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.
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.
Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王, Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō; born 30 November 1965, Japanese…Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王, Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō; born 30 November 1965, Japanese: [ɸɯ̟mʲiꜜçi̥to̞]) is the heir presumptive to the Japanese throne. He is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, and the younger son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. Since his marriage in June 1990, he has had the title Prince Akishino (秋篠宮, Akishino-no-miya) and has headed the Akishino branch of the Imperial House of Japan. Fumihito has a bachelor's degree in political science from Gakushuin University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in ornithology from the Graduate University for Advanced Studies. In 1990, he married Kiko Kawashima, with whom he has three children: Mako, Kako, and Hisahito. In November 2020, Fumihito was officially declared the heir presumptive to the throne, during the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince (Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi) in Tokyo. Preceding his investiture as Crown Prince, the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate had resulted in some politicians holding a favorable view on rescinding agnatic primogeniture, which was implemented in 1889. However, once Fumihito and Kiko had their son Hisahito in September 2006, he became next in the line of succession following his father. Fumihito's niece and Emperor Naruhito's only child, Princess Aiko, remains at present legally ineligible to inherit the throne, while debate about the possibility of having future empresses regnant continues. As active working members of the imperial family, Fumihito and his wife Kiko's schedule includes attending summits, and organisational and global event meetings. The couple have particularly represented the Japanese imperial house in ceremonies involving heads of state and VIPs abroad.
Masako (Japanese: 雅子; born Masako Owada (小和田雅子, Owada Masako); 9 December 1963) is Empress of Japan as the wife of…Masako (Japanese: 雅子; born Masako Owada (小和田雅子, Owada Masako); 9 December 1963) is Empress of Japan as the wife of Emperor Naruhito. Born in Minato, Tokyo, Masako was educated at Belmont High School in Massachusetts, United States, before attending Harvard College. She also studied law at the University of Tokyo and international relations at Balliol College, Oxford. After completing her studies, she worked for Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a diplomat. Masako met Crown Prince Naruhito in 1986. They married in 1993 and their only child, Aiko, Princess Toshi, was born in 2001. The birth of Princess Aiko fueled the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate, which had led some politicians to favor rescinding the agnatic primogeniture imposed by the Allies of World War II on the Constitution of Japan. However, with the birth of a son to Naruhito's brother, Fumihito, in 2006, no amendments were made and Princess Aiko remains ineligible to inherit the throne. The pressure to produce a male heir affected Masako's health. She was diagnosed with adjustment disorder in 2004, which forced her to withdraw from public life periodically. As crown princess and later empress, Masako has accompanied her husband on official visits abroad and at ceremonies in the imperial court.
Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (寛仁親王妃信子, Tomohito Shinnōhi Nobuko) (born Nobuko Asō (麻生信子, Asō Nobuko); 9 April 1955) is a…Princess Tomohito of Mikasa (寛仁親王妃信子, Tomohito Shinnōhi Nobuko) (born Nobuko Asō (麻生信子, Asō Nobuko); 9 April 1955) is a member of the Japanese imperial family as the widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa.
Norihito, Prince Takamado (高円宮憲仁親王, Takamado-no-miya Norihito Shinnō; 29 December 1954 – 21 November 2002) was a…Norihito, Prince Takamado (高円宮憲仁親王, Takamado-no-miya Norihito Shinnō; 29 December 1954 – 21 November 2002) was a Japanese member of the Imperial House of Japan and the third son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito, and was seventh in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne at the time of his death.
Hisako, Princess Takamado (憲仁親王妃久子, Norihito Shinnōhi Hisako) (born Hisako Tottori (鳥取久子, Tottori Hisako); 10 July…Hisako, Princess Takamado (憲仁親王妃久子, Norihito Shinnōhi Hisako) (born Hisako Tottori (鳥取久子, Tottori Hisako); 10 July 1953), is a member of the Japanese imperial family as the widow of Norihito, Prince Takamado.
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.
Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō; 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of…Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō; 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of the Imperial House of Japan and the second son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. Originally known as Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa, he received the title Prince Katsura (Katsura-no-miya) and authorization to start a new branch of the Imperial Family on 1 January 1988 at age 39. He died of a heart attack on 8 June 2014, aged 66.
Prince Tomohito of Mikasa (寛仁親王, Tomohito Shinnō; 5 January 1946 – 6 June 2012) was a member of the Imperial House of…Prince Tomohito of Mikasa (寛仁親王, Tomohito Shinnō; 5 January 1946 – 6 June 2012) was a member of the Imperial House of Japan and the eldest son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito, and was formerly sixth in the line of succession to the Japanese throne and the heir apparent to the princely house of Mikasa-no-miya and the title "Prince Mikasa". Prince Tomohito was the first member of the Imperial House of Japan with a full beard since Emperor Meiji, thus earning him the popular nickname of the "Bearded Prince" (ヒゲの殿下 Hige no Denka). He died of cancer on 6 June 2012, aged 66.
Nobuhiko Higashikuni (東久邇 信彦, Higashikuni Nobuhiko; 10 March 1945 – 20 March 2019) was a Japanese aristocrat and former…Nobuhiko Higashikuni (東久邇 信彦, Higashikuni Nobuhiko; 10 March 1945 – 20 March 2019) was a Japanese aristocrat and former Imperial prince. The first grandchild of Emperor Hirohito, he was the eldest son of Shigeko, Princess Teru, the Emperor's eldest child. He was thus a maternal nephew of the Emperor Emeritus Akihito and cousin of Emperor Naruhito. His father was Morihiro Higashikuni, a grandson of Emperor Meiji.
Tsuneharu Takeda (竹田 恒治, Takeda Tsuneharu; born August 3, 1944) is a Japanese diplomat, and former imperial prince. He…Tsuneharu Takeda (竹田 恒治, Takeda Tsuneharu; born August 3, 1944) is a Japanese diplomat, and former imperial prince. He was born in Shinkyo, then the capital of Manchukuo.
Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō)…Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō), is the first child of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. She married Tadateru Konoe on 16 December 1966. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
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.
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.
Masahito, Prince Hitachi (常陸宮正仁親王, Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō; born 28 November 1935) is a member of the Imperial…Masahito, Prince Hitachi (常陸宮正仁親王, Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō; born 28 November 1935) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, the younger brother of Emperor emeritus Akihito and the paternal uncle of Emperor Naruhito. He is the second son and sixth born child of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun and is third and last in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. He is mainly known for philanthropic activities and his research on the causes of cancer.
Michiko (美智子; born Michiko Shōda [正田 美智子 Shōda Michiko], 20 October 1934) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan…Michiko (美智子; born Michiko Shōda [正田 美智子 Shōda Michiko], 20 October 1934) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who has been the Empress Emerita of Japan since 1 May 2019. She was the Empress of Japan as the wife of Akihito, the 125th Emperor of Japan reigning from 7 January 1989 to 30 April 2019. Michiko married Crown Prince Akihito and became Crown Princess of Japan in 1959. She was the first commoner to marry into the Japanese imperial family. She has three children with her husband: Naruhito, Fumihito, and Sayako. Her elder son, Naruhito, is the current emperor. As crown princess and later as empress consort, she has become the most visible and widely travelled imperial consort in Japanese history. Upon Akihito's abdication, Michiko received the new title of Jōkōgō (上皇后), or Empress Emerita.
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.
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.
Sueaki Takaoka (高丘 季昭, Takaoka Sueaki, January 14, 1929 – March 13, 1996) was a Japanese businessman and nobleman. He…Sueaki Takaoka (高丘 季昭, Takaoka Sueaki, January 14, 1929 – March 13, 1996) was a Japanese businessman and nobleman. He was chairman at FamilyMart, Seiyu Group and Seibu Saison Group, and Vice Chairman at Japan Business Federation.
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.
Takahito, Prince Mikasa (三笠宮崇仁親王, Mikasa-no-miya Takahito Shinnō; 2 December 1915 – 27 October 2016) was a Japanese…Takahito, Prince Mikasa (三笠宮崇仁親王, Mikasa-no-miya Takahito Shinnō; 2 December 1915 – 27 October 2016) was a Japanese prince, the youngest of the four sons of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako). He was their last surviving child. His eldest brother was Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito). After serving as a junior cavalry officer in the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, Takahito embarked upon a post-war career as a scholar and part-time lecturer in Middle Eastern studies and Semitic languages. Prince Mikasa married Yuriko Takagi in 1941, and they had five children. Prince and Princess Mikasa outlived all three of their sons. With the death of his sister-in-law Kikuko, Princess Takamatsu, on 17 December 2004, Prince Mikasa became the oldest living member of the Imperial House of Japan. He remained active until a few months before his death at the age of 100. At the time of his death, Prince Mikasa was the oldest living royal.
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.
Count Hirohide Fushimi (伏見 博英, Fushimi Hirohide; 4 October 1912 – 21 August 1943) of Japan, was a member of a…Count Hirohide Fushimi (伏見 博英, Fushimi Hirohide; 4 October 1912 – 21 August 1943) of Japan, was a member of a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family and a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy who was killed in the line of duty in World War II.
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.
Tanaka Tatsuo (Japanese: 田中 龍夫, Tanaka Tatsuo; 20 September 1910 – 30 March 1998) was a Japanese politician and baron…Tanaka Tatsuo (Japanese: 田中 龍夫, Tanaka Tatsuo; 20 September 1910 – 30 March 1998) was a Japanese politician and baron who served as Minister of Education from 1980 to 1981 and Minister of International Trade and Industry from 1976 to 1977. He was the eldest son of Prime Minister Tanaka Giichi.
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.
Count Sō Takeyuki (宗武志, Takeyuki Sō; Korean: 소 다케유키; 16 February 1908 – 22 April 1985) was a Japanese aristocrat…Count Sō Takeyuki (宗武志, Takeyuki Sō; Korean: 소 다케유키; 16 February 1908 – 22 April 1985) was a Japanese aristocrat, academic and poet. He was the count of the island Tsushima from 1923 to 1947. He was the husband of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Korean Empire, and served as a member of the House of Peers.
Yoshiko Kawashima (川島 芳子, Kawashima Yoshiko; 24 May 1907 – 25 March 1948), born Aisin Gioro Xianzi (愛新覺羅 · 顯㺭), was a…Yoshiko Kawashima (川島 芳子, Kawashima Yoshiko; 24 May 1907 – 25 March 1948), born Aisin Gioro Xianzi (愛新覺羅 · 顯㺭), was a Qing dynasty royal, part of the Aisin Gioro clan. Kawashima was raised in Japan and served as a spy for the Japanese Kwantung Army and Manchukuo during the Second Sino-Japanese War, and is sometimes known in fiction under the pseudonym "Eastern Mata Hari". After the war, Kawashima was captured, sentenced, and executed as a traitor by the Nationalist government of the Republic of China. Kawashima is also a notable descendant of Hooge, eldest son of Hong Taiji.
Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu (高松宮宣仁親王, Takamatsu-no-miya Nobuhito Shinnō; 3 January 1905 – 3 February 1987) was the third…Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu (高松宮宣仁親王, Takamatsu-no-miya Nobuhito Shinnō; 3 January 1905 – 3 February 1987) was the third son of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako) and a younger brother of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito). He became heir to the Takamatsu-no-miya (formerly Arisugawa-no-miya), one of the four shinnōke or branches of the imperial family entitled to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne in default of a direct heir. From the mid-1920s until the end of World War II, Prince Takamatsu pursued a career in the Japanese Imperial Navy, eventually rising to the rank of captain. Following the war, the prince became patron or honorary president of various organizations in the fields of international cultural exchange, the arts, sports, and medicine. He is mainly remembered for his philanthropic activities as a member of the Imperial House of Japan.
Marquess Michiaki Koga (久我 通顕; 23 October 1903 – 10 November 1982) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of…Marquess Michiaki Koga (久我 通顕; 23 October 1903 – 10 November 1982) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Peers. He was the father of actress Yoshiko Kuga.
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.
Masauji Hachisuka (蜂須賀 正氏, Hachisuka Masauji; February 15, 1903 Tokyo – May 14, 1953 Atami), 18th Marquess Hachisuka…Masauji Hachisuka (蜂須賀 正氏, Hachisuka Masauji; February 15, 1903 Tokyo – May 14, 1953 Atami), 18th Marquess Hachisuka, was a Japanese nobleman, ornithologist and aviculturist.
Prince Kan'in Haruhito (閑院宮春仁王, Kan'in-no-miya Haruhito-ō; 3 August 1902 – 18 June 1988) was a career officer in the…Prince Kan'in Haruhito (閑院宮春仁王, Kan'in-no-miya Haruhito-ō; 3 August 1902 – 18 June 1988) was a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II and the 7th (and final) head of the Kan'in-no-miya line of shinnōke cadet branches of the Imperial Family of Japan.
Colonel Baron Takeichi Nishi (西 竹一, Nishi Takeichi; July 12, 1902 – c. March 22, 1945) was an Imperial Japanese Army…Colonel Baron Takeichi Nishi (西 竹一, Nishi Takeichi; July 12, 1902 – c. March 22, 1945) was an Imperial Japanese Army officer, equestrian show jumper, and Olympic Gold Medalist at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Near the end of the Second World War he commanded the 26th Tank Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima and died during the defense of the island.
Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu (秩父宮雍仁親王, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinnō; 25 June 1902 – 4 January 1953) was the second son…Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu (秩父宮雍仁親王, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinnō; 25 June 1902 – 4 January 1953) was the second son of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako), a younger brother of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. As a member of the Imperial House of Japan, he was the patron of several sporting, medical, and international exchange organizations. Before and after World War II, the English-speaking prince and his wife attempted to foster good relations between Japan and the United Kingdom and enjoyed a good rapport with the British royal family. As with other Japanese imperial princes of his generation, he was an active-duty career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army. Like all members of the imperial family, he was given immunity from criminal prosecution before the International Military Tribunal for the Far East by Douglas MacArthur.
Hirotada, Prince Kachō (華頂宮博忠王, Kachō-no-miya Hirotada-ō; 26 January 1902 – 24 March 1924) of Japan, was a member of a…Hirotada, Prince Kachō (華頂宮博忠王, Kachō-no-miya Hirotada-ō; 26 January 1902 – 24 March 1924) of Japan, was a member of a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family.
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.
Vice-Admiral Asaakira, Prince Kuni (久邇宮 朝融王, Kuni-no-miya Asaakira-ō; 2 February 1901 – 7 December 1959), was third…Vice-Admiral Asaakira, Prince Kuni (久邇宮 朝融王, Kuni-no-miya Asaakira-ō; 2 February 1901 – 7 December 1959), was third head of the Kuni-no-miya, a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family and vice admiral in the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II. He was the elder brother of Empress Kōjun (Nagako), the consort of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), and thus a maternal uncle to the Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
Baron Takaharu Mitsui (三井 高陽, Mitsui Takaharu; 10 July 1900 – 19 May 1983) was a Japanese businessman, scholar and…Baron Takaharu Mitsui (三井 高陽, Mitsui Takaharu; 10 July 1900 – 19 May 1983) was a Japanese businessman, scholar and philatelist. He is considered the "dean of Japanese philately" by many in the philatelic world. He headed one of six main branches of the Mitsui family, of the Mitsui zaibatsu.
Marquis Yoshimaro Yamashina (山階 芳麿, Yamashina Yoshimaro; July 5, 1900 – January 28, 1989) was a Japanese ornithologist.…Marquis Yoshimaro Yamashina (山階 芳麿, Yamashina Yoshimaro; July 5, 1900 – January 28, 1989) was a Japanese ornithologist. He was the founder of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology.
Tadahiko Shimazu (島津 忠彦, Shimazu Tadahiko; 30 August 1899 – 12 May 1980) or Tadahiko Shimadzu (Shimadzu Tadahiko) was a…Tadahiko Shimazu (島津 忠彦, Shimazu Tadahiko; 30 August 1899 – 12 May 1980) or Tadahiko Shimadzu (Shimadzu Tadahiko) was a Japanese politician who served as a member of the National Diet.
Prince Yamashina Takehiko (山階宮 武彦王, Yamashina-no-miya Takehiko-ō; 13 February 1898 – 10 August 1987), was the third…Prince Yamashina Takehiko (山階宮 武彦王, Yamashina-no-miya Takehiko-ō; 13 February 1898 – 10 August 1987), was the third (and final) head of the Yamashina-no-miya, a collateral line of the Japanese imperial family. He was nicknamed "the Flying Prince".
Asano Nagatake (7 May 1895 – 3 January 1969) was the 29th family head of the Asano clan, which ruled over Hiroshima…Asano Nagatake (7 May 1895 – 3 January 1969) was the 29th family head of the Asano clan, which ruled over Hiroshima Domain before 1871.
Viscount Masanari Takagi was a Japanese entomologist, nobleman, and, in his capacity as a viscount, a politician in the…Viscount Masanari Takagi was a Japanese entomologist, nobleman, and, in his capacity as a viscount, a politician in the House of Peers. He was the father of Yuriko, Princess Mikasa, wife of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito.
