Princess Yuriko, the wife of Japan’s Emperor Hirohito’s brother and the oldest member of the royal family, has died at the age of 101. Due to serious deterioration in her health recently, she was admitted to the hospital, where she passed away on Friday.
The Imperial Household Agency has provided this information, but the cause of death has not been officially released. However, according to Japanese media, she died of pneumonia.
Birth and accession to the royal family in 1923 :
Princess Yuriko was born in 1923 into a distinguished family. At the age of 18, a few months before World War II, she was married to Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito.
During the American firebombing of Tokyo in 1945 at the end of World War II, Yuriko and her family lived in a shelter. Their house was destroyed in the bombings, and they had to move with their little daughter.
Family and Responsibilities :
Princess Yuriko raised five children and supported her husband’s research into ancient Near Eastern history. Apart from this, she performed the official duties of the royal family and participated in many philanthropic activities. Her husband and three of their children died during her lifetime.
A shrinking member of the royal family :
After Yuriko’s death, the number of members of the Japanese royal family has dropped to just 16, with only four male members. Japan is currently facing a major dilemma. The issue of recognizing female heirs is still pending due to the lack of heirs to the royal family and the traditional ideology of the ruling party. According to the Imperial House Act of 1947, only male members have the right to inherit the throne. Also, if female members marry a commoner, they lose their political status.
The Last Heir and Crisis on the Throne :
The youngest male heir to the royal family, Prince Hisahito, is the nephew of the current Emperor Naruhito. Apart from him, there is no male heir available for the throne. The issue of heirs to the royal family has been complicated by the system not recognizing female heirs.
Health and longevity :
Princess Yuriko lived a long life, exercising regularly despite being a centenarian. She spent her daily time watching fitness programs on TV, reading newspapers, and watching news and baseball matches.
In March, she suffered a stroke and pneumonia, which worsened her condition. After that, she was admitted to ICU several times. The Imperial Household Agency informed that her condition worsened in the last few days.
A princess to remember :
Princess Yuriko made the Japanese royal family proud. With her death, Japan has lost a role model, whose contributions will always be remembered.