Princess Hisako arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, on Saturday to watch the Japan national team compete in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1], [3].
The visit underscores the role of the Japanese imperial family in supporting national sports and fostering international diplomacy through athletic events. As the honorary president of the Japan Football Association, the princess is acting on a request from the organization to support the team and deepen friendship between Japan and Mexico [1], [2].
Upon her arrival on June 20, the princess addressed the greeting party, noting the extreme weather conditions [1], [4]. "Thank you very much for the hot, warm welcome in this 40-degree heat," she said [1]. She said she looks forward to supporting the match in her capacity as the honorary president of the Japan Football Association [1].
This trip is part of a larger diplomatic itinerary. According to the Imperial Household Agency, the princess is visiting three countries — Sweden, the U.S., and Mexico — between June 10 and June 22 [2].
Beyond the current tournament, the princess has a long history of supporting the national team. She has attended the World Cup for eight consecutive tournaments since 1998 [1].
During her visit to Monterrey, the princess emphasized the importance of interpersonal connections in diplomacy. She said she hopes that the personal ties that form the foundation of the growing friendship between the two nations will continue to develop [1].
“"Thank you very much for the hot, warm welcome in this 40-degree heat,"”
Princess Hisako's presence at the 2026 World Cup serves as a soft-power tool for Japan, utilizing the global visibility of FIFA events to strengthen bilateral ties with Mexico. By maintaining a consistent presence at eight consecutive tournaments, the imperial family signals long-term institutional support for Japanese athletics on the world stage.
