THE GRANDDAUGHTER of Japan’s reigning emperor flies back to Tokyo today after spending part of the summer learning English in Dublin.
Princess Mako (18), a student of liberal arts at the International Christian University in Tokyo, came to the capital along with 19 of her classmates in June. She attended a six-week summer programme at the Applied Language Centre at UCD and lived on campus.
A spokesman for UCD said that in addition to English language workshops, she studied 20th-century Irish literature, drama and Irish history.
The young royal is following in the tradition of her grandmother, Empress Michiko, who was partly educated in Tokyo by Irish nuns.
Princess Mako is the daughter of Prince Akishino, the second son of the emperor of Japan.
The UCD spokesman said that Princess Mako and her classmates visited Glendalough, Newgrange, Dingle, Killarney and Belfast.
She also made a trip to Croke Park for the All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals, where she was given a demonstration on how to use a hurley and sliotar.
Tatsuo Kitagawa, Japan’s first secretary in Ireland, said: “We are very proud that Princess Mako came to study in Dublin.
“We understand that the princess very much enjoyed her life in Ireland, especially the good hospitality. She appreciates the opportunity from Irish people to study here.”
