TOKYO

Japan's Imperial Family will continue playing its role for the people after the Imperial succession in May, Crown Prince Akishino has told a recent press conference to mark his 54th birthday Saturday.

The basic principle is that the family "will fulfill its duties while sharing joys and sorrows with the people and praying for their happiness" as it did during the reign of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, the Crown Prince said.

This was his first press conference since he rose to first in line to the throne as Emperor Naruhito succeeded to it, opening the Reiwa period.

"We must constantly be thinking about how (the family) should be in a way that goes with the times," the Crown Prince also said.

On the possibility that he may ascend the throne in old age, he said, "What a person can do at a certain stage in life depends on the individual, so the situation differs from person to person."

He gave the press conference alone. At a similar press conference he had at the previous change of the era to Heisei from Showa in 1989, he was joined by Crown Princess Kiko.

The Crown Prince also talked about his eldest daughter Princess Mako's marriage plans with Kei Komuro. Their wedding-related ceremonies are being put on hold.

"Some announcement needs to be made" in February next year, which will mark two years since the ceremony postponement was announced, the father said.

"I don't have opportunities to speak (with Princess Mako) about the marriage," he said. "I'm not in touch with the Komuro family."

He expressed his relief that a series of the "Sokui-no-Rei" enthronement-related events and the "Daijosai" grand thanksgiving ceremony were completed without a problem.

He said he was slightly nervous at the "Sokuirei-Seiden-no-Gi" enthronement proclamation ceremony this time, as all he had to do the previous time, in the Heisei era, was watch how his older brother, Emperor Naruhito, performed.

At his previous birthday press conference, Crown Prince Akishino expressed opposition to the use of state funds for the Daijosai, saying the highly religious ceremony should be covered by the Imperial Family's personal funds.

The Crown Prince now said his opinion has not changed.

Jiji Press