Princess Kiko attended the 34th [1] Forest and Flowers Festival, known as Midori no Kanshasai, in Tokyo on May 10, 2024 [2].

The appearance highlights the Japanese imperial family's role in promoting environmental stewardship and providing national comfort during natural disasters. By addressing recent wildfires, the princess connects royal patronage of nature festivals with the urgent reality of climate-driven environmental damage.

Speaking at Iino Hall in Chiyoda-ku, the second daughter of Prince Akishino served as the event's honorary president [1]. During the ceremony, she said she was concerned for those affected by forest fires occurring across various regions of Japan, including Iwate Prefecture [3].

"This year, forest fires have occurred in various places, such as Otsuchi town in Iwate Prefecture," Princess Kiko said [3]. "Thinking of those who have put their efforts into firefighting activities and those who have been evacuated, I have prayed for the fires to subside."

Princess Kiko also extended her condolences to victims and emphasized the need for recovery. She said she hopes for the reconstruction of lives, and the regeneration of forests [4].

During the event, the princess interacted with children from Ehime Prefecture who had experienced the impact of forest fires. She said to the students that they had gone through a difficult time [5].

The Midori no Kanshasai is an annual event dedicated to appreciating nature and encouraging the protection of green spaces. The princess's focus on fire prevention and restoration efforts underscores the festival's goal of fostering a sustainable relationship between the public and Japan's natural landscapes [4].

“I have prayed for the fires to subside.”

This engagement serves as a strategic bridge between the imperial family's traditional roles and contemporary environmental crises. By explicitly linking a celebratory festival to the trauma of forest fires, Princess Kiko leverages her platform to elevate public awareness regarding disaster resilience and the necessity of ecological restoration in the face of increasing environmental volatility.