Emperor Naruhito visited Gakushuin University on April 27 to attend a special lecture.

Princess Akiko gave a keynote speech during the symposium that was held to commemorate the reopening of the Gakushuin Museum this spring.

She shared her thoughts on Japanese culture in a discussion that followed. 

Princess Akiko: I believe that Japanese culture can be called Japanese culture only when it exists in our daily lives. I hope to increase the number of people who can enjoy culture in our everyday lives. 

The Princess, who is the granddaughter of Princess Yuriko who passed away in November 2024 at age 101, is the first female Imperial Family member to have earned a doctorate from the University of Oxford.

Her book about her experience at the University of Oxford has sold more than 300,000 copies.

She also hosted a special episode of Nippon Broadcasting System’s radio program “All Night Nippon” on April 22.