Crown Princess Kiko attends charity concert

Crown Princess Kiko of Japan attended a charity concert that aims to raise funds to support patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. It has no cure, and medication can only manage symptoms.

The charity concert was held at Toppan Hall in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward and hosted by a patient association.

The Crown Princess could be seen wiping away tears following a performance of Mariya Takeuchi’s “Inochi no Uta” (“Song of Life“) by soprano singer Mamiko Sakaida, who has the disease. The Crown Princess and Mamiko Sakaida are already acquainted with each other. They met in May 2025 at an event related to intractable diseases at the Osaka Expo.

Crown Princess Kiko spoke with participants after the concert and told them, “I had a very moving time.”