Princess Kako, a grandchild of Emperor Akihito and the younger daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, turned 24 on Saturday.

The princess, who performs official duties while studying at the International Christian University in Tokyo, has drawn attention to the kind of activities she will engage in after she graduates next year.

She has been busy recently writing her graduation thesis, her father said last month. In June, she returned from Britain after spending nine months at the University of Leeds as an exchange student.

The young princess studied performing arts as well as psychology, her major at ICU, at the British university and spent her spring vacation in March in Portugal and Spain.

The princess vowed on the occasion of her 20th birthday to do her best in every official duty she performs as an adult member of the imperial family. Since returning home, she has attended youth events and greeted in sign language at a contest for high school students in Tottori Prefecture in October.

Princess Kako's father and her younger brother Prince Hisahito, 12, will be first and second in line to the throne, respectively, after the 85-year-old emperor abdicates on April 30 next year. Her uncle Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne the following day.

Her sister Princess Mako, 27, has postponed her marriage to Kei Komuro, her boyfriend from her time at university, following reports on a financial dispute involving his family.

(Prince Fumihito, center, his wife Princess Kiko, left, their son Prince Hisahito, 2nd from left, Princess Mako, 2nd from right, Princess Kako, far right)

[Imperial Household Agency]