Princess Kako of Japan captured global attention on June 29, 2025, when a photo of her sleeping on an economy flight to Brazil went viral. The 30-year-old royal, niece of Emperor Naruhito, travelled modestly for events marking 130 years of Japan-Brazil diplomatic relations.
During a domestic flight in Brazil, Princess Kako was photographed asleep against the window in economy class, a choice that contrasted with her royal status. The South China Morning Post reported that she had visited four locations that day, explaining her exhaustion. Her decision to fly economy, despite being a prominent member of Japan’s imperial family, drew widespread praise online. Social media users lauded her humility, with one commenting, “She looked like a porcelain doll,” and another noting, “The video shows how humble she is.”
A princesa japonesa em um voo comercial e na econômica. Enquanto isso, em cada estado, um governador tem seu próprio ✈️ pago com imposto e suor do brasileiro.A esposa do presidente está gastando o dinheiro do contribuinte como se fosse água a cada viagem pic.twitter.com/0bGl9qUDAY
— The_Date_Tokyo (@the_date_tokyo) June 11, 2025Princess Kako’s trip celebrated the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil. She attended public events to strengthen bilateral relations, showcasing her growing role in representing the imperial family. Since her sister, Princess Mako, relinquished her royal title, Kako has taken on more public duties, earning admiration for her grace and sincerity, with Japanese media referring to her as “the hope of Japan.”
While fans celebrated Princess Kako’s humility, the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) expressed concern over the unauthorised photo and video. Naomasa Yoshida, a senior IHA official, stated that capturing private moments without consent was undesirable. The agency requested X to investigate potential guideline violations, highlighting the tension between public interest and royal privacy.
Princess Kako’s economy flight underscores her relatability, resonating with audiences in an era valuing authenticity. Her actions enhance Japan’s global image and underscore the importance of diplomacy in fostering international relations. The incident also sparks discussion on privacy rights for public figures, a relevant issue in the digital age.
