The Imperial Household Agency of Japan announced that Princess Akiko, the eldest daughter of the Mikasa family, will be visiting Luxembourg and Monaco from March 16 to 24, 2023. This visit is at the invitation of Monaco's Prince Albert II, where she will observe an international rugby tournament taking place in Monaco. The tournament will feature a 7-a-side rugby competition for teams under the age of 12, including a team from Osaka, Japan.

In addition to supporting the sporting event, Princess Akiko will participate in activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Monaco. She is scheduled to make a greeting speech during the commemorative event and will also attend the "Rose Ball" charity event which was established by the late Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, to support charitable initiatives.

Princess Akiko is the honorary president of the Japan Rugby Football Union, reflecting her engagement in promoting sports in Japan. She will depart from Tokyo's Haneda Airport on the early morning of March 16 and is expected to arrive in Luxembourg later that day. Her stay in Luxembourg will last until March 19, where she will also give a lecture on Japanese art at the Dräi Eechelen Museum, with plans to stop in the UK both going and returning from her trip.