On March 7, Crown Princess Kiko and her son Prince Hisahito took part in a ski orienteering event for children in the village of Rusutsu in Hokkaido, northern Japan.

About 30 participants joined the event that allowed children to try out the course that was used for the World Ski Orienteering Championships that ended March 6.

Kiko and Hisahito helped the children prepare, taught them how to ski during the experience and crossed the finish line with the participants.

Ski orienteering is a cross-country skiing endurance sport involving using a map to figure out the most efficient route to get from the start to finish while stopping at mandatory checkpoints on the way.

S/ 10-year-old participant / When I fell, he asked if I was okay. I thought he's kind, a great skier and really cool.

After the event, Kiko told reporters that the children skied energetically and that this was a memorable experience for her.

Hisahito said he thought skiing is something that anyone can start at any age, that it is enjoyable to ski through nature and that the sport provides a sense of accomplishment when one does it well.

Last month, Hisahito traveled to Kyoto on his own for an overnight stay.

On February 26, he visited the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji to report to his great-great-great-grandfather that he completed his coming-of-age ceremony last September.

Dressed in a morning coat and holding gray gloves and a silk hat, the prince walked slowly, offered a sacred branch and gave a deep bow.
 
Hisahito’s father Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino also visited this tomb after his own coming-of-age ceremony.
 
The prince then went to the mausoleum of Empress Shoken, the wife of Emperor Meiji.

Hisahito also stopped by the mausoleum of Emperor Komei, father of Emperor Meiji.

Hisahito is the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and is second in line to the Chrysanthemum throne.

Officials said this trip was private and planned to coincide with spring break at the University of Tsukuba.
 
On February 27, the prince went to a workshop where the prestigious Nishijin textile is made and observed the weaving process.

The Kyoto workshop, with a history of more than 120 years, produces costumes for the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh.

Officials said Hisahito became interested in the weavers who continue to preserve the traditional weaving techniques, after wearing traditional attire during his coming-of-age ceremony in September last year.

S/ Prince Hisahito / Has the form remained the same since the business was founded?

S/ Workshop head / Yes, it has.

S/ Prince Hisahito / About how old is the machine itself?

S/ Workshop head / The machine is...

He asked various other questions like what the unique charms of Nishijin textile are.

Officials said he also sat at a loom and tried weaving firsthand.