Japanese princess love for birdlife her driving force

Japan’s Princess Takamado was in Nairobi to champion cooperation to protect migratory birds, biodiversity

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado stands before a tree she planted with the late Prince Takamado Norihito, 27 years ago, on the grounds of the United Nations Office at Nairobi /HANDOUT

When Japan’s Princess Takamado returned to Kenya, her visit carried a strong personal dimension alongside its environmental and diplomatic significance.

Princess Takamado is a senior member of Japan’s imperial family. She is the widow of Prince Norihito of Takamado, a first cousin of Emperor Akihito and grandson of Emperor Taisho.

Notably, she has served since 2004 as honorary president of BirdLife International, which explains her recent speech in Nairobi on migratory birds and biodiversity.

She is styled Her Imperial Highness The Princess Takamado and holds numerous Japanese and foreign honours, including honorary doctorates from Canadian and Korean universities.

Source: The Star