On a visit to Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido, on the 6th, Princess Kiko and her son Prince Hisahito participated in activities that foster community engagement. They attended the World Ski Orienteering Championships, where they observed a sprint relay involving teams from 11 countries, including Norway, Finland, and Sweden, cheering on the competitors throughout the races. Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito previously experienced ski orienteering themselves, showcasing their interest in the sport and support for local events.

Following their attendance at the ski championships, the royal pair visited the Rusutsu Children’s Center, a facility that supports childrearing in the community. There, they interacted with approximately 30 children aged 3 to 6 years old from the Rusutsu Kindergarten, engaging in traditional Japanese Karuta card games. The children enjoyed showing Prince Hisahito how to play, incorporating playful activities such as rock-paper-scissors, which created a joyful atmosphere and allowed for interaction between young children and the royal family.

This visit reflects the royal family's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and fostering connections with children, which is a significant aspect of their public engagements. Furthermore, such events provide a way for the Imperial Family to bridge cultural traditions like Karuta with modern sporting events, thereby promoting Japanese heritage while engaging with various aspects of society.