The Kunaichō (the Imperial Household Agency) announced that Princess Akiko of Mikasa will carry out a nine-day visit to Europe beginning on March 17th.

During her visit, the Princess will deliver a lecture on Tuesday, March 17th, at the Musée Dräi Eechelen in Luxembourg City. The event is organised by the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg in collaboration with the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art of Luxembourg.

Entitled The Art of Copying: Creating Reproductions for the West, the lecture will examine how Japanese works of art have historically been reproduced, studied, and presented outside of Japan. In Japanese art history, copying has long been regarded not as mere imitation but as a respected method of preserving artistic knowledge and transmitting cultural traditions across generations and borders.

The lecture is free of charge, although advance registration is required due to limited seating.

On Friday, March 20th, the Princess, who serves as Honorary President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, will attend the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at the Stade Louis II in the quartier of Fontvieille in Monaco.

The international youth tournament brings together teams from around the world and promotes the educational and social values of sport. The annual event is organised in partnership with the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, established by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco.

On Saturday, March 21st, Princess Akiko will preside over the opening ceremony of Journée du Japon à Monaco at the Jardin Japonais in the quartier of Larvotto in Monaco.

The event forms part of celebrations marking the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Principality of Monaco and Japan. The two countries established formal diplomatic ties on December 14th, 2006, and have since developed cooperation through cultural exchanges and official visits between the Princely Family of Monaco and the Imperial Family of Japan.

In the evening, the Princess will attend the 70th edition of the Bal de la Rose to be held inside the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo in the quartier of Larvotto in Monaco.

Princess Akiko’s visit reflects the continuing cultural and diplomatic exchanges between Japan and several European countries. Members of the Imperial Family of Japan frequently undertake academic, cultural, and charitable engagements abroad, which contribute to promoting Japanese culture and strengthening international ties.