Viral: Japan's Princess Kako spotted flying economy, sleeping mid-flight

A short video of Japan’s Princess Kako sleeping peacefully on an economy class flight has gone viral, sparking admiration across social media. In the clip, the 30-year-old royal is seen quietly leaning against the window, appearing visibly tired after a long day of engagements during her official visit to Brazil.Shared widely across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, the footage reportedly shows her onboard a domestic flight during her 11-day tour of Brazil. According to Japanese media, Princess Kako had visited four different cities in one day, which explains her exhaustion. The simplicity of the moment—a royalty choosing economy class and nodding off like any other passenger—touched many online. While some users praised her humility, others expressed concern over the invasion of her privacy.

“She looked like a porcelain doll. It is completely understandable to feel tired with such a packed schedule,” SCMP quoted one user as saying. The reactions continue to pour in, with many admiring her grounded nature despite her royal status.

The viral moment occurred during her official 11-day goodwill tour of Brazil, which began on June 5, 2025. The visit, aimed at marking 130 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil, included meetings with government officials, cultural engagements, and a notable audience with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Presidential Palace.

Who is Princess Kako?

Princess Kako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito and the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko. As a member of the Japanese Imperial Family, she has taken on more public responsibilities in recent years, especially following her older sister Princess Mako’s departure from royal life in 2021. Mako gave up her royal titles to marry her college sweetheart and now lives in New York with her husband Kei Komuro.Princess Kako, once a promising figure skater, pursued her studies in performance and psychology at the University of Leeds in the UK. Known for her poise, quiet charm, and elegance, she has become a rising symbol of the Imperial Family’s modern face.