Prince Akishino turns 43, expresses joy for his son's growth

TOKYO, Nov. 30 Kyodo - Prince Akishino, on the occasion of his 43rd birthday, expressed his joy in
seeing his 2-year-old son, Prince Hisahito, growing up healthy, noting that the
little prince has learned to talk little by little.
''It seems the scope of Hisahito's interest and activities are expanding,''
Prince Akishino, Emperor Akihito's second son, said recently at a press
conference prior to his birthday. ''He is playing actively outside and running
around.''
Prince Hisahito is the third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne after his
uncle Crown Prince Naruhito and his father Prince Akishino.
The little prince also ''has increased his vocabulary and greeted his
grandparents -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko -- by expressing his
feelings with his words and gestures,'' Prince Akishino's 42-year-old wife,
Princess Kiko, said at the same press conference.
''I see from his smile that he is enjoying the moments of being connected''
with his grandparents, she added.
Prince Akishino also said he enjoyed spending time with his 48-year-old
brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, the crown prince's 44-year-old wife Crown
Princess Masako, and their 6-year-old daughter Princess Aiko, who moved closer
within the Akasaka imperial grounds this summer due to the refurbishment of
their residence.
''When I take a walk with my daughters (Princess Mako, 17, and Princess Kako,
14, in the imperial garden), they sometimes play with Princess Aiko,'' he said.
On Emperor Akihito, Prince Akishino reiterated that he believes the emperor's
workload should be reduced and suggested that each one of his official duties
can be examined and the contents altered if necessary. The prince has expressed
concern over the heavy workload of his father.
Prince Akishino also touched on a comment made earlier this year by Imperial
Household Agency chief Shingo Haketa on the crown prince.
In late February, Haketa said Crown Prince Naruhito's visits to Emperor Akihito
and Empress Michiko had not increased despite the crown prince's previous
comment that he would arrange more opportunities to meet them at the Imperial
Palace. Emperor Akihito has displayed disappointment over having few
opportunities to meet the crown prince's family.
''I understand what the agency chief intended to say was that he hopes that the
crown prince respects what he had said before,'' Prince Akishino said. ''I
believe we, including myself, have to keep in mind that the words we ourselves
uttered must be cherished.''
==Kyodo
2008-11-30 18:04:22