Princess Kako of Akishino (佳子内親王, Kako Naishinnō; born 29 December 1994) is the second daughter of the Crown Prince and…Princess Kako of Akishino (佳子内親王, Kako Naishinnō; born 29 December 1994) is the second daughter of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan and a member of the Akishino branch of the Japanese imperial family. She is a niece of Emperor Naruhito and the second-eldest grandchild of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko.
Mako Komuro (小室 眞子, Komuro Mako; born 23 October 1991), formerly Princess Mako of Akishino (眞子内親王, Mako Naishinnō), is…Mako Komuro (小室 眞子, Komuro Mako; born 23 October 1991), formerly Princess Mako of Akishino (眞子内親王, Mako Naishinnō), is a Japanese art historian and a former member of the Japanese imperial family. She is the eldest child of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, niece of Emperor Naruhito, and granddaughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko. In October 2021, upon her marriage to a commoner, Princess Mako formally lost her title, as required by the Imperial Household Law.
Princess Yōko of Mikasa (瑶子女王, Yōko Joō; born 25 October 1983) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, paternal…Princess Yōko of Mikasa (瑶子女王, Yōko Joō; born 25 October 1983) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, paternal second cousin of Emperor Naruhito and the second daughter of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa and Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko). She is also the niece of Japan's 92nd prime minister Tarō Asō (who is the older brother of her mother), great-niece of author and literary critic Ken'ichi Yoshida, and great-granddaughter of Japan's 45th prime minister Shigeru Yoshida.
Princess Akiko of Mikasa (三笠宮彬子女王, Mikasa-no-miya Akiko Joō; born 20 December 1981) is a member of the Imperial House…Princess Akiko of Mikasa (三笠宮彬子女王, Mikasa-no-miya Akiko Joō; born 20 December 1981) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, a paternal second cousin of Emperor Naruhito, and the elder daughter of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa and Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (Nobuko). She is also a niece of Japan's 92nd prime minister Tarō Asō (who is the older brother of her mother), a great-niece of author and literary critic Ken'ichi Yoshida, and a great-granddaughter of Japan's 45th prime minister Shigeru Yoshida. In September 2025, Princess Akiko became the head of the Mikasa-no-miya branch of the imperial family. She is the first woman who was a princess by birth to succeed as head of a branch of the imperial family since Princess Sumiko.
Sayako Kuroda (黒田 清子, Kuroda Sayako; born 18 April 1969), formerly Sayako, Princess Nori (紀宮清子内親王, Nori-no-miya Sayako…Sayako Kuroda (黒田 清子, Kuroda Sayako; born 18 April 1969), formerly Sayako, Princess Nori (紀宮清子内親王, Nori-no-miya Sayako Naishinnō), is the youngest child and only daughter of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, and the younger sister of the current Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. She is an imperial Shinto priestess of the Ise Grand Shrine, currently serving as the Supreme Priestess. Kuroda held the appellation "Nori-no-miya" (Princess Nori), until her marriage to Yoshiki Kuroda on 15 November 2005. As a result of her marriage, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by the Article 12 of the Imperial Household Law, and received a payment of approximately US$1,000,000.
Maho Toyota (とよた 真帆, Toyota Maho) (born July 6, 1967) is a Japanese actress and model. She is frequently seen on…Maho Toyota (とよた 真帆, Toyota Maho) (born July 6, 1967) is a Japanese actress and model. She is frequently seen on television, where she has acted in over 100 serial dramas and television movies. She was the wife of the film director Shinji Aoyama. She co-starred in his film Desert Moon with Hiroshi Mikami, which screened in competition at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival.
Keiko Nagaoka (永岡 桂子, Nagaoka Keiko; born 8 December 1953) is a Japanese politician serving in the House of…Keiko Nagaoka (永岡 桂子, Nagaoka Keiko; born 8 December 1953) is a Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. A native of Tokyo and graduate of Gakushuin University she was elected for the first time in 2005. Her husband was politician Yoji Nagaoka, who committed suicide on 1 August 2005.
Akiko Nishina (仁科亜希子) (born 3 April 1953 in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress. Once 仁科明子, her name is now 仁科亜季子, after…Akiko Nishina (仁科亜希子) (born 3 April 1953 in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress. Once 仁科明子, her name is now 仁科亜季子, after divorcing from Hiroki Matsukata, an actor in Japan.
Masako Sen (千 容子, Sen Masako; born 23 October 1951), formerly Princess Masako of Mikasa (容子内親王, Masako Naishinnō), is a…Masako Sen (千 容子, Sen Masako; born 23 October 1951), formerly Princess Masako of Mikasa (容子内親王, Masako Naishinnō), is a former member of the Imperial House of Japan. She is the fourth child and second daughter of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. She is the wife of the 16th-generation Soshitsu Sen.
Kazuko Ando (安藤 和子, Andō Kazuko; née Ogino (荻野) and Inukai (犬養), born 6 March 1948, in Tokyo, Japan), better known as…Kazuko Ando (安藤 和子, Andō Kazuko; née Ogino (荻野) and Inukai (犬養), born 6 March 1948, in Tokyo, Japan), better known as Kazu Ando (安藤 和津, Andō Kazu), is a Japanese essayist and tarento represented by Production Pao.
Hanako, Princess Hitachi (正仁親王妃華子, Masahito Shinnōhi Hanako) (born Hanako Tsugaru (津軽華子, Tsugaru Hanako); 19 July…Hanako, Princess Hitachi (正仁親王妃華子, Masahito Shinnōhi Hanako) (born Hanako Tsugaru (津軽華子, Tsugaru Hanako); 19 July 1940), is a member of the Japanese imperial family as the wife of Masahito, Prince Hitachi, who is the younger son of Emperor Shōwa and the only brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito. By marriage, she is the aunt of Emperor Naruhito.
Kosei Fukunaga (福永 嫮生, Fukunaga Kosei) (born Aisin Gioro Husheng; 13 March 1940) is a Manchu-Japanese noblewoman. She…Kosei Fukunaga (福永 嫮生, Fukunaga Kosei) (born Aisin Gioro Husheng; 13 March 1940) is a Manchu-Japanese noblewoman. She was born in the Aisin Gioro clan, the imperial clan of the Qing dynasty. She is the younger daughter of Pujie, the younger brother of the last Chinese Emperor Xuantong, and her mother was Hiro Saga, a Japanese noblewoman who was distantly related to Emperor Shōwa.
Takako Shimazu (島津 貴子, Shimazu Takako; born 2 March 1939), born Takako, Princess Suga (清宮貴子内親王, Suga-no-miya Takako…Takako Shimazu (島津 貴子, Shimazu Takako; born 2 March 1939), born Takako, Princess Suga (清宮貴子内親王, Suga-no-miya Takako Naishinnō), is a former member of the Imperial House of Japan. She is the fifth and youngest daughter of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun, the youngest sister of the Emperor Emeritus of Japan, Akihito, and the paternal aunt of the current Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. She married Hisanaga Shimazu on 3 March 1960. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
Huisheng (26 February 1938 – 4 December 1957), or Eisei, was a Manchu-Japanese noblewoman. She was born in the Aisin…Huisheng (26 February 1938 – 4 December 1957), or Eisei, was a Manchu-Japanese noblewoman. She was born in the Aisin Gioro clan, the imperial clan of the Qing dynasty. She was the elder daughter of Pujie, the younger brother of Puyi, the last emperor of China. Her mother was Hiro Saga, a Japanese noblewoman who married Pujie in 1937.
Yoko Ono (Japanese: 小野 洋子, romanized: Ono Yōko, usually spelled in katakana as オノ・ヨーコ; born February 18, 1933) is a…Yoko Ono (Japanese: 小野 洋子, romanized: Ono Yōko, usually spelled in katakana as オノ・ヨーコ; born February 18, 1933) is a Japanese retired artist, musician, and peace activist. Her work also encompasses performance art and filmmaking. Ono was born and grew up in Tokyo and moved to New York City in 1952 to join her family. She became involved with New York City's downtown artists scene in the early 1960s, which included the Fluxus group, and became widely known outside the contemporary art world in 1969 when she married English musician John Lennon of the Beatles, with whom she would subsequently record as a duo in the Plastic Ono Band. The couple used their honeymoon as a stage for public protests against the Vietnam War with what they called a bed-in. She and Lennon remained married until he was murdered in front of the couple's apartment building, The Dakota, on December 8, 1980. Together, they had one son, Sean, who later also became a musician. Ono began a career in popular music in 1969, forming the Plastic Ono Band with Lennon and producing a number of avant-garde music albums in the 1970s. She achieved commercial and critical success in 1980 with the chart-topping album Double Fantasy, a collaboration with Lennon which was released three weeks before his murder, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. To date, she has had twelve number one singles on the US Dance charts, and in 2016 was named the 11th most successful dance club artist of all time by Billboard magazine. Many musicians have paid tribute to Ono as an artist in her own right and as a muse and icon, including the B-52's, Sonic Youth and Meredith Monk. As Lennon's widow, Ono works to preserve his legacy. She funded the Strawberry Fields memorial in Manhattan's Central Park, the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland, and the John Lennon Museum in Saitama, Japan (which closed in 2010). She has made significant philanthropic contributions to the arts, peace and disaster relief in Japan and the Philippines, and other such causes. In 2002, she inaugurated a biennial $50,000 LennonOno Grant for Peace. In 2012, she received the Dr. Rainer Hildebrandt Human Rights Award and co-founded the group Artists Against Fracking.
Atsuko Ikeda (池田 厚子, Ikeda Atsuko; born 7 March 1931), formerly Atsuko, Princess Yori (順宮厚子内親王, Yori-no-miya Atsuko…Atsuko Ikeda (池田 厚子, Ikeda Atsuko; born 7 March 1931), formerly Atsuko, Princess Yori (順宮厚子内親王, Yori-no-miya Atsuko Naishinnō), is the fourth daughter of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. As such, she is the older sister of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and paternal aunt of Emperor Naruhito. She married Takamasa Ikeda, a man from outside the imperial dynasty, on 10 October 1952; as a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law. Later, she served as the supreme priestess (saishu) of the Ise Grand Shrine between 1988 and 2017.
Yoshiko Kuga (久我 美子, Kuga Yoshiko; 21 January 1931 – 9 June 2024) was a Japanese actress. She starred in The Woman in…Yoshiko Kuga (久我 美子, Kuga Yoshiko; 21 January 1931 – 9 June 2024) was a Japanese actress. She starred in The Woman in the Rumor (1954), Equinox Flower (1958), and An Inlet of Muddy Water (1953). She won a Mainichi Film Award in 1954, and a Blue Ribbon Award in 1956. She was the wife of actor Akihiko Hirata.
Kazuko Takatsukasa (鷹司 和子, Takatsukasa Kazuko; 30 September 1929 – 26 May 1989), formerly Kazuko, Princess Taka…Kazuko Takatsukasa (鷹司 和子, Takatsukasa Kazuko; 30 September 1929 – 26 May 1989), formerly Kazuko, Princess Taka (孝宮和子内親王, Taka-no-miya Kazuko Naishinnō), was the third daughter of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. She was an elder sister to Emperor Emeritus Akihito, and paternal aunt to Emperor Naruhito. She married Toshimichi Takatsukasa on 21 May 1950. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese Imperial Family, as required by law.
Shigeko Higashikuni (東久邇 成子, Higashikuni Shigeko; 6 December 1925 – 23 July 1961), born Shigeko, Princess Teru…Shigeko Higashikuni (東久邇 成子, Higashikuni Shigeko; 6 December 1925 – 23 July 1961), born Shigeko, Princess Teru (照宮成子内親王, Teru-no-miya Shigeko Naishinnō), was the wife of Prince Morihiro Higashikuni (grandson of Emperor Meiji) and eldest daughter of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. She was the eldest sister to Emperor Emeritus Akihito, and paternal aunt to Emperor Naruhito.
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 –…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.
Michiko Inukai (犬養 道子, Inukai Michiko; 20 April 1921 – 24 July 2017) was a Japanese Roman Catholic author and…Michiko Inukai (犬養 道子, Inukai Michiko; 20 April 1921 – 24 July 2017) was a Japanese Roman Catholic author and philanthropist. She was the founder of the Michiko Inukai Foundation, which provides financial aid for refugees seeking education.
Hiro Saga (嵯峨 浩, Saga Hiro; 16 April 1914 – 20 June 1987) was a Japanese noblewoman and memoir writer. She was the…Hiro Saga (嵯峨 浩, Saga Hiro; 16 April 1914 – 20 June 1987) was a Japanese noblewoman and memoir writer. She was the daughter of Marquis Saneto Saga and a distant relative of Emperor Shōwa. She was married in 1937 to Pujie, the younger brother of Puyi, the last monarch of the Qing dynasty of China between 1908 and 1912 and the ruler of Japanese-backed Manchukuo between 1932 and 1945. After her marriage to Pujie, she was known as, and identified herself as, Aishinkakura Hiro (愛新覺羅•浩) or Aixinjueluo Hao in Chinese.
Ayako Sano (佐野禮子, Sano Ayako; July 4, 1913 – September 3, 2003), formerly Princess Ayako Takeda (禮子女王, Ayako Joō), was…Ayako Sano (佐野禮子, Sano Ayako; July 4, 1913 – September 3, 2003), formerly Princess Ayako Takeda (禮子女王, Ayako Joō), was the daughter of Prince Tsunehisa Takeda and Princess Masako Takeda, and was thus the granddaughter of Emperor Meiji through her mother's side. She married Tsunemitsu Sano in March 1934, and had four children. She lost her status as a member of the Imperial Family in October 1947 with the abolition of collateral imperial houses by the American Occupation Authorities. She died on September 3, 2003.
Princess Deokhye of Korea (Korean: 덕혜옹주; Japanese: 徳恵姫, Tokue-hime; 25 May 1912 – 21 April 1989) was the last princess…Princess Deokhye of Korea (Korean: 덕혜옹주; Japanese: 徳恵姫, Tokue-hime; 25 May 1912 – 21 April 1989) was the last princess of the Korean royal family. She was born on 25 May 1912, at Changdeok Palace, in Seoul, as the youngest daughter of Emperor Gojong from his concubine, then known as Yang Gwi-in. After her birth, Gojong bestowed the royal title Boknyeong on Lady Yang. Deokhye was not formally recognized as a princess by Japan because she was not the daughter of a Queen. In 1917, she was officially recognized as a princess by the Japanese government and her name was also formally entered into the imperial family's registry. Her father loved her greatly and established the Deoksugung Kindergarten for her in Junmyungdang (준명당), Hamnyeong Hall. Girls her age from noble families attended the kindergarten. In South Korea, she is called Deokhye Ongju, not Gongju. Gongju refers to the daughters of the Queen, and Ongju refers to the daughters of concubines.
Kikuko, Princess Takamatsu (宣仁親王妃喜久子, Nobuhito Shinnōhi Kikuko), born Tokugawa Kikuko (徳川喜久子; 26 December 1911 – 18…Kikuko, Princess Takamatsu (宣仁親王妃喜久子, Nobuhito Shinnōhi Kikuko), born Tokugawa Kikuko (徳川喜久子; 26 December 1911 – 18 December 2004), was a member of the Japanese imperial family. The Princess was married to Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu, the third son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. She was, therefore, a sister-in-law of Emperor Shōwa and an aunt by marriage of the following emperor, Akihito. She was mainly known for philanthropic activities, particularly her patronage of cancer research organizations. At the time of her death, Princess Takamatsu was the oldest member of the Imperial Family.
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (雍仁親王妃勢津子, Yasuhito Shinnōhi Setsuko; born Setsuko Matsudaira (松平節子, Matsudaira Setsuko); 9…Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (雍仁親王妃勢津子, Yasuhito Shinnōhi Setsuko; born Setsuko Matsudaira (松平節子, Matsudaira Setsuko); 9 September 1909 – 25 August 1995) was a member of the Japanese imperial family and the wife of Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu, the second son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. Setsuko was a sister-in-law of Emperor Shōwa and an aunt by marriage of Emperor Akihito.
Nagako (良子; 6 March 1903 – 16 June 2000), posthumously honoured as Empress Kōjun (香淳皇后, Kōjun Kōgō), was a member of…Nagako (良子; 6 March 1903 – 16 June 2000), posthumously honoured as Empress Kōjun (香淳皇后, Kōjun Kōgō), was a member of the Imperial House of Japan, the wife of Emperor Hirohito and the mother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito. She served as Empress of Japan from 1926 until her husband's death in 1989, making her the longest-serving empress consort in Japanese history.
Yi Bangja (Korean: 이방자; 4 November 1901 – 30 April 1989) was the wife of Crown Prince Euimin, the last Crown Prince of…Yi Bangja (Korean: 이방자; 4 November 1901 – 30 April 1989) was the wife of Crown Prince Euimin, the last Crown Prince of the Korean Empire. She was born as Princess Masako of Nashimoto (方子女王, Masako Joō), a member of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Shidzue Katō (加藤 シヅエ, Katō Shizue; March 2, 1897 – December 22, 2001), also published as Shidzue Ishimoto, was a…Shidzue Katō (加藤 シヅエ, Katō Shizue; March 2, 1897 – December 22, 2001), also published as Shidzue Ishimoto, was a 20th-century Japanese feminist and one of the first women elected to the Diet of Japan, best known as a pioneer in the birth control movement. She is known in the U.S. as the "Margaret Sanger of Japan".
Chieko Higashiyama (東山 千栄子, Higashiyama Chieko; 30 September 1890 – 8 May 1980) was a Japanese stage and film actress.…Chieko Higashiyama (東山 千栄子, Higashiyama Chieko; 30 September 1890 – 8 May 1980) was a Japanese stage and film actress. She appeared in more than 60 films from 1936 to 1967.
Nobuko Matsudaira (松平信子, 15 July 1886 – 8 May 1969), also known as Madame Matsudaira, was a Japanese socialite. As the…Nobuko Matsudaira (松平信子, 15 July 1886 – 8 May 1969), also known as Madame Matsudaira, was a Japanese socialite. As the wife of a Japanese ambassador based in Washington, D.C. and London, she was well known as a political hostess in the West in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sadako Kujō (九条節子, Kujō Sadako; 25 June 1884 – 17 May 1951), posthumously honoured as Empress Teimei (貞明皇后, Teimei…Sadako Kujō (九条節子, Kujō Sadako; 25 June 1884 – 17 May 1951), posthumously honoured as Empress Teimei (貞明皇后, Teimei Kōgō), was the wife of Emperor Taishō and the mother of Emperor Shōwa. Her posthumous name, Teimei, means "enlightened constancy". She was also the paternal grandmother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, and the paternal great-grandmother of Emperor Naruhito.
Itsuko Nashimoto (梨本 伊都子, February 2, 1882 - August 19, 1976) was a former Japanese imperial family member. She was the…Itsuko Nashimoto (梨本 伊都子, February 2, 1882 - August 19, 1976) was a former Japanese imperial family member. She was the wife of Prince Morimasa Nashimoto and the daughter of Marquis Naohiro Nabeshima and was an older sister of Nobuko Matsudaira. Before leaving the imperial family, she held the title of princess, and her honorific title under the Imperial Household Law was Her Imperial Highness (殿下, Denka). During her time as a royal, she was known as Princess Nashimoto. She became involved in Japanese Red Cross activities and contributed to wartime nursing efforts. After leaving the imperial family in 1947, she lived as a private citizen until her death.
Tsuda Umeko (津田 梅子; born Tsuda Ume (津田 梅); December 31, 1864 – August 16, 1929) was a Japanese educator who founded…Tsuda Umeko (津田 梅子; born Tsuda Ume (津田 梅); December 31, 1864 – August 16, 1929) was a Japanese educator who founded Tsuda University. She was the daughter of Tsuda Sen, an agricultural scientist, and at the age of 7, she became Japan's first female exchange student, traveling to the United States on the same ship as the Iwakura Mission. Originally named Tsuda Ume, with ume referring to the Japanese plum, she went by the name Ume Tsuda while studying in the United States before changing her name to Umeko in 1902.
Ishii Fudeko (born Watanabe Fude, 27 April 1861 (Bunkyu-1) – 24 January 1944 (Showa-19)) was a pioneer of modern…Ishii Fudeko (born Watanabe Fude, 27 April 1861 (Bunkyu-1) – 24 January 1944 (Showa-19)) was a pioneer of modern education for Japanese girls, and one of the first founders of welfare for people with mental disabilities in Japan.
Utako Shimoda (下田 歌子, Shimoda Utako; September 30, 1854 – October 8, 1936) was a Japanese educator and poet of the…Utako Shimoda (下田 歌子, Shimoda Utako; September 30, 1854 – October 8, 1936) was a Japanese educator and poet of the Meiji and Taishō period. Born in present-day Ena, Gifu, she was the founder many educational organizations, including what is today Jissen Women's University. She had international influence, and was one of the most influential women in Asia.
Clara Matsuno (松野 クララ, Matsuno Kurara; 2 August 1853 – 1931), born Clara Louise Zitelmann, was a German-born educator…Clara Matsuno (松野 クララ, Matsuno Kurara; 2 August 1853 – 1931), born Clara Louise Zitelmann, was a German-born educator, a pioneer in the kindergarten movement in Japan.
Tani Tateki (谷 干城; 18 March 1837 – 13 May 1911) was a statesman and lieutenant general in the Imperial Japanese Army in…Tani Tateki (谷 干城; 18 March 1837 – 13 May 1911) was a statesman and lieutenant general in the Imperial Japanese Army in Meiji period Japan. He was also known as Tani Kanjō.
Kiko, Crown Princess Akishino (皇嗣文仁親王妃紀子, Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō-hi Kiko) (born Kiko Kawashima (川嶋紀子, Kawashima Kiko)…Kiko, Crown Princess Akishino (皇嗣文仁親王妃紀子, Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō-hi Kiko) (born Kiko Kawashima (川嶋紀子, Kawashima Kiko); 11 September 1966) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan. She is married to Crown Prince Fumihito, the heir presumptive to the Japanese throne. Kiko earned a doctoral degree in humanities from Ochanomizu University. Her marriage to Prince Fumihito in 1990 reflected a trend in which members of the imperial family married academically accomplished commoners from the middle class, continuing a pattern observed in previous and current generations. The couple has three children: Mako, Kako, and Hisahito. Prior to their investiture as Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate had prompted discussions among some lawmakers about revising the male-only succession rule (agnatic primogeniture) established by the Allies of World War II in the postwar constitution of Japan. The birth of Prince Hisahito in September 2006, however, secured the line of succession for male heirs, placing him immediately after his father. Hisahito's cousin, Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito, remains legally ineligible to inherit the throne, though debate continues over the potential for future empresses regnant. As active working members of the imperial family, Kiko and Fumihito regularly participate in official duties, including attendance at summits, organizational meetings, and international events. They frequently represent the Imperial Household at ceremonies involving heads of state and other dignitaries abroad. Kiko's patronages focus primarily on medical, scientific, and children's welfare initiatives.
Ayako Moriya (守谷 絢子, Moriya Ayako; born 15 September 1990), formerly Princess Ayako of Takamado (絢子女王, Ayako Joō), is a…Ayako Moriya (守谷 絢子, Moriya Ayako; born 15 September 1990), formerly Princess Ayako of Takamado (絢子女王, Ayako Joō), is a former member of the Imperial House of Japan and the youngest of three daughters of Norihito, Prince Takamado, and Hisako, Princess Takamado. She married Kei Moriya, a commoner, on 29 October 2018. As part of her marriage to a commoner, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
Tae Hitoto (一青 妙, Hitoto Tae; born September 24, 1970 in Taipei, Taiwan; born Yan Miao (顏妙)) is a Japanese actress…Tae Hitoto (一青 妙, Hitoto Tae; born September 24, 1970 in Taipei, Taiwan; born Yan Miao (顏妙)) is a Japanese actress, dentist and author. Her mother was Japanese, and her father was a Taiwanese businessman Gan Hui Bin（顏惠民）. She graduated from Showa University with a degree in Dentistry. Yō Hitoto is her younger sister. Hitoto published her first non-fiction book, Box My Child, about her father in 2012. She subsequently wrote a second non-fiction book and four travel books, also about Taiwan. Hitoto's first novel, The Blue Flower, continued her literary career's focus on Taiwan. Although written in Japanese, a Chinese translation of the novel was published in Taiwan in 2025 before a Japanese edition was released.
Princess Tsuguko of Takamado (承子女王, Tsuguko Joō; born 8 March 1986) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan…Princess Tsuguko of Takamado (承子女王, Tsuguko Joō; born 8 March 1986) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, paternal second cousin of Emperor Naruhito and the eldest daughter of Norihito, Prince Takamado, and his wife Hisako, Princess Takamado.
Aiko, Princess Toshi (敬宮愛子内親王, Toshi-no-miya Aiko Naishinnō; born 1 December 2001) is a member of the Imperial House of…Aiko, Princess Toshi (敬宮愛子内親王, Toshi-no-miya Aiko Naishinnō; born 1 December 2001) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan. She is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Following her birth, the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate had resulted in some politicians holding a favorable view on rescinding agnatic primogeniture (male-only imperial succession) originally implemented in 1889 and retained by the Allies of World War II on the Constitution of Japan. However, once her uncle Crown Prince Fumihito had a son, Hisahito, in September 2006, Hisahito became second in the line of succession following his father. Aiko remains at present legally ineligible to inherit the throne and she cannot succeed her father, while debate about the possibility of having future empresses regnant continues.
Noriko Senge (千家 典子, Senge Noriko; born 22 July 1988), formerly Princess Noriko of Takamado (典子女王, Noriko Joō), is a…Noriko Senge (千家 典子, Senge Noriko; born 22 July 1988), formerly Princess Noriko of Takamado (典子女王, Noriko Joō), is a former member of the Imperial House of Japan and the second daughter of Norihito, Prince Takamado and Hisako, Princess Takamado. She married Kunimaro Senge, a commoner, on 5 October 2014. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
Noriko Horiuchi (堀内 詔子, Horiuchi Noriko, born 28 October 1965) is a Japanese politician and member of the House of…Noriko Horiuchi (堀内 詔子, Horiuchi Noriko, born 28 October 1965) is a Japanese politician and member of the House of Representatives, since 2012, representing Yamanashi Prefecture. She served as Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and Minister in Charge of Promoting Vaccinations. She had been in Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet since 4 October 2021 until 31 March 2022. Noriko Horiuchi was preceded by Tamayo Marukawa as Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and by Taro Kono as Minister in Charge of Vaccination. She is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. Noriko Horiuchi already performed the following roles: Director of Fujiyama Museum; Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare; Director, Committee on Health, Labour and Welfare; Director, Special Committee on Consumer Affairs; Member, Special Committee on Reconstruction after Great East Japan Earthquake; Deputy Director, Women's Affairs Division of Policy Research Council; Deputy Director, Health, Labour and Welfare Division; Director, Women's Affairs Division, Federation of Yamanashi Prefecture Liberal Democratic Party Branches.
Marina Inoue (井上 麻里奈, Inoue Marina; born January 20, 1985) is a Japanese voice actress and singer from Tokyo, Japan.…Marina Inoue (井上 麻里奈, Inoue Marina; born January 20, 1985) is a Japanese voice actress and singer from Tokyo, Japan. She is affiliated with Aoni Production. She was signed into Aniplex until 2007. She was chosen out of 2,000 people from the "Gonna be a star" auditions (hosted by Sony Music Entertainment Japan) for the title role in the OVA Le Portrait de Petit Cossette.
Keiko Kojima (小島 慶子, Kojima Keiko; born July 27, 1972, in Perth, Australia) is a Japanese tarento, essayist, and radio…Keiko Kojima (小島 慶子, Kojima Keiko; born July 27, 1972, in Perth, Australia) is a Japanese tarento, essayist, and radio personality represented by Oscar Promotion. She is a former TBS announcer from 1995 to 2010. She has two children. Her hobbies are wearing kimono, riding horses, and perform pilates.
