Princess Kako of Akishino, niece of Emperor Naruhito, is facing criticism for wearing a $20 blue knit sweater during her official visit to Greece. Some argue that the attire was inappropriate for an official event attended as a representative of the Japanese Imperial Family.
According to Japanese media outlets like Sankei Shimbun, Princess Kako visited Greece on the 26th to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and Japan.
On the first day of her visit, Princess Kako toured the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wearing a blue knit sweater and white pants.
Online, information about Princess Kako’s fashion choices was quickly shared. The sweater, estimated to be an online sales item in Japan, is priced at 2,990 yen (about $20). Princess Kako is known to be a fan of the brand’s products.
The sweater worn by the princess gained immense popularity online, with some items even selling out. However, as the price of the sweater became known, an unexpected controversy arose.
Criticism emerged that wearing a low-cost casual outfit for an official event attended as a representative of the Japanese Imperial Family was rather disrespectful.
Japanese netizens reacted with comments like, “Princess Kako is visiting Greece as a representative of Japan, so she should wear more appropriate clothing,” “It’s polite to wear expensive and good clothes,” “We shouldn’t tarnish the dignity of the Japanese people,” “It looks like she’s on a backpacking trip,” and “It’s a nuisance.”
On the other hand, some argued, “Princesses can also buy clothes online shopping,” “It rather elevates the dignity of the Japanese Imperial Family,” and “The idea that you have to wear expensive clothes is a prejudice.”
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