrants at São Paulo's Ibirapuera Park.
"I felt that the immigrants made an enormous effort to adapt to Brazil, and still today are very active in different areas," she said. "The fact that Brazil sheltered the Japanese community made the connections between the two countries to become deeper."
Her trip to Brazil included visits to Rio de Janeiro and the capital, Brasília
Image credits: Nippon Television
Image credits: Nippon Television
At a closed ceremony, the 30-year-old royal was awarded the Order of the Ipiranga, one of the highest civilian honors awarded by the state of São Paulo.
Japanese immigration to Brazil peaked between 1926 and 1935. Today, Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese descent outside Japan, estimated at about 2.7 million, as per the Associated Press. About half live in São Paulo state.
Netizens praised the "down to earth princess" after the viral clip
