Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, said Tuesday she decided to pursue employment after graduating from university because she wanted to "help those facing various difficulties in life."
In a written response to questions from the media, the 22-year-old princess also expressed her intention to balance her new job at the Japanese Red Cross Society with her official duties despite challenges that may arise.
The role of the imperial family is "to fulfill duties while sharing the joys and sorrows of the people and to sympathize with those who are walking difficult paths," she noted.
The princess was one of eight new employees who started their jobs at the Red Cross headquarters in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Monday.
Unlike her father, who pursued graduate studies, she sought to work after graduating last month from Gakushuin University, where she studied Japanese literature.
The Red Cross society has close ties with the imperial family, with empresses serving as honorary presidents. The princess said she had opportunities to experience the organization's activities with her parents and that the work appealed to her because it "directly contributes to society."
"I want to acquire various skills with a sense of responsibility as a member of society and strive to be of service as soon as possible," the princess said, adding that her parents had encouraged her to pursue the job.
Reflecting on her view of marriage, Princess Aiko said her "ideal relationship is one where the two can be together and make each other smile. A relationship like that of my parents, where they care for each other, is wonderful."
The princess also expressed gratitude for all past encounters that have enriched her heart but refrained from commenting on the dwindling number of imperial family members under the 1947 Imperial House Law that limits heirs to males and states female members lose their imperial status when they marry a commoner.
"I will earnestly engage in each of my duties and hope to assist my parents and other members of the imperial family," she said.
The number of heirs to the 64-year-old emperor has now been reduced to three -- his younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, 58, his nephew, Prince Hisahito, 17, and his uncle, Prince Hitachi, 88. Princess Aiko cannot succeed him due to the gender clause, although some have called for altering the rule to enable women to become heirs.
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