Japan's Princess Aiko, 22, says it's 'sobering' to make her first step as 'member of society' as she begins work for the Japanese Red Cross
- Princess Aiko, 22, has been assigned to the youth and volunteer division
- READ MORE: Princess Aiko of Japan says she's 'happy and humbled' to be starting a new job with the Red Cross Society after finishing university in April
Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, has begun working for the Japanese Red Cross Society in Minato Ward today.
Speaking to reporters outside the JRCS in Tokyo this morning, the 22-year-old said: 'It is a sobering feeling to take my first step as a member of society'
The princess, who has been assigned to the youth and volunteer division of the JRCS, was dressed smartly in a navy blue skirt suit.
Her modest A-line skirt fell to below her knees, and she paired it with a boxy, short navy blazer of the same fabric.
Princess Aiko matched the suit with a crisp, white, button-down shirt with the top bottom undone, and simple black pumps with a low heel.
Princess Aiko (pictured) has begun working for the Japanese Red Cross Society in Minato Ward today.
The daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako is pictured outside the Japanese Red Cross Society building in Tokyo
Aiko (pictured bowing to the media) first announced she would be working at the Japanese Red Cross Society back in January
SMART: The Princess (pictured outside the Red Cross Building in Tokyo) donned a smart navy skirt suit for her first day
Princess Aiko kept her look simple, with a stylish but demure trouser suit, a sleek low ponytail, and no make-up
She kept the chic look simple with no make-up or other accessories, and her black hair pulled into a neat ponytail.
The royal revealed back in January that she would be starting work for the Red Cross Society after completing university.
She has now finished her studies in Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University.
Aiko, 22, who is the only daughter of Emperor Naruhito, 63, and Empress Masako, 60, has demonstrated a commitment to charitable pursuits with her latest move.
Her contracted role at the Red Cross will not impact her official duties, and she intends to carry both out simultaneously, according to Kyodo News.
In a statement released by the Society in January, she said: 'I am happy to become engaged in works of the Japanese Red Cross Society.'
She added: 'At the same time, I feel determined.'
The Japanese imperial family enjoys a longstanding connection with the charity, and Empress Masako is currently an honorary president of the organisation.
The Princess has just finished her studies in Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University
Aiko is pictured making her way out of the gate of the Japanese Red Cross Society as she begins to work
Aiko said: 'I am happy and humbled to be able to work for the Japanese Red Cross, which I have always been interested in.
'I will continue to learn various things and work hard with the awareness that I am a member of society.
'So I hope that I can be of some help to people and society, even if it is only in a small way.'
The princess maintains a private life.
She previously suffered a period of bullying and anxiety during her childhood, which saw her dropping out of school.
