Princess Mako, granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, prepares to leave for Bhutan at Haneda international airport in Tokyo on Wednesday. Photo: AP
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Princess Mako leaves for 9-day official visit to Bhutan

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Seriously in the times of 2017, do countries really need kings, queens and royal court who do nothing for the people but treat them as common peasants.  These people are just as human as anyone else and no longer should common man be held to standards or support by taxation this system that has out served it's purpose born from killers. Afterall that is how one became the king, when he defeated all of his enemies by death, and took the spoils.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

Travels paid by people actually working and paying taxes

2 ( +7 / -5 )

What ever we the Bhutanese love our King(s) and country..... they treat us like brothers and sisters not as slaves.......

5 ( +7 / -2 )

What ever we the Bhutanese love our King(s) and country..

More power to you! Just as most Japanese love and respect their Emperor and the royal family as well.

While traditions and culture from time to time need "upgrading", for Japan the significance of the royal family is huge to the people. In my opinion, the people who complain the loudest and hardest against any country having royals, live in a world where tradition and history hold no place nor meaning for them.

Because it's 2017 we can live with having the Royals, particularly here in Japan, because of what they symbolize for the people. Their Ambassadorship and work that they do for Japan, far outweighs any "costs" that may come to the people.

I rather like having my tax money go to support them, better than a bridge to nowhere or TEPCO.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

One other thing, while the Princess is a handsome young woman, I would like to see the IHA take some fashion tips from the Duchess of Cambridge.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

To Yubaru:  While I do not agree nor you to what I posted, your response is noted as you did bring some interesting points. However I would have to disagree on the symbol as one can visit a museum? When was the last time you were personally invited to sit and eat at the Royal table? hmmm probably never.  Just because of change does not mean one needs to forget what or where one comes from or what is part of their heritage, but surely things and way of life do come to an end.  Taxation in Japan is high where most of the common people would like to see their money better spent like instead of the roads to nowhere or TEPCO, you would see more orgs for the elderly, in care, suicide prevention, youth programs, research and development etc than Royal trip and party which comes at a very hefty cost and does nothing for the comman tax paying hard working family or young person and needs every yen they earn.  The Royals can get jobs in factories and line assemblies just like any other worker in Japan. You mention ambassadorship, that is why the Japan government and many others have ambassadors, while the citizens themselves  serve as ambassadors in their communities by what they do and others see.  Please feel free to respond.  Thank you for your feedback. As for tradition, the best tradition of that of one's family. Like I wrote, when was the last time you were at the Royal table breaking bread.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

 When was the last time you were personally invited to sit and eat at the Royal table? hmmm probably never. 

Quite so, and never have I wanted it either.

 You mention ambassadorship, that is why the Japan government and many others have ambassadors, while the citizens themselves serve as ambassadors in their communities by what they do and others see. Please feel free to respond. Thank you for your feedback. As for tradition, the best tradition of that of one's family. Like I wrote, when was the last time you were at the Royal table breaking bread.

But not one of the Ambassadors of Japan today can make a claim to the thousands of years of history that the royals do here.

Who cares about whether or not I broke bread with them, that isnt the point.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Going to miss here when she's normalized. If the LDP really wants to get women back to work, they should make her an example. Let her keep her tittle, have her placed in a non profit or ngo, a continue doing what she is doing.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Paro Taktshang is not tibetan's its bhutanese buddhist temple

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Jonathan Prin

Speaking as a Frenchman too, when you talk about social principles, I will be happy to know which are those social principles ;)

You can easily set a trap for non-French when talking about History of France, but you cannot play this game with me ;)

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I wish she didn't have to dress like an old woman, because she looks old and sad. It would be important for the imperial family to take the pulse of this time, update old traditions and let women be more free in contemporary Japan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Good luck to her on her trip!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

HIH the Princess Mako of Akishino of Japan was received by HRH the Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck, Lyonpo Dorji Choden and other senior officials at Paro International Airport.

Princess Mako will visit Folk Heritage Museum this afternoon.

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen will grant an audience to HIH Princess.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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