October 2 2025
TOKYO – Princess Aiko, the only child of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, has tested positive for COVID-19, the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday.
The 23-year-old princess developed a fever of over 38 C on Tuesday and took an antigen test the following day that confirmed the infection, according to the agency.
While her temperature has since dropped to below 38 C, she canceled a planned two-day trip to Shiga Prefecture in western Japan through Monday to watch events at the National Sports Festival, as she still has a sore throat.
Princess Aiko will remain at the Imperial Residence in Tokyo until Sunday, the agency said, adding that neither the emperor nor the empress currently shows symptoms.
The imperial couple are scheduled to travel to Kyoto and Osaka prefectures from Saturday for three days to attend an international forum and inspect the venue of the World Exposition in Osaka. The agency said they will undergo testing if necessary.
Barrier Free Japan 
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