Princess Kiko attended the Midori no Kanshasai, or Green Appreciation Festival, in Tokyo to offer condolences to victims of recent mountain fires [1].

Her appearance as honorary president of the event highlights the Imperial Family's role in addressing environmental crises and providing public emotional support during natural disasters.

During the ceremony, which took place this week [2], Princess Kiko focused on the devastation caused by wildfires across various regions of Japan. She specifically mentioned the fires in Ouchi-cho, Iwate, where reports indicated two separate fire sites [3]. At the time of the events, the Ouchi-cho fire had been burning for three days since ignition [4].

"This year, mountain fires have occurred in various places, such as Ouchi-cho, Iwate Prefecture," Princess Kiko said [5]. "I have prayed for the fires to subside, while thinking of those who have put their strength into firefighting activities and those who have been evacuated" [5].

The princess used her platform to express sympathy for those displaced by the blazes and those working to contain the flames [6]. The festival serves as a recurring effort to promote the importance of nature conservation, and the protection of Japan's forest landscapes [7].

While most reports align on the nature of the visit, some sources differ on the exact date of the ceremony, citing either the 9th or 10th of the month [2]. However, the primary focus remained on the humanitarian aspect of the disaster response in Iwate and other affected areas [6].

“I have prayed for the fires to subside, while thinking of those who have put their strength into firefighting activities”

The involvement of Princess Kiko in the Midori no Kanshasai underscores a strategic alignment between the Japanese Imperial Family's traditional role in nature stewardship and the modern necessity of disaster diplomacy. By specifically citing the Ouchi-cho fires, the monarchy provides high-level visibility to regional crises, which often helps mobilize national attention and support for affected rural communities.