Give royal family say in its role: Akishino

Prince Akishino, ahead of his 44th birthday on Monday, said Imperial family members should be involved in the debate over the ideal future role of Japan's royalty.

Quality time: Prince Akishino and his son, Prince Hisahito, stroll through the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on Nov. 8. IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY / AP PHOTO

"I think it might be necessary to have the process of listening to the opinions of the Crown Prince and other parties concerned," Prince Akishino, second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after Crown Prince Naruhito, said at a news conference last Wednesday that was embargoed until Monday.

While saying the issue of Imperial succession should be left up to the Diet, he also said there could be occasions where others might ask him his opinion on how the family should stand.

With the size of the Imperial family steadily shrinking, a downsizing of its role is feared.

The prince said it is difficult to comment on the matter, while adding, "It's not such a bad thing to have fewer Imperial family members when looking at it from the standpoint of a burden on national coffers."

Regarding the future role of the Imperial family, Emperor Akihito said last month that the views of the Crown Prince and Prince Akishino should be taken into account.

The only child of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako had her eighth birthday Tuesday.

Princess Aiko, one of the four grandchildren of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, is in her second year at Gakushuin Primary School and has been tasked with taking care of the class goldfish, according to Imperial Household Agency officials.

She was chosen as a relay runner at the school's athletic meet in October and performed in a play in late November, they said.