Prince Akishino and Princess Noriko Spread Joy and Support in Kagoshima, Visiting Children and Disabled Sports Athletes

Prince Akishino and His Wife Visit Kagoshima to Support Disabled Sports Athletes and Children at Developmental Support Facility

A Royal Visit to Promote Disability Inclusion and Support

In a show of solidarity and support for disabled sports athletes, Prince Akishino and his wife, Princess Noriko, have embarked on a meaningful visit to Kagoshima. Their visit coincides with the upcoming special national sports tournament for individuals with disabilities, set to commence on the 28th. This marks the couple’s first joint visit to Kagoshima in four years.

Arriving at Kagoshima Airport just before noon on the 27th, Prince Akishino and Princess Noriko were warmly received by Governor Shioda and other dignitaries at a nearby hotel. This visit comes on the heels of Prince Akishino’s participation in the National High School Cultural Festival in July of this year, and it signifies a momentous occasion for the couple to reconnect after a four-year hiatus.

During their visit, Prince Akishino and Princess Noriko were given a tour of the Isa City Child Development Support Centre, a commendable facility focused on nurturing the growth and development of infants and young children. In an endearing display, the royal couple actively engaged with the children, joining in their songs and cherishing precious moments of interaction.

The Director of the Isa City Child Development Support Center, Mariko Horinouchi, shared Princess Noriko’s sentiments, stating, “She expressed a sense of nostalgia and empathized with the children’s perspective.” Testimonials from the children themselves reflected the joy and happiness felt in the presence of the royal couple, with one child expressing, “At first, he was touching me, but then he picked me up, and I was overjoyed.”

Prior to their visit to the developmental support facility, Prince Akishino attended a spirited pep rally in Kagoshima City, organized to rally support for the prefectural athletes participating in the upcoming special national sports tournament for individuals with disabilities. Taking an active role, Prince Akishino personally extended his encouragement to the athletes, further boosting their morale and determination.

The royal couple’s visit to Kagoshima is set to conclude on the 28th, with their attendance at the tournament’s grand opening ceremony, followed by a thrilling basketball game in Aira City. Their unwavering commitment to championing disability inclusion and their compassionate interactions with children at the developmental support facility and athletes during the pep rally exemplify their dedication to fostering a more inclusive society for all.

Prince Akishino and his wife visit Kagoshima, hold children at a developmental support facility and encourage disabled sports athletes[10/27 19:32]

Prince Akishino and his wife have been visiting Kagoshima since the 27th in conjunction with the special national sports tournament for people with disabilities that will begin on the 28th. It’s been four years since the two of us visited Kagoshima together.

Prince Akishino and Princess Noriko arrived at Kagoshima Airport shortly before noon on the 27th, and were met by Governor Shioda and others at a nearby hotel.

Prince Akishino’s visit to Kagoshima follows the National High School Cultural Festival in July this year, and is the first time in four years that the two have visited each other since 2019.

In the afternoon, they toured the Isa City Child Development Support Centre, which supports the growth of babies and young children. The two of them joined in with everyone singing in a circle and having fun interacting with the children.

(Director Mariko Horinouchi, Tanpopo, Isa City Child Development Support Center) “Princess Noriko said, “It’s nostalgic,” and she was familiar with the children’s point of view.”

“At first he was touching me, but then he picked me up and I was so happy.”

Recently, he attended a pep rally in Kagoshima City for the prefectural athletes who will participate in the special national sports tournament for people with disabilities starting on the 28th.

He then called the players and encouraged them.

Their visit to Kagoshima will last until the 28th, when they will attend the opening ceremony of the tournament and then watch a basketball game in Aira City.

#MBC #News #Prince #Akishino #wife #visit #Kagoshima #hold #children #developmental #support #facility #encourage #disabled #athletes