Princess Mako celebrates 20th birthday

Princess Mako, the daughter of Prince and Princess Akishino, turned 20 on Sunday.

20 marks coming of age in Japan.

Speaking at a news conference held before her birthday, Princess Mako said the years have passed so quickly, though she was thinking that there would still be lots of time before she would reach that age.

She said she would like to keep it in mind to behave in an appropriate manner as an adult.

The princess also spoke of her aspirations, saying she would like to take part in various events, including public ones.

A sophomore at International Christian University in Tokyo, Mako said she hopes to shape her dreams and set goals through her life as a student.

Asked about marriage, she said she hasn't thought about it much and she does not have any specific idea about a future husband.

She told reporters that she visited the disaster-hit prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi as a volunteer and took care of children there. She said she realized that there are things that cannot be understood without seeing the situation first-hand.

The Princess described her family with humor. She said her father Prince Akishino used to have a temper, but he has mellowed recently.

Prince Akishino is the younger son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 12:52 +0900 (JST)