Princess Kako: Education, Achievements, and Early Life

Princess Kako: Education, Achievements, and Early Life

Princess Kako is a prominent member of the Japanese Imperial Family, known for her academic pursuits and early athletic achievements. Born on December 29, 1994, at the Imperial Household Agency Hospital within the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Chiyoda, Tokyo, she grew up as the middle child among three siblings. She is the younger sister of Mako Komuro and the older sister of Prince Hisahito.

Throughout her youth, Princess Kako followed a structured educational path, primarily attending the Gakushuin institutions, which traditionally serve the Japanese nobility and imperial family.

Key Facts

  • Birth Date: December 29, 1994
  • Birthplace: Imperial Household Agency Hospital, Tokyo
  • Siblings: Mako Komuro (older sister) and Prince Hisahito (younger brother)
  • Higher Education: International Christian University (ICU)
  • Study Abroad: University of Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Athletic Achievement: Top rank in the Shinjuku division of the 2007 Spring Cup Figure Skating Competition

Early Education and Schooling

Princess Kako's formal education began in April 1999 at Gakushuin Kindergarten, from which she graduated in March 2001. She continued her studies at Gakushuin Primary School from 2001 to 2007, followed by Gakushuin Girls' Junior High School from 2007 to 2010. She completed her secondary education at Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School, graduating in March 2013.

Athletic Pursuits in Figure Skating

During her primary school years, Princess Kako developed a passion for figure skating. In 2007, representing the Meiji-jingu Gaien Figure Skating Club, she competed in the Spring Cup Figure Skating Competition organized by the Japan Skating Federation. Her hard work culminated in a first-place finish in the Shinjuku division, specifically within the Female Group B category for students in primary school year six or above.

Higher Education and Academic Transition

Princess Kako's journey into higher education began in April 2013 at Gakushuin University. However, in August 2014, she made the decision to leave the Department of Education within the Faculty of Letters. She subsequently passed the entrance examination for the International Christian University (ICU), the same institution attended by her older sister. She officially joined ICU on April 2, 2015.

To broaden her global perspective, Princess Kako participated in ICU's study abroad program in 2017. She traveled to the United Kingdom to study at the University of Leeds, where she focused on performance design (the planning of visual and technical elements for a show) and stage management (the coordination of all technical and logistical aspects of a production). She concluded her studies in the UK in June 2018.

Princess Kako completed her undergraduate journey in 2019, graduating from the Division of Arts and Sciences within the College of Liberal Arts at International Christian University.

Sea hibiscus, Hibiscus tiliaceus, designated personal imperial emblem of Kako
Sea hibiscus, Hibiscus tiliaceus, designated personal imperial emblem of Kako
: Sea hibiscus, Hibiscus tiliaceus, designated personal imperial emblem of Kako

Summary of Princess Kako's Academic Timeline

Educational Milestones of Princess Kako
Level of Education Institution Period/Year
Kindergarten Gakushuin Kindergarten 1999–2001
Primary School Gakushuin Primary School 2001–2007
Junior High School Gakushuin Girls' Junior High School 2007–2010
Senior High School Gakushuin Girls’ Senior High School 2010–2013
Undergraduate (Initial) Gakushuin University 2013–2014
Undergraduate (Final) International Christian University 2015–2019
Study Abroad University of Leeds 2017–2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Princess Kako born?

Princess Kako was born on December 29, 1994, at the Imperial Household Agency Hospital located in the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Which universities did Princess Kako attend?

She initially enrolled at Gakushuin University before transferring to the International Christian University (ICU). Additionally, she studied at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom as part of a study abroad program.

What did Princess Kako study during her time in the United Kingdom?

While studying at the University of Leeds, Princess Kako focused on performance design and stage management.

Did Princess Kako participate in any sports?

Yes, she participated in figure skating during primary school and ranked first in the Shinjuku division (Female Group B) of the 2007 Spring Cup Figure Skating Competition.

Who are Princess Kako's siblings?

Princess Kako has an older sister, Mako Komuro, and a younger brother, Prince Hisahito.

References

  1. "Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and their family - The Imperial Household Agency". The Imperial Household Agency. Archived from the original on 7 May 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  2. "「充実した3年間を...」佳子さま学習院女子高を卒業". テレビ朝日 | テレ朝news. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  3. "「充実した3年間を…」佳子さま学習院女子高を卒業". テレビ朝日 | テレ朝news. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  4. "Transcript of Press Interview by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino held shortly before the Birthday of HIH Prince Akishino". 24 November 2006. Archived from the original on 27 October 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  5. 2007 Figure Skating Spring Cup Competition Result - Shinjuku division (female Group B: Primary School Year Six or above) Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine