Harumi Kobayashi has been an enthusiastic admirer of the Imperial family for more than a decade. She has followed the royals around the country, greeted them and taken their pictures. In fact, she has become such a familiar face at Imperial events that some members of the family respond specifically to her greetings.
Kobayashi's latest obsession is Princess Kiko and her baby-to-be. Kobayashi wants to be there to capture the moment when they leave Aiiku Hospital together.
The Imperial Household Agency announced Friday that Princess Kiko, the wife of Prince Akishino, 40, Emperor Akihito's second son, will receive a Cesarean section, due to pregnancy complications, on Sept. 6.