During their visit to Rusutsu Village in Hokkaido, Princess Kiko and her son, Prince Hisahito, joined 26 local elementary and middle school students for a ski orienteering event organized by the Japan Orienteering Association. The event involved cross-country skiing while locating markers on a map, with participants competing for speed until reaching the finish line. The initiative aims to promote the sport of ski orienteering among young people in Japan.

Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito commenced their adventure after the students and successfully completed approximately one kilometer of the course. Prince Hisahito even expressed his enjoyment of the experience, reflecting on the sport as a great way to appreciate nature. His enthusiasm reflects a supportive attitude towards physical outdoor activities, which is crucial for youth engagement in sports.

The event created memorable moments, particularly for a local 10-year-old participant, Yoshitaro Tsumura from Atsubetsu, Sapporo, who noted receiving encouragement and assistance from Prince Hisahito, especially when he fell during the race. The interaction highlighted not only the royal family's involvement in community sports initiatives but also the positive impact it had on youth participants, fostering a sense of encouragement and inspiration through such unique experiences with royalty.