Japan's imperial family is once again mourning the loss of one of its cherished members, as Princess Yuriko, the beloved great-aunt of the current Emperor Naruhito, passed away on November 16 at the age of 101. The Imperial Household Agency confirmed her death, which occurred at a hospital in Tokyo following serious health issues stemming from aspiration pneumonitis and complications from cardiac and kidney failures.
Born on March 27, 1923, Princess Yuriko married Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of the late Emperor Hirohito (also known as Emperor Showa), and together they had five children. Over the years, she held significant roles within the public sphere, particularly as the honorary vice president of the Japanese Red Cross Society and president of the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, dedicated to promoting maternal and child health.
Her passing is notable as it marks another decrease in the number of imperial family members, which has been dwindling under the stipulations of the 1947 Imperial House Law requiring female members to vacate their titles upon marrying commoners. Following Princess Yuriko's death, only 16 members remain within the imperial family.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his condolences, stating, "I cannot help but feel saddened to hear of the loss. I extend my heartfelt condolences along with other Japanese citizens.” Many around the nation shared similar sentiments, honoring her legacy and service to Japan.
The princess had been hospitalized since March after suffering from health complications, but her resilience shone through during her lifetime, especially as she engaged actively with numerous charitable causes.
The legacy of Princess Yuriko is intertwined with deep familial ties. Tragically, she outlived her sons—Princes Tomohito, Katsura, and Takamado—who all passed away prematurely from various health issues, with her youngest son dying as recently as 2016.
Alongside mourning Princess Yuriko, the imperial family recently conducted farewell rites for Princess Mikasa, who also passed away of natural causes. These ceremonies included visits from Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and other family members, who participated solemnly as they honored both Princess Mikasa and now Princess Yuriko.
These recent losses have left the imperial household and the Japanese people grappling with the history and future of the monarchy, particularly as they relate to shifting roles and the influence of Japan's political and cultural landscapes at large.
Princess Mikasa's funeral and entombment are scheduled for November 26 at Tokyo's Toshimagaoka cemetery, where members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects during this period of national mourning. This gathering will likely see many Japanese citizens reflecting on the significance of the imperial family, marked by tradition, yet undergoing transitions as the roles of royal females dramatically shift.
These events serve as poignant reminders of the royal family's longstanding presence and its changes amid modernity. Perhaps even more so, the impacts of such personal losses butting against the vast civic identity of the Japanese empire challenge the way generations honor their past and embrace their future.
