HRH homework! High school student Princess Aiko of Japan studies with her father Emperor Naruhito in new photos released to celebrate her 18th birthday
- Princess Aiko of Japan, the only child of Emperor Naruhito, turned 18 yesterday
- The imperial family released a series of photos to mark the occasion
- One shows high school student Princess Aiko studying with her father
- The princess, who is not in the line of succession, will start university next year
She might be celebrating her 18th birthday, but these photos show there is no time to rest for Japan’s Princess Aiko.
The teenager was photographed studying with her father Emperor Naruhito in a new portrait released to mark her milestone birthday yesterday.
The princess, the only daughter of the Emperor, is seen leaning over a notebook, pen in hand, while her father points out something in a text book.
The photo was taken in the Imperial Family’s Tokyo residence.
Daddy’s girl: Princess Aiko of Japan was photographed studying with her father Emperor Naruhito in a new portrait released to mark her 18th birthday yesterday, pictured
Demure: Another image shows the princess smiling for the camera in a demure pink blouse and simple cream skirt. The photo was released to mark her 18th birthday yesterday
The image is one of a number released by the imperial family to celebrate Aiko’s birthday.
Another snap shows the princess and the Emperor posing in a living room with the family dog.
A third shows the princess smiling for the camera in a demure pink blouse and simple cream skirt.
The princess is in her final year at Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School in Tokyo and plans to move on to university next spring, although it is not known where she will study.
Furry friend: Another snap shows the princess and the Emperor with the family dog
A statement released by the Imperial Household described Aiko as hardworking and said she sometimes turned to her father and mother, Empress Masako, for help with her assignments, according to the Japan Times.
Despite being the only child of the Emperor, who ascended the throne in May, Japanese laws favouring male heirs means Aiko is not in the line of succession.
Instead Aiko will be passed over in favour of her uncle, Crown Prince Fumihito, while his two eldest children, Princess Mako, 28, and Princess Kako, 24, lose out to their younger brother, Prince Hisahito, 13.
Hard-working: Aiko, pictured, is in her final year at Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School in Tokyo and plans to move on to university next spring
Birthday girl: Aiko with her father and dog. Despite being the only child of the Emperor Japanese laws favouring male heirs means Aiko is not in the line of succession
There is only one other man – the Emperor’s 83-year-old uncle, Prince Hitachi – who is eligible under current rules.
However it appears the Japanese public is ready for a change.
A poll conducted by Kyodo News in October revealed 81.9 percent of the public are in favour of a reigning Empress.