Princess Aiko's school working to increase her attendance

Princess Aiko's school has taken an "unprecedented approach" to deal with her school absences.

The nine-year-old Japanese royal had cut back on classes after suffering anxiety attacks and stomach aches brought on by a series of incidents which included "rough behaviour" by boys at her school last March and while her attendance has now increased, the school is taking care with her unique situation.

Gakushuin Primary School managing director Motomasa Higashisono said, "We have been taking the necessary measures while in consultation with the Imperial Household Agency. We will make further efforts so the Princess will soon attend classes more regularly."

Hosei University clinical pedagogy professor Naoki Ogi added to The Mainichi Daily News: "The school is dealing with the Imperial Family, and it cannot take the usual measures in addressing the problem of children refusing to go to school. They have been trying an unprecedented approach."

Since term started in January the princess has increased her attendance often staying with her classmates until the end of the final class and regularly walking home.

Last week her father Crown Prince Naruhito visited the school to see his daughter sing in a chorus.

However, she has yet to attend all classes from the morning and eats lunch with her mother Crown Princess Masako in the classroom, while other students eat at the cafeteria.

As well as problems in school, the royal schoolgirl also received online death threats last year.

Police in Japan arrested Kengo Ezaka, 26, in May for threatening to have "her head smashed with a hammer".