Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, traveled to Mie Prefecture on Saturday, August 1, 2026, according to 産経ニュース. Her visit included an inspection of timber prepared for the upcoming Shikinen Sengu, the periodic rebuilding of Ise Shrine's inner sanctuary.
The princess also toured Toba Aquarium, where she observed sea otters and dugongs, as reported by FNNプライムオンライン. During the aquarium visit, she was seen smiling at an otter's "ikamimi jump" behavior, a gesture that reportedly drew a warm response from her.
According to 読売新聞, Princess Aiko expressed that the animals were "healing" to watch. The visit to the lumber processing site was part of her broader engagement with the Shikinen Sengu rituals, which involve the reconstruction of the shrine's main hall using fresh timber every 20 years.
The Shikinen Sengu is a significant Shinto tradition that has been carried out for centuries, with the next ceremony expected to draw national attention. The princess's inspection of the wood processing facility highlights the imperial family's ongoing involvement in the ritual's preparations.
Toba Aquarium, located in Mie Prefecture, is known for its diverse marine life, including its rare dugong exhibits. The princess's itinerary combined cultural heritage observation with a lighter moment at the aquarium, reflecting a balanced program for the day.
The visit underscores the imperial family's role in supporting traditional practices while also engaging with regional institutions. As the Shikinen Sengu approaches, further imperial visits and inspections are likely to be announced in the coming months.
