Princess Yuriko of Japan, sister-in-law to Emperor Showa, has passed away at the age of 101. The Japanese Imperial family announced her death on their official Instagram account, stating: “Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Yuriko passed away at 6:32 a.m. today at St. Luke’s International Hospital. We extend our deepest condolences.”
According to The Japan Times, Princess Yuriko died of natural causes after her health deteriorated over the past week. She had been hospitalized since March due to complications from a stroke and pneumonia.
In her final days, her major organs, including her heart, lungs, and kidneys, began to fail. Members of the imperial family, including her granddaughters Princess Yoko and Princess Akiko, and her daughter-in-law Princess Hisako, visited her to bid their farewells.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his sorrow, stating: “I cannot help but feel saddened to hear of the loss. I extend my heartfelt condolences along with other Japanese citizens.”
Princess Yuriko married Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito (later known as Emperor Showa), in 1941 when she was just 18. Her husband passed away in 2016 at the age of 100 due to heart failure. The couple had five children, including three sons who have since passed away, and two daughters.
Throughout her life, Princess Yuriko held numerous honorary roles, including as Vice President of the Japanese Red Cross Society and President of the Imperial Gift Foundation Boshi-Aiiku-Kai, an organization dedicated to maternal and child health.
Due to Japanese imperial customs, only 16 members remain in the Imperial family, as women who marry outside of the royal circle are required to renounce their titles. This precedent was followed by Princesses Noriko and Ayako, granddaughters of Princess Yuriko, who both gave up their royal status upon marriage.
