World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Princess Aiko visits Tottori sites affected by disasters
Princess Aiko visited Tottori Prefecture on the final day of her trip on October 19.
In Saji, she heard how a typhoon in August 2023 caused severe damage to roads, rivers and farmland.
She met residents who helped provide food and other support during the disaster and asked about the difficulties they faced.
Aiko also visited a local observatory and tourism sites, including Tottori Sand Dunes.
She was told that a social media video falsely showed earthquake cracks in the dunes after a January quake that registered a maximum intensity of 5-plus in western Tottori.
Aiko said checking the facts was important, after the prefecture had warned that the video was inaccurate.
Her visit included learning about disaster recovery and the need to verify claims shared online.
Princess Aiko visited disaster-affected areas and tourist sites in Tottori Prefecture on the final day of her three-day visit, October 19.
In Saji town, Tottori City, she heard about recovery from damage caused by a typhoon in August 2023.
She spoke with residents who had provided support during the disaster and asked what had been most difficult during their activities.
At Tottori Sand Dunes, she discussed the importance of checking facts after false social media videos about earthquake damage spread.
Her visit also drew attention to local attractions, including traditional Hakota dolls, whose sales rose after she tried painting one.
- Who
- Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
- What
- She visited areas affected by disasters and other sites in Tottori Prefecture during a three-day visit.
- When
- October 19, the final day of her visit.
- Where
- Saji town and other locations in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A typhoon brought record heavy rain to Saji town, damaging roads, rivers and farmland.
A magnitude 5 or greater earthquake in western Tottori Prefecture was followed by false social media claims of cracks in the sand dunes.
Princess Aiko visited Saji town and other sites in Tottori City on the final day of her three-day visit.
- Visit
- Three days in Tottori Prefecture, ending October 19, 2026
- Disaster
- Typhoon damage in Saji town in August 2023
- Saji town recovery
- Roads, rivers and farmland were damaged
- Sand dunes
- False social media videos claimed earthquake cracks had appeared
- Hakota dolls
- Sales were reported to be five to six times higher than usual
4 sources
What people are saying
Checking the facts is important, isn't it?
What was the most difficult thing during your activities?
The sand is fluffy and fine.
Yesterday, the day after her visit, I felt sales were five to six times higher than usual.