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Warm family snaps of Japanese royals mark Akishino's birthday
SEND TO A FRIEND30 NOVEMBER 2007
Standing at the centre of his family, his face wreathed in smiles, Japan's Prince Akishino looked every
inch the proud father. The informal family snaps, taken as the group strolled through the imperial estate
at Asaka in Tokyo on a beautiful sunny day, marked the 42nd birthday of the Emperor's younger son.
Waving happily at the camera in one of the intimate shots is the Prince's one year-old- son Prince Hisahito.
Though the little boy spent most of the walk being pushed in his buggy by his 12-year-old sister,
Princess Kako, or carried by mum Princess Kiko, he has will no doubt soon be making efforts to explore
the gardens on his own two feet, after his father revealed he's taken his first steps unaided.
"(He) has started walking by himself and has expanded his field of activities," says Prince Akishino of
the youngster, who is third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne.
The little future emperor isn't the only one in the family maturing. The prince also revealed daughters
Mako and 16-year-old Kako are growing into responsible adults - often helping take care of their little brother.