Princess Aiko visited Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture on Aug. 1-2, 2026, to attend the traditional Okihiki ceremony [3].

The visit marks a rare public appearance by the princess during a high-profile ritual of the Shikinen Sengu, which is held once every 20 years [2]. Her presence at the shrine highlights the Imperial family's continued commitment to maintaining Shinto traditions and public visibility.

During the visit to the Ise Shrine in Ise City, Princess Aiko observed the 63rd Shikinen Sengu Okihiki ceremony [1]. This event involves the traditional hauling of timber for the reconstruction of the shrine. While some reports describe her role as an official inspection of the proceedings [1], footage from TBS NEWS DIG shows the princess wearing a happi coat and smiling while chanting "Enya" alongside participants [1].

This level of active participation is uncommon for members of the Imperial family. According to report data, the last time a member of the Imperial family participated in the ceremony wearing a happi coat was in 2007 [1].

The Okihiki ceremony is a critical component of the broader Shikinen Sengu process, ensuring the spiritual and physical renewal of the shrine. The princess's engagement with the ceremony reflects the cultural significance of the event to the Japanese people, a ritual that bridges the gap between the Imperial household and the public through shared tradition.

Princess Aiko is the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako [1]. Her visit to the shrine is part of her ongoing official duties as a representative of the Imperial family.

“The Okihiki ceremony is held once every 20 years”

Princess Aiko's participation in the Okihiki ceremony, particularly the reported use of a happi coat and ritual chanting, suggests a move toward a more visible and active public role. By engaging in a ceremony that occurs only once every two decades, the princess reinforces the link between the monarchy and Japan's ancestral religious practices during a period of significant cultural preservation.