Akishino Family “Can Do Whatever They Want with Imperial Privileges”: Criticism by Imperial Household Scholar
It was recently reported that Prince Hisahito, the only son of the Akishino family, has been chosen to go to Tsukuba University High School through the privileged system of special affiliated admission. Yuji Odabe, professor emeritus at Shizuoka University of Social Welfare and an expert on the modern imperial family system, points out that the Akishino family lacks the education to overcome the problem on their own . “There will be difficulties no matter which school he goes to. What is important is that His Highness is determined to overcome the difficulties in whatever he chooses to do. What is most undesirable is the idea that the privileges of the royal family allow them to do whatever they want. ” (Shukan Josei, December 14, 2021) The issue of Hisahito's decision around higher education and the use of imperial privileges by former Princess Mako in her marriage to Kei Komuro, as well as the attitude of her father, Prince Akishino, in protecting her, are connected