Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito Attend Biotope Competition and Interact with Children
Prince Akishino and his son Prince Hisahito participated in the 'National School and Kindergarten Biotope Competition 2025' held at the Tokyo National Museum, engaging with children and appreciating the importance of environmental education.
On August 8, Prince Akishino and his son Prince Hisahito attended the 'National School and Kindergarten Biotope Competition 2025' held at the Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum. As the competition marked its 14th edition, Prince Akishino acknowledged the growing recognition of the importance of biotopes in schools and gardens, expressing his respect for the efforts of the stakeholders involved. The competition aims to promote environmental education and nature experience activities by establishing biotopes in schoolyards and other community spaces.
During the event, several schools and kindergartens, including Chibata Elementary School in Kōsei City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and the affiliated kindergarten of Shiga University in Ōtsu City, presented their initiatives that won awards. After listening to these presentations, Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito engaged in conversation with the children. Notably, Prince Hisahito asked a representative from Chibata Elementary School, which has been utilizing abandoned farmland for biotope activities since November 2001, about the changes observed over the 24 years of their efforts in environmental studies and invasive plant removal.
This event underscores the commitment of the Japanese royal family to environmental awareness and education. It reflects a broader trend in Japan of integrating environmental initiatives within the educational system, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility among the younger generation towards nature and its conservation, which is critical in the face of global environmental challenges.