Japan’s Princess Kako of Akishino is the latest royal to join the ranks of Scout enthusiasts as she has recently visited the Girls’ Scout camp in Nagano.
The Princess’s visit was to mark the 100th anniversary of the Japanese Scout movement’s girls’ division which was celebrated at the Girl Scouts’ national centre in the Japanese city of Nagano. The centre is a campground that is located in Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park.
Princess Kako, 27, is a Scout and therefore wore the classic blue ribbon that is common for Japanese female scouts. At the centre, Princess Kako was met by around 90 girls who happily showed the Princess what they were up to. Among other things, there was a focus on gender equality during this year’s anniversary celebration. In total, 90 girls were divided into 20 groups, and Princess Kako took her time to talk to everyone who wanted to speak to her.
The Princess spent a lot of time at the camp, and in the evening, Her Imperial Highness participated in a traditional bonfire. Her visit ended with everyone singing the classic Japanese scout song “Moeroyo, Moero.”
The Scout Association of Japan was set up with boys only in 1922. In 1971, girls were allowed to join the movement. Scouting activity decreased radically during World War II but slowly recovered. Today, it has more than 99,000 members.
The Princess is just one of many royals across the globe who are involved in the Scouts. Others who have taken part in Scouting include Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Princess Kako is the younger daughter and second child of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.
