Yuriko, Princess Mikasa (崇仁親王妃百合子, Takahito Shinnōhi Yuriko) (born Yuriko Takagi (高木百合子, Takagi Yuriko), 4 June 1923 – 15 November 2024), was a member of the Imperial House of Japan as the wife of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, the fourth son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. The Princess was the last surviving paternal great-aunt by marriage of Emperor Naruhito and, before her death, was the oldest member of the imperial family, and the final living member who was born in the Taishō era.
| Yuriko | |
|---|---|
| Princess Mikasa | |
 Yuriko in 1980 | |
| Born | Yuriko Takagi (高木百合子) 4 June 1923 Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | 15 November 2024 (aged 101) Chūō, Tokyo, Japan |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | |
| House | Imperial House of Japan |
| Father | Masanari Takagi |
| Mother | Kuniko Irie |
Early life
editPrincess Mikasa was born as Yuriko Takagi on 4 June, 1923 at Takagi's family house in Tokyo, as the second daughter of Viscount Masanari Takagi (1894–1948) and his wife, Kuniko Irie (1901–1988).[1]
Her father was a member of the Takagi clan, formerly lords of the small feudal domain of Tan'nan; through her father, she was a great-great-granddaughter of Hotta Masayoshi, a prominent rōjū, or shōgunal minister, during the Bakumatsu period. Her mother was descended from the noble Yanagihara clan, and was a second cousin of Emperor Shōwa. The Emperor's grandmother, Lady Yanagiwara Naruko, was Kuniko's great-aunt.[2]
Marriage
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On 29 March, 1941, Yuriko's engagement to her second cousin once removed, Takahito, Prince Mikasa, was announced. The engagement ceremony was held on 3 October, 1941, and the wedding ceremony took place on 22 October, 1941; this was less than two months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which led to the United States entering World War II.[4][5] After her marriage, Yuriko was styled Her Imperial Highness The Princess Mikasa.[6]
The Princess Mikasa frequently visited her husband, who was hospitalized during his final months. On 22 October, 2016, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in his hospital room.[7] Prince Mikasa died five days later, with Princess Yuriko at his side.[7] The Princess led her husband's funeral ceremony as the chief mourner.[8]
The Prince and Princess had five children. The couple's two daughters, which are their only surviving children, left the imperial family upon marriage.[9] All three sons predeceased them. In addition to their five children, they had nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as of 2022.[10] Of her grandchildren, only three granddaughters remain in the imperial family, with two other granddaughters losing their imperial family status upon marriage.[9][11]
Children
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- Yasuko Konoe (近衛甯子, Konoe Yasuko), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinno), born 26 April 1944; married on 16 December 1966 to Tadateru Konoe, younger brother of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and adopted grandson (and heir) of former Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe. Her husband was president of the Japanese Red Cross Society for over a decade; has a son, Tadahiro Konoe, who has three children.[3]
- Prince Tomohito of Mikasa (寬仁親王, Tomohito Shinnō, 5 January 1946 – 6 June 2012); heir apparent; married on 7 November 1980 to Nobuko Asō (born 9 April 1955), third daughter of Takakichi Asō, chairman of Asō Cement Co., and his wife, Kazuko, the daughter of former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida; had two daughters, Princess Akiko and Princess Yōko.[3]
- Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō, 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014); created Katsura-no-miya on 1 January 1988.[3]
- Masako Sen (千容子, Sen Masako), formerly Princess Masako of Mikasa (容子内親王, Masako Naishinnō), born 23 October 1951; married on 14 October 1983 to Masayuki Sen, later Sōshitsu Sen XVI (born 7 June 1956), the elder son of Sōshitsu Sen XV, and currently the sixteenth hereditary grand master (iemoto) of the Urasenke Japanese tea ceremony School; and has two sons, Akifumi Kikuchi and Takafumi Sen, and a daughter, Makiko Sakata.[3]
- Norihito, Prince Takamado (高円宮憲仁親王, Takamado-no-miya Norihito Shinnō, 29 December 1954 – 21 November 2002); created Takamado-no-miya on 1 December 1984; married on 6 December 1984 to Hisako Tottori (born 10 July 1953), eldest daughter of Shigejiro Tottori, former President of Mitsui & Co. in France; and had three daughters, Princess Tsuguko, Noriko Senge, and Ayako Moriya.[3]
Public service
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Princess Mikasa was the honorary president of various charitable organizations, especially those concerned with the preservation of traditional Japanese culture. She also played an active role in the Japanese Red Cross Society.[12]
In 1948, the Princess became President of the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-kai, a position that she resigned from in September 2010. She had attended several formal occasions in Tokyo as well as other parts of Japan associated with charities concerned with mother and child health issues.[12]
Declining health and death
editThe princess had used a pacemaker since 1999.[1] She underwent surgery for colon cancer in 2007.[1] She was notably absent from the 2019 enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.[13]
In September 2020, the 97-year-old was hospitalized with symptoms of heart failure and pneumonia, and was released after two weeks.[14][15] She was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital in March 2021 due to arrhythmia. It was also announced that her condition was not critical and she was discharged within a few days as her symptoms subsided.[16][17] In July 2022, the princess was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 and been hospitalized at St. Luke's International Hospital.[18][19][20] She turned 100 on 4 June 2023.[21]
In early March 2024, the princess was hospitalised at St. Luke's International Hospital due to a mild cerebral infarction and stroke;[22][23] on 11 March, she was transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward, as a sign that she was recovering, even if she was unable to eat, but started drinking water.[24][25] On 18 March, it was announced by the Imperial Household Agency that she experienced symptoms of heart failure and cerebral infarction again, and it was difficult for her to move her right arm and leg: thus, she continued to be treated at St. Luke's International Hospital.[26][27] On 25 March, it was announced that her symptoms of heart failure and cerebral infarction significantly improved (to a level close to when she was first transferred to the general ward of the hospital) and she would begin to do rehabilitation.[28] She celebrated her 101st birthday on 4 June in the hospital, and was visited by her daughter-in-law Hisako, Princess Takamado and by her granddaughters Princess Akiko, Princess Yōko, and Princess Tsuguko.[29] On 16 August, Yuriko was brought back to the intensive care of the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia;[30][31] on 9 September, she returned to the general ward from the intensive care unit as her conditions improved.[32][33]
An examination conducted on 7 November 2024 revealed declining overall body function, including heart and kidneys.[34] She was doing rehabilitation, such as sitting in a wheelchair, since her admittance into the hospital in March. On 9 November, following the announcement of her declining health, she was visited by several of her immediate relatives.[35][36][37][38] On 11 November, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the health of Princess Yuriko was still deteriorating.[39][40] Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were informed of her condition, to which they expressed concern.[41] During the same day, it was reported by the Imperial Household Agency that her consciousness was "in a reduced state", and more members of the imperial family came to visit her.[42] On 14 November, the Imperial Household Agency's grand steward, Yasuhiko Nishimura, reported that Yuriko was losing consciousness.[43]
On 15 November 2024, at 6:32 am (JST), Princess Mikasa died at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, aged 101.[44][45][46] She was surrounded by her granddaughters Akiko, Yōko, and Tsuguko, as well as her daughter-in-law Princess Hisako.[47] The Imperial Household Agency posted a statement on Instagram to announce her death,[48] and revealed that her official cause of death was "old age".[49] Following her cause of death being announced as "old age" by the Imperial Household Agency, Japanese news outlets started to state it was due to pneumonia. But the Imperial Household Agency did not publicly cite or state a cause of death, and the official cause of death remained as "old age".[50] Yuriko's body was later taken back to Tokyo.[51][52][53]
The imperial family entered into a mourning period due to her death.[54] Emperor Naruhito also canceled official duties.[55] On 16 November, her private rites were held at the Mikasa estate with all members of the imperial family in attendance.[56] Her wake will take place on 24–25 November.[57] Yuriko's funeral will be held on 26 November 2024.[58] It was also announced that her granddaughter, Princess Akiko, would be the chief mourner.[58]
Honours
edit
National
edit
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown[59]
Dame of the Decoration of the Red Cross[60]- Recipient of the Red Cross Medal[60]
Foreign
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Empire of Iran: Member 2nd Class of the Order of the Pleiades[61]- Empire of Iran: Commemorative Medal of the 2500th Anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire (14 October 1971)[62]
Netherlands: Inauguration Medal 1980 (30 April 1980)[63]
Honorary positions
edit- Reserve Member of the Imperial House Council[6]
- Honorary Vice-President of the Japanese Red Cross Society[6]
Issue
edit| Name | Birth | Death | Marriage | Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Spouse | ||||
| Yasuko Konoe (Princess Yasuko of Mikasa) |
26 April 1944 | 16 December 1966 | Tadateru Konoe | Tadahiro Konoe | |
| Prince Tomohito of Mikasa | 5 January 1946 | 6 June 2012 | 7 November 1980 | Nobuko Asō | Princess Akiko of Mikasa Princess Yōko of Mikasa |
| Yoshihito, Prince Katsura | 11 February 1948 | 8 June 2014 | None | ||
| Masako Sen (Princess Masako of Mikasa) |
23 October 1951 | 14 October 1983 | Sōshitsu Sen XVI | Akifumi Kikuchi Makiko Sakata Takafumi Sen | |
| Norihito, Prince Takamado | 29 December 1954 | 21 November 2002 | 6 December 1984 | Hisako Tottori | Princess Tsuguko of Takamado Noriko Senge (Princess Noriko of Takamado) Ayako Moriya (Princess Ayako of Takamado) |
References
edit- ^ a b c Shimbun, The Sankei (15 November 2024). "OBITUARY | Princess Yuriko Mikasa: A Legacy of Love and Devotion | JAPAN Forward". japan-forward.com. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "高木氏 (Takagi genealogy)". Reichsarchiv (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "最高齢の皇族 三笠宮妃百合子さま 激動の1世紀を生きる | NHK | WEB特集". NHKニュース. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ Yamaguchi, Mari (15 November 2024). "Japanese Princess Yuriko, wartime Emperor Hirohito's sister-in-law, dies at 101". Associated Press. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ Press, Associated (15 November 2024). "Princess Yuriko, eldest member of Japan's imperial family, dies at 101". Washington Post. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ a b c "Her Imperial Highnesses Princess Mikasa and her family". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
- ^ a b "UPDATE: Prince Mikasa, uncle of Akihito, dies at 100 years old". Asahi Shimbun. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
- ^ "Prince Mikasa laid to rest in Imperial rite". The Japan Times. 4 November 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
- ^ a b "Japan's Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of emperor, dies at 101". Kyodo News. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, oldest in Japan's Imperial Family, turns 99". Arab News. 4 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ Burack, Emily (15 November 2024). "Japan's Princess Yuriko, the Oldest Member of the Imperial Family, Dies at Age 101". Town & Country. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Activities of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Mikasa and their family". The Imperial Household Agency. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- ^ "Japan's Emperor Naruhito proclaims enthronement in ancient-style ceremony". Kyodo News. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of emperor, diagnosed with heart failure". The Japan Times. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, released from hospital". Kyodo News. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ "Japan emperor's great-aunt Princess Yuriko hospitalized for heart trouble". Kyodo News. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ^ "Emperor's great-aunt Princess Yuriko released from hospital". Kyodo News. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Yuriko, 99, infected with coronavirus". The Japan Times. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
- ^ "Japan's Princess Yuriko, 99, Infected with Novel Coronavirus". Nippon.com. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, 99, infected with novel coronavirus". The Japan News. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, Oldest In Japan's Imperial Family, Turns 100". The Japan News. 4 June 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
- ^ "入院中の三笠宮妃百合子さま、一般病室 に順調に回復へ 宮内庁". News.ntv (in Japanese). 11 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko hospitalized for possible cerebral infarction". The Japan Times. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "脳梗塞でご入院の三笠宮妃百合子さま「順調にご回復」一般病室へご移動 宮内庁". Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). 11 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "100歳の百合子さま「脳梗塞」の症状改善し一般病棟へ 誤えん性肺炎も改善". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 11 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さま、心不全の症状 脳梗塞も再発―宮内庁". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 18 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "100歳の最高齢皇族・百合子さまに新たに「心不全」などの症状 「脳梗塞」で入院中". Fnn.jp (in Japanese). 18 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま、心不全と脳梗塞の症状かなり改善 宮内庁". News.ntv (in Japanese). 25 March 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "皇室で最高齢 三笠宮妃の百合子さま 101歳に 皇族方が病院訪問". NHK.jp (in Japanese). 4 June 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "入院中の百合子さま、軽い肺炎との診断受けられる ご症状は回復 101歳、皇室で最高齢". Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). 26 August 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "Japan's 101-yr-old Princess in intensive care for mild pneumonia". Mainichi Shimbun. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さま、一般病室に 宮内庁". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 9 September 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "Japan's 101-yr-old princess leaves ICU after pneumonia treatment". Mainichi Shimbun. 9 September 2024. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ "皇族最高齢101歳の三笠宮妃百合子さまの容体が悪化…孫の彬子さまはイギリスから急きょ帰国へ｜FNNプラ". Fnn.jp. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さま、容体変わらず 彬子さま、急きょ帰国し病院に：時事ドットコム". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "彬子さま、イギリスから緊急帰国 三笠宮妃百合子さまをお見舞い 高円宮妃久子さまも". News.ntv (in Japanese). Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま容体悪化、長女ら親族が病院に 久子さまも：朝日新聞デジタル". Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "寛仁親王妃信子さま、京都訪問を取りやめ…三笠宮妃百合子さまは容体に大きな変化なし". Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ "入院中の三笠宮妃百合子さまへお見舞い続々 声がけに目を開ける". Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さま、容体に変化なし 彬子さまら親族が見舞う ｜ 共同通信". Nordot.app (in Japanese). 10 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ "天皇皇后両陛下 大分訪問 豊かな海づくり大会出席へ". News.ntv (in Japanese). 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ "「意識は低下した状態」と宮内庁 三笠宮妃百合子さま容体". Nordot.app (in Japanese). 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま、心臓や腎臓の機能の低下続く 「主治医が注意深く見守っている」と宮内庁". Newsdig.tbs (in Japanese). 14 November 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま逝去 101歳 上皇さまの叔母：朝日新聞デジタル". Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃の百合子さまご逝去 101歳 宮内庁関係者". NHK.jp. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Japanese Princess Yuriko, oldest member of imperial family, dies at 101". Associated Press. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024 – via CNN.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さまが逝去 皇室最高齢の101歳 入院先の「聖路加国際病院」で". TBS.jp (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま 死因は老衰～宮内庁が会見". News.ntv (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "Princess Yuriko, Oldest Member of Japan's Imperial Family, Dies at 101". The New York Times. 15 November 2024.
- ^ "彬子さま、うつむき聖路加国際病院を後にされる 百合子さま薨去". Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま逝去 １０１歳、皇室最高齢：時事ドットコム". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さまを乗せた車両：時事ドットコム". Jiji.com (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "百合子さま逝去で天皇家など5日の服喪 19日の愛子さま佳子さまの鴨場接待取りやめ". Newsdig.tbs (in Japanese). 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "【速報】天皇皇后両陛下が百合子さまを弔問 陛下は大おばの逝去で公務取り止め｜FNNプライムオンライン". Fnn.jp. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま「御舟入」 皇族方が拝礼 両陛下も弔問：朝日新聞デジタル". 朝日新聞デジタル (in Japanese). 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "三笠宮妃百合子さま逝去から一夜 「御舟入」や「拝訣」で皇族方が百合子さまに別れを告げる | TBS NEWS DIG (1ページ)". TBS NEWS DIG (in Japanese). 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ a b 日本テレビ. "三笠宮妃百合子さまご逝去 26日に「斂葬の儀」喪主は孫の彬子さま 宮内庁｜日テレNEWS NNN". 日テレNEWS NNN (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ 『官報』第4438号、「叙任及辞令」、昭和16年10月23日。p.719
- ^ a b Red Cross Medals
- ^ Persepolis
- ^ Badraie Archived 5 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Nationaal Archief, inventory 2.02.32, dossier 529/530
External links
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Media related to Yuriko, Princess Mikasa at Wikimedia Commons- Her Imperial Highness Princess Mikasa and her family at the Imperial Household Agency website
- Yuriko, Princess Mikasa at IMDb
