• Princess Kako's video sleeping on an economy flight has gone viral, garnering admiration online.
• The 30-year-old royal is on an 11-day trip in Brazil marking diplomatic relations.
• Many netizens praise her humility and grounded nature despite her royal status.
• Princess Kako has increased her public role after her sister Princess Mako stepped away from royal duties.
• She is admired for her beauty and personality, often referred to as “the hope of Japan.”

Princess Kako of Japan has gained significant online attention after a viral video showed her sleeping on an economy flight during her official visit to Brazil. The 30-year-old princess, who is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, was photographed resting against the window following a day packed with engagements, which included visits to four cities. This candid moment has resonated with many online users who expressed their admiration for her choice to fly economy and her evident exhaustion, creating a sympathetic atmosphere around the post. As one netizen noted, “She looked like a porcelain doll. It is completely understandable to feel tired with such a packed schedule,” according to South China Morning Post, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

During her 11-day goodwill tour, which commenced on June 5, the Princess engaged in various diplomatic activities to commemorate 130 years of Japanese-Brazilian relations. This included meetings with government officials and a prominent audience with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Presidential Palace. The simplicity depicted in the video, showing a royal resting like any ordinary traveler, has deeply touched many observers and prompted discussions about her humility amidst royal status, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

Princess Kako has increasingly stepped into the public eye following her sister Princess Mako's departure from the royal family in 2021 to marry her university partner. Adjusting to her roles, she is often described as “the hope of Japan,” and has embraced opportunities to represent her family in various capacities. Beyond her royal duties, she is known for her past as a competitive figure skater and her academic pursuits in the UK, where she studied performing arts and psychology. Her present engagements highlight her poised and approachable nature, with many admiring her grace, as noted in reports from India Times and Channel News Asia.