**【茂木敏充が苦言】各国に"悠仁天皇"をゴリ押しする紀子様の暴走…一方、名指しで招かれた愛子様【海外の反応】【皇室】 — Transcript & Summary | SozAI** Source: https://sozai.app/transcript/motegi-toshimitsu-kiko-yujin-emperor-aiko-reaction/ Princess Kiko's push for Prince Hisahito as next Emperor sparks diplomatic and public controversy in Japan and abroad. ## Key Takeaways - Princess Kiko’s efforts to promote Prince Hisahito are causing diplomatic and public unease. - Public preference strongly favors Princess Aiko over Prince Hisahito despite official promotion. - Longstanding criticisms of Princess Kiko’s protocol breaches persist over decades. - Respect in royal diplomacy is earned through behavior and tradition, not forced promotion. - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached a breaking point in managing these issues. ## What the video covers - Princess Kiko is aggressively promoting her son, Prince Hisahito, as the next Emperor on both domestic and international stages. - The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is troubled by her behavior, which has caused confusion among foreign nations. - The Imperial Household Agency expanded its Instagram posts to include more activities of the Akishino family, influenced by Princess Kiko's wishes. - Despite increased posts, public engagement heavily favors Princess Aiko over Prince Hisahito, highlighting a gap in popularity. - Princess Kiko has pushed for Prince Hisahito to appear alongside foreign dignitaries, increasing his diplomatic exposure prematurely. - There are longstanding criticisms of Princess Kiko’s conduct during official visits abroad, including breaches of protocol and awkward interactions. - The public and media question the appropriateness of Princess Kiko’s attempts to elevate her son’s status before official succession is finalized. - Historical examples of respected royal diplomacy, such as the 2019 US state visit, contrast with the current situation. - The video discusses the importance of earned respect in royal diplomacy rather than forced promotion based on lineage. - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ frustration culminated in a rare public plea regarding the conduct of the Imperial Family. ## Chapters 1. 00:00 Introduction: Ministry of Foreign Affairs' concerns about Princess Kiko 2. 01:35 Imperial Household Agency's Instagram expansion and public response 3. 03:07 Princess Kiko's diplomatic activities promoting Prince Hisahito 4. 04:46 Domestic official duties and public perception of Prince Hisahito 5. 05:53 Historical criticisms of Princess Kiko's conduct abroad 6. 07:28 Public and media reactions to Princess Kiko's behavior 7. 10:28 Examples of respected royal diplomacy and contrast with current issues 8. 12:54 Conclusion: The importance of earned respect in royal diplomacy Answers ## Questions about this video Why is Princess Kiko's behavior causing concern in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Princess Kiko's aggressive promotion of her son, Prince Hisahito, as the next Emperor on the diplomatic stage has caused confusion and frustration among foreign nations and the Ministry, who feel the behavior is unrestrained and inappropriate. How does public opinion differ between Prince Hisahito and Princess Aiko based on social media engagement? Despite official efforts to promote Prince Hisahito, social media posts featuring Princess Aiko receive significantly more likes—about 18 times more—indicating stronger public support for her. What are some historical criticisms of Princess Kiko's conduct during official visits abroad? Princess Kiko has been criticized for breaching royal protocol, such as crossing in front of Prince Akishino to take her seat, repeated failures in tape-cutting ceremonies, excessive curtsies, and unclear pronunciation when greeting in local languages. ## Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown 00:00 Speaker A The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is truly troubled by Princess Kiko's unbridled behavior. They desperately wish for her to stop. 00:07 Speaker A The action currently causing a major stir is her push to promote her son, Prince Hisahito, on the diplomatic stage as the next Emperor. It is rumored that this pressure extends not just within Japan, but to foreign nations as well. The Ministry of 00:22 Speaker A Foreign Affairs, which supports royal visits abroad, has been left to deal with the aftermath, as these countries struggle to hide their confusion over the sudden sales pitch. And now, having reached a boiling point, the Ministry has finally hit its limit. Why did 00:39 Speaker A someone in the position of Foreign Minister have to voice such a desperate, pained plea? It all started with a small change that occurred within the Imperial Household Agency last summer. 00:52 Speaker A On August 18, 2025, faces that had never appeared before were posted on the Imperial Household Agency's official Instagram. The Agency had opened this account the spring of the previous year. Until then, they had only posted about the activities of the 01:06 Speaker A Emperor, Empress, and Princess Aiko. The account has approximately 2.06 million followers. It is the window into the Imperial Family watched by the most people in Japan. Starting from that day, that window was widened. It was decided that the activities of 01:20 Speaker A other members of the Imperial Family, including the Akishino family, the Hitachi, Mikasa, and Takamado families, would also be featured about once a month. The first post that day featured 20 photos of the Akishino family's activities alone. Only nine photos were 01:35 Speaker A used to cover the three other houses combined. As for the Emperor and Empress, there is a monthly summary post in addition to their daily updates. Princess Aiko's image was featured there as well. However, as more posts were made, an undeniable gap began to 01:50 Speaker A emerge. It was the number of likes. Posts about the Akishino family's activities receive around 39,000 likes. 01:58 Speaker A On the other hand, it has been reported that a single photo featuring Princess Aiko has garnered over 700,000 likes. A difference of roughly 18 times, despite being on the same official account and about the same Imperial activities. 02:11 Speaker A Still, it was clear which one the public chose to support. Women's magazines are reporting a certain perspective regarding the backdrop to why the scope of these posts was expanded. They suggest that the wishes of Princess Kiko may have been at play. 02:25 Speaker A It is said that Princess Kiko has long expressed these feelings. "I want more people to know about his true character." As a mother, wanting her son to be known. That, in itself, is quite natural. However, what Princess Kiko 02:40 Speaker A desired was outreach through the Imperial Household Agency, a state institution. "I would like the activities of the Akishino house to be shared in the same way." And so, the number of posts increased. 02:52 Speaker A Even so, the gap in "likes" did not shrink. Does increasing the number of posts move people's hearts? Faced with these numbers, the public has voiced their confusion. "Why is there such a difference when they are both the Imperial Family?" "I look because it's a 03:07 Speaker A photo of someone I want to see." "It's just as simple as that." "Even if they force it on us, liking them is a different story." And Princess Kiko's moves did not end just on the screen. On September 19, 2025, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who 03:22 Speaker A was visiting Japan, was welcomed by the Akishino couple at their residence in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo. Prince Hisahito was also present at that same meeting. 03:32 Speaker A Just two weeks after his coming-of-age ceremony, this meeting took place after the Crown Prince of Bahrain expressed a wish to meet him someday. The Imperial Household Agency also explained it as such. A meeting requested by the other party. Up to this point, there was no 03:47 Speaker A problem at all. However, from this day on, there has been a succession of scenes where Prince Hisahito appears alongside foreign dignitaries. On May 27, 2026, Prince Hisahito attended a court banquet welcoming the President of the Philippines for the first time. 04:05 Speaker A A court banquet is the most formal state dinner hosted by the Emperor for state guests. Prince Hisahito appeared in a tuxedo. Because he was still 19, what was poured into his toast glass was ginger ale. Seated next to him was 04:19 Speaker A a Philippine cabinet minister. It is reported that Prince Hisahito barely relied on an interpreter and chatted animatedly in English about biology. 04:27 Speaker A Domestically, mother-and-son official duties also visibly increased. In January 2025, at the venue for the Deaflympics, Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito sent their cheers using sign language. The previous day, they also laid flowers at a memorial for the landslide victims. Prince Hisahito 04:46 Speaker A spoke to the athletes in this manner. I am happy to meet you all. I am rooting for your competitions. 04:52 Speaker A Even after the start of the new year, their official duties as mother and son continue in Kyoto and Hokkaido. 04:58 Speaker A Women’s magazines interpreted this sudden increase as an appeal for his imperial education. Furthermore, such behavior is also being whispered about. 05:06 Speaker A It is said that when posing for photos, Princess Kiko always urges Prince Hisahito to the center. 05:12 Speaker A Please let him stand in the middle. Prince Hisahito is in a position to be considered the future Emperor, ranking second in the line of succession. 05:20 Speaker A However, it has not been officially finalized. Even so, Princess Kiko’s behavior comes across as demanding treatment as if her son were already the next Emperor. It is as if the day of his accession has already arrived. A mother wants to put her son in the 05:35 Speaker A spotlight. Should the venue where nations engage be influenced solely by that sentiment? Moreover, this is not the first time such behavior has become an issue. Princess Kiko married Prince Akishino in June 1990, and after their marriage, the couple visited many 05:53 Speaker A countries. This happened when they visited India. It is reported that at the ceremony venue, Princess Kiko crossed in front of Prince Akishino to take her seat. In the Imperial Family, the Prince goes first; that is the order that has long been upheld. 06:07 Speaker A Surprisingly, there were also repeated failures during tape-cutting ceremonies. Stories remain that even after using the scissors, the tape stayed connected and could not be cut twice in a row. It is said that a similar scene occurred in Thailand as well. It is reported 06:21 Speaker A that she repeatedly performed unnecessary curtsies before the Queen. A curtsy is a greeting where one draws a foot back and bends the knee, saying, "It is a true honor." However, it is not the case that more polite is always 06:37 Speaker A better. The depth of the knee bend and the number of times it is performed are determined by the relationship with the other party. In foreign countries, she has also attempted to greet people in the local language. 06:48 Speaker A I am happy to meet all of you. However, it is said that the pronunciation could not be understood, causing confusion to spread through the venue. For over 30 years since her marriage, criticisms regarding Kiko-sama's conduct have continued without cease. Thirty years is long 07:04 Speaker A enough for a newborn child to become a parent themselves. Why have the same types of criticisms been repeated all this time? Yet, she is now trying to push Prince Hisahito into the diplomatic stage. Voices of exasperation have been raised by the 07:20 Speaker A public. Thirty years have passed, and she is still being told the same thing. If that’s the answer, shouldn't she look at herself before putting her son out there? 07:28 Speaker A I just hope she doesn't do anything that would be disrespectful to the other country. So, what does a royal family that is truly respected abroad look like? On May 27, 2019, U.S. 07:39 Speaker A President Donald Trump and his wife were welcomed as the first state guests of the Reiwa era. Just one month after the accession, the world was watching the new Emperor and Empress. At that meeting, President Trump asked the Emperor this. Is your English very good? 07:59 Speaker A Where on earth did you study? 08:14 Speaker A dealing with the world. It is said that after speaking with the Empress, Melania Trump confided this to those around her. 08:23 Speaker A Her English is truly beautiful. The conversation soon shifted to their children. Empress Masako spoke about the situation of Princess Aiko, who was in her second year of high school at the time. 08:34 Speaker A Aiko is currently a second-year high school student. She is enjoying her daily life at school. 08:41 Speaker A Melania Trump responded by talking about her 13-year-old son, Barron. It was a moment between two mothers, rather than a conversation between nations. Moreover, the Empress’s linguistic skills go beyond English. 08:54 Speaker A Her proficiency has been noted in Russian, French, and German as well. On this day, what President Trump presented to the Emperor was a viola. 09:03 Speaker A It was a gift chosen because he knew the Emperor enjoyed playing the instrument. It is said that before this gift, Empress Masako spoke these words to the Emperor. "I would truly love to hear the beautiful tone of this violin 09:15 Speaker A someday." The tense atmosphere of the ceremony instantly softened at those words. They say that even President Trump’s face broke into a smile. In fact, this ability was recognized even before she joined the Imperial Family. A professor who taught Empress Masako at Oxford 09:31 Speaker A University recalls it this way. "She immediately felt at ease with even the most frighteningly brilliant scholars." It wasn't as if she had asked them to make a seat for her. To be effective in diplomacy means having others want to 09:44 Speaker A approach you. An Imperial Family that is invited, versus one that forces its way in. There is a government office that has been confronted with this difference in paperwork every single day. It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which provides the practical 09:56 Speaker A support for Imperial visits abroad. How has the minister overseeing that work viewed both types of Imperial Family? 10:02 Speaker A On October 21, 2025, in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki, the minister returned to his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the first time in four years. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is a politician who has returned to the forefront of diplomacy with the 10:17 Speaker A launch of the Takaichi Cabinet. From 2019 to 2021, he served as Foreign Minister, and later as LDP Secretary-General, he oversaw the party's actual operations. In Nagata-cho, he is seen as a leading candidate for the post-Takaichi era. A politician who prioritizes numbers and 10:34 Speaker A results, he reportedly told those around him: "Diplomacy is not about feelings.""It is about numbers and building up achievements." One of the tasks shouldered by that ministry was the foreign visits of the Imperial Family. Incredibly, members of the Imperial Family cannot travel abroad 10:49 Speaker A solely on their own volition. The destination and timing are only decided after the Cabinet approves them at a meeting. Is the invitation from the other country genuine? Are the schedule and protocol reasonable? Can the local embassy handle it? How should the 11:02 Speaker A government plane be arranged? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for all of that practical work. Moreover, the other country will not move based solely on Japan's convenience. They also have their own budgets, security, and political circumstances to consider. Everything 11:17 Speaker A begins with whether or not the other country truly desires the visit. On July 21, 2026, the Cabinet approved the visit of Prince and Princess Akishino to Paraguay. This is an official visit at the invitation of the Paraguayan government. This Cabinet 11:33 Speaker A meeting was not just a mere formality. It was an expression of the government's intent to send them off with national responsibility. The person who participated in that Cabinet meeting to oversee the departure was the Foreign Minister. He is someone who 11:46 Speaker A has observed the worlds of the Imperial Family and diplomacy from closer than anyone else. It is said that the Minister let slip a single comment to those around him. What could have made him say such a thing? Events leading to 11:59 Speaker A the answer were also unfolding domestically this summer. In July 2026, a report emerged regarding how Prince Hisahito would spend his summer vacation. It claimed that his private travel destination could not be decided . It was reported that while the 12:15 Speaker A Akishino household approached several local municipalities, all of them declined. The following issue of Shukan Gendai on August 4 reported even more detailed information. Even in the discussions surrounding the revised Imperial House Law enacted in July, Prince Hisahito's name did not come to 12:30 Speaker A the forefront as expected. It is believed there is a sense of impatience regarding that. 12:34 Speaker A If things continue this way, the name " Hisahito" will be forgotten. That is when the idea of domestic travel was brought up. Princess Kiko's feelings were also conveyed along with it. 12:45 Speaker A He is a child who will be the future Emperor. I want him to see various parts of Japan with his own eyes. 12:51 Speaker A The wish itself is likely quite proper. However, the receiving side had different circumstances. Welcoming members of the Imperial Family requires police security mobilization. Local officials are also involved, arranging accommodations, confirming routes, and bearing costs; preparations start months in advance. Surprisingly, this 13:11 Speaker A was the reason reported for the refusals. It's not worth the high cost of security. 13:17 Speaker A In the past, welcoming members of the Imperial Family should have been a great source of pride for the locals. 13:23 Speaker A Yet this time, they were told it wasn't worth the expense. Why have things come to this? Harsh voices are being raised by the public. 13:33 Speaker A It’s a serious matter to be turned away even by domestic municipalities. It’s not about where they want to go, but where they want to send them. 13:40 Speaker A You can’t blame the side that declined. It’s the local people who are paying for it. 13:44 Speaker A They are being turned away even within the country. Even so, Princess Kiko continued to look for a path abroad. 13:50 Speaker A May 3, 2026. Tokyo Art Center in Adachi Ward, Tokyo. On this day, the Akishino family was spotted in the concert hall seats. Prince and Princess Akishino, Princess Kako, and Prince Hisahito were all in attendance, invited by the Paraguayan Ambassador to Japan. It was 14:09 Speaker A a concert commemorating the 90th anniversary of Japanese emigration to Paraguay. Performing on stage were Sonrisa, a duo consisting of a Paraguayan man and a Japanese woman, playing the arpa—a Paraguayan harp, a South American folk instrument with over 30 strings plucked by hand. They 14:29 Speaker A were joined by the koto sounds of Yoshiaki Okawa, a musician from Futaba, Fukushima Prefecture. The chosen song was "Hana wa Saku," born from the disaster-stricken region. After the performance, Princess Kako spoke to the musicians. "The harmony with the arpa 14:46 Speaker A is so beautiful." Prince Hisahito also looked toward the arpa on stage and asked. "Are there two ""harps? Are they different from each other?" Then, on June 15, the Paraguayan Ambassador invited the family to a dinner party. The Imperial Household 15:03 Speaker A Agency’s schedule noted a single line : a dinner regarding the visit to Paraguay. The Prince and Princess, along with Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito, were all present at this gathering as well. This was their second invitation by the Ambassador; up 15:17 Speaker A to this point, everything seemed quite natural, but on August 18, 2026, a plane bound for Paraguay took off from Haneda Airport. On board were only Prince and Princess Akishino. The couple will be in the country until the 26th to attend the commemorative 15:34 Speaker A ceremonies. They are also scheduled to visit the land where Japanese people first settled. This is not the first time Prince Hisahito has not accompanied them on an official overseas visit. He was also absent during their official visit to Turkey 15:50 Speaker A in December 2024. At that time, it was explained that it was due to his academic studies. They attend domestic events related to the relationship as a family of four. Yet, when it comes to traveling overseas, they are absent, 16:04 Speaker A despite it being the same 90 th-anniversary celebration. They stand together domestically, but not abroad. 16:11 Speaker A Only that fact continues to accumulate. Why do their names disappear only on the days they cross the sea? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has seen this pattern closer than anyone. Most of their work happens outside the scenes where smiles and handshakes are 16:27 Speaker A exchanged. They confirm the intentions of the other country and retreat tactfully if they are refused. That accumulation is diplomacy. Then, a specific demand was added to this. To have the son present at every occasion —this is how the movement appeared in 16:42 Speaker A Foreign Minister Motegi's eyes. Prince Hisahito’s name is brought up even for seats where the host may not have requested his presence. Forcing such requests will affect future negotiations. It is the local embassy that has to go and bow its head. Once 16:56 Speaker A trust between nations is damaged, it does not easily recover. Moreover, it is said that such scenes were not just a one-time occurrence. What the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports is the dignity of this nation. It is not a 17:08 Speaker A sales pitch. Foreign Minister Motegi is said to have confided this to those around him. And as the schedule for the visit solidified, another set of words slipped out. These are not words one can say to the Imperial Family in the 17:22 Speaker A position of Foreign Minister. Even so, it is said that these words were uttered. I want you to stop doing things that could become a disgrace to Japan. These words were not directed at Prince Hisahito himself. They were aimed at 17:35 Speaker A the stance of trying to push his son into every possible situation—the person responsible for sending him off. 17:40 Speaker A Under normal circumstances, this is the person who would do anything to make a royal visit happen. That person finally reached their limit. That is precisely why these words carry such weight. A sitting Foreign Minister speaking this bluntly to the Imperial Family. Has 17:54 Speaker A such a situation ever occurred before? Voices of empathy spread among the public. "Well said; the Foreign Ministry must have been enduring this for a long time.""For a sitting minister to go this far, it must be a very serious matter." 18:09 Speaker A It wasn’t just the citizens who felt embarrassed. While some doors must be begged to be opened, others open from the other side . On November 17, 2025, a member of the Imperial Family departed from Haneda Airport. It was Princess Aiko, the 18:25 Speaker A daughter of the Emperor and Empress. Her destination was Laos in Southeast Asia; her first official visit abroad. 18:32 Speaker A The visit was realized in the 70th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos. 18:38 Speaker A Surprisingly, the Laotian government had specifically invited Princess Aiko by name. This was not a seat arranged at Japan's request. The host country itself had called for her. To invite someone by name is nothing less than a clear expression of wanting that person 18:54 Speaker A to come. The local itinerary included more than just glamorous ceremonies. There were formal calls on the head of state, the traditional "Baci" ceremony wishing for health and happiness, and a facility for handling unexploded ordnance, as the soil of Laos still 19:12 Speaker A holds many bombs from a war over half a century ago. Princess Aiko stood at that site. At a children's hospital, she walked up to the bedsides of the young patients. They did not share a common language. Yet, she met their 19:26 Speaker A eyes and held their hands. On November 22, returning via commercial flights to Narita Airport, the Princess released a written statement reflecting on her visit. "I hope that this visit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the bonds of exchange that have 19:43 Speaker A been built until now." Thus, it concluded. "I would be delighted if the circle of exchange between Japan and Laos expands even further in the future ." The photos of her visit posted on the Imperial Household Agency's official account received over 300,000 likes. 20:00 Speaker A There was no need to beg for anything. She was called by name from across the sea. And it is not only Princess Aiko whom the world beyond the seas is seeking. On June 25, 2024, the Emperor and Empress were present at a banquet 20:16 Speaker A held at Buckingham Palace in London. This visit to the UK was also at the invitation of King Charles. At the banquet, the King stands to speak. It was not English that first echoed through the speech venue. "Welcome back 20:32 Speaker A to the United Kingdom." The King began his speech with these words in Japanese . His speech went on to cover the 400 years of exchange between Japan and the UK. Names of Japanese culture, like Pokémon and Hello Kitty, were 20:45 Speaker A mentioned one after another. And finally, the King called out a toast in Japanese: "Kanpai." The atmosphere in the room reached its peak with that single word. The host King went out of his way to use the guest's language. In 20:59 Speaker A that gesture, there was heartfelt respect. His Majesty also responded in kind with English. He touched upon the days he spent studying abroad in the UK . "The days I spent learning in this country remain my cherished memories." Her Majesty the Empress also exchanged 21:14 Speaker A words with the King and Queen. "I am truly delighted to see you both again like this." The world's desire for the presence of Their Majesties is not limited to the UK. In July 2025, Their Majesties made an official visit to Mongolia. It was 21:29 Speaker A the first such visit by any Emperor in history. At the banquet hosted by the President and his wife, His Majesty picked up a viola. A piece played on the morin khuur, the traditional Mongolian instrument Her Majesty wished to hear six years ago, resonated 21:44 Speaker A throughout the land. It is said that the Mongolian Foreign Minister, who spoke with Her Majesty on-site, reflected on it this way. "It was my first time experiencing a connection of hearts with a foreign guest." Words exchanged without an interpreter had 21:59 Speaker A reached deep into the other's heart. Those invited versus those who must plead. The difference is now plain for all to see. In a public opinion poll conducted by Kyodo News, 83%of respondents supported the idea of a female Emperor. Furthermore, this 22:15 Speaker A figure was built not by propaganda or staging, but by the eyes of every individual citizen. Pushing one's title forward versus being invited on one's own merit. Which one is the public watching? The answer is evident in the number of likes on official accounts 22:30 Speaker A and in the invitations arriving from abroad. Refused by domestic municipalities, and names vanishing from schedules when crossing the sea. 22:39 Speaker A On the other hand, being called by name by foreign nations, with Kings welcoming them in Japanese. This difference is not determined by birth or order of succession. It is the difference in what has been built up over time. The weight of the Imperial 22:51 Speaker A House is not measured by the number of posts or positions in a photograph. It is about being called by name from across the sea. It comes down to that one point. Princess Aiko has stated the following regarding her future path. I 23:04 Speaker A would like to carefully fulfill each and every duty one by one. His Majesty the Emperor has also spoken of relations with foreign countries in this way. 23:12 Speaker A I believe that relations between nations begin with encounters between people. Toward an Imperial House respected for its ability to be called by name by the world without being pushed—that path is already being opened by the people. There is only one 23:27 Speaker A question left. When will those pushing them realize that they have even forced the Foreign Minister to give up? It is none other than us, the citizens, who are waiting for that answer now. How did you all feel? I would appreciate it 23:42 Speaker A if you could leave your opinions and thoughts on this video in the comments. Please also subscribe to the channel and leave a like. See you in the next video. Thank you for watching today. Topics: Princess Kiko Prince Hisahito Japanese Imperial Family Imperial Household Agency Japanese diplomacy royal protocol public opinion foreign relations Princess Aiko Japanese monarchy --- This is the markdown twin of https://sozai.app/transcript/motegi-toshimitsu-kiko-yujin-emperor-aiko-reaction/ — the same content, without the markup. Published by SozAI (https://sozai.app). Reuse and quotation are allowed with attribution and a link back. Machine-readable index: https://sozai.app/llms.txt · data API: https://sozai.app/api/