Aiko, Princess Toshi

Who is Aiko, Princess Toshi?

Aiko, Princess Toshi is the only child of the heir apparent to the Japanese throne, Crown Prince Naruhito, and his wife, Crown Princess Masako.

Aiko, the princess's personal name, is written with kanji character for "love" and "child" and means "a person who loves others." She also has an imperial title, Princess Toshi which means "a person who respects others." This formal title will be dropped if she marries a commoner. The Imperial Household Law of 1947 abolished the Japanese nobility; and under provisions of this law, the imperial family was streamlined to the descendants of Emperor Taishō. The laws of succession in Japan exclude inheritance through a female line; if the laws were changed, Aiko would be second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.