Princess Akiko of Mikasa Delivers 'Art of Copying' Lecture in Luxembourg

On Tuesday 17 March 2026, Princess Akiko of Mikasa, a member of the Imperial House of Japan, delivered a lecture at the Musée Dräi Eechelen in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

Titled "The Art of Copying – Creating Reproductions for the West", the event was organised by the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg in collaboration with the National Museum of Archaeology, History and Art (MNAHA).

Princess Akiko, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Japanese Art from the University of Oxford, is the first female member of the Japanese Imperial family to obtain a PhD. She is the daughter of Prince and Princess Tomohito of Mikasa.

Following a brief guided tour of the museum, MNAHA Director Tania Brugnoni opened the event, explaining that the lecture formed part of broader cultural diplomacy efforts. She said the chosen topic was "the perfect example of this dialogue between cultures".

In his opening remarks, Japan's Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mamoru Nomura, described the event as an "exceptional occasion​" and praised Princess Akiko as a respected scholar in Japanese art who actively promotes culture through educational initiatives. He added that the event would deepen understanding of Japanese culture and the strong ties between Luxembourg and Japan, ahead of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

In her presentation, Princess Akiko explored the historical significance of artistic reproduction, challenging the sometimes negative perception of copies as inferior to original works. She explained that reproductions have long played a crucial role in the preservation, study and dissemination of art, notably in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Western museums actively collected casts and copies of major works.

She also described how reproductions of Japanese artworks were created for export to Western museums and emphasised that "strong interaction" between Japan and the West played a key role in developing reproduction techniques, with Western interest in Japanese art encouraging further preservation efforts.

The lecture also examined Japan’s own tradition of copying, particularly during the Meiji era, when reproductions were used primarily to preserve cultural heritage.

The event, attended by around 140 guests, offered insight into both Japanese art history and the long-standing cultural ties between Japan and Europe. Princess Akiko received a bouquet of flowers at the conclusion of the lecture.