Oldest Member Of Japan's Royal Family, Princess Mikasa Dies At 101

Princess Mikasa, the oldest member of Japan’s imperial family and great-aunt to Emperor Naruhito, has died at the age of 101. The Imperial Household Agency confirmed that she passed away on Friday, November 15 at a Tokyo hospital, where she had been hospitalised since March after suffering a stroke and pneumonia. Despite treatment in intensive care, she had been recuperating for months.

Oldest Member Of Japan's Royal Family Princess Mikasa Dies 

Born on June 4, 1923, as Yuriko Takagi, Princess Mikasa came from an aristocratic background. At 18, she married Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito, during World War II. The couple faced significant hardships, including the loss of their home in an air raid, forcing the princess and her firstborn daughter to take shelter. Recalling those days, she described the environment as tense and frightening, with military officers visiting and heated disputes occurring.

Princess Mikasa and Prince Mikasa had five children, two daughters and three sons. Tragically, all three of their sons predeceased her, including one who passed away at 47 while playing squash at the Canadian embassy. Despite these personal losses and financial struggles, the princess remained committed to her domestic duties, reflecting on her challenges and support received from her husband with gratitude on her 100th birthday.

Under Japan's male-only succession laws, imperial women cannot inherit the throne and must relinquish their status if they marry outside the royal family. Princess Mikasa's three granddaughters, however, have retained their royal titles, including Akiko, who gained recognition for her 2015 book detailing her experiences at Oxford University and an unusual airport incident involving her diplomatic passport.

Princess Mikasa’s death comes amid concerns about the future of Japan’s imperial line. Current Emperor Naruhito's daughter, Princess Aiko, is not eligible for the throne due to the Imperial Household Law established in 1947. His nephew, 18-year-old Prince Hisahito, remains the only young male heir to the throne.