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Manila Bulletin devider World devider Japan's Princess Aiko visits Shiga welfare facility

Japan's Princess Aiko visits Shiga welfare facility

Published Aug 23, 2026 04:10 pm
Princess Aiko tries boccia at a medical and welfare facility in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, on Friday. (Pool Photo)
Princess Aiko tries boccia at a medical and welfare facility in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, on Friday. (Pool Photo)
MAIBARA, Shiga Pref. (Jiji Press) -- Japan's Princess Aiko on Friday interacted with people at a medical and welfare facility in the city of Maibara in the western prefecture of Shiga.
At the facility, the princess, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, observed a rehabilitation session for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
After watching a boccia match played by junior high and senior high school students, she said, "Thank you for letting me watch such an exciting game."
Princess Aiko also tried throwing a ball herself. According to a person who guided her at the facility, the princess said she had practiced beforehand using a ball she had made.
Earlier in the day, the princess visited Lake Biwa Museum in the city of Kusatsu, also in Shiga. Looking at giant Lake Biwa catfish, an indigenous species of the lake, she asked how deep in the water the fish live.

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