Princess Aiko performs official duties alone for the first time, and the fate of the 80-year-old knife-wielding man is revealed

On October 11, Princess Aiko, the 21-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, made her first solo official visit to Saga Prefecture since coming of age. This significant moment was momentarily overshadowed when a man in his 80s was arrested that same day near Saga Castle for possessing a folding knife. The local police heightened security following the incident.

According to a report from Saga Shimbun, the suspect, currently unemployed and from Yamaguchi Prefecture, was found with a knife that had an 8.5-centimeter blade inside the historical grounds of Saga Castle’s Honmaru Museum. Museum staff noticed his suspicious behavior and alerted the police for further investigation.

When questioned about his intentions, the man admitted, “I know it’s wrong to carry a knife, but I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone.”

Just 30 minutes after the man’s arrest, Princess Aiko’s motorcade passed by the area as she arrived in Saga for her scheduled public engagements, which included attending the National Sports Festival athletics competitions and a visit to the Honmaru Museum. She set off from the Imperial Palace in the morning, reaching Saga Airport just before noon. Dressed in a salmon-pink ensemble, she was warmly welcomed by local residents lining the streets. This visit marks a significant milestone for Princess Aiko as it’s her first official duty as an adult member of the royal family.