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AIKO MAKES NEW FRIENDS IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM

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13 MARCH 2006

Japan's little Princess Aiko had a close encounter with America's favourite rodents when she paid a visit to Tokyo Disneyland on Monday. The four-year-old was welcomed by Mickey Mouse and his old friend Minnie when she and her parents arrived for a day of fun and games at the famous theme park.

Aiko, who is due to start kindergarten in April, seemed a little unsure when the two characters came forward to shake her hand. The youngster shrank back and clung to her mother's leg at first, but she soon regained her confidence and got into the swing of life inside the walls of the Magic Kingdom.

Along with her parents Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, the young royal spent the morning at Disney Sea, before taking in the many sights and sounds of neighbouring Disneyland. Their trip to the entertainment park was just the latest in a series of family outings as her mum and dad aim to "let her experience the things other children of her generation are doing".

Public debate over whether the Japanese constitution should be changed in order to allow Aiko access to the Chrysanthemum Throne continued, meanwhile. Plans to amend the laws of succession seemed all but certain to get the green light until last month when news broke of Princess Kiko's pregnancy. If the 39-year-old's new arrival turns out to be a boy, he would become third in line after his uncle Naruhito.