Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of the Imperial Family in Japan and Emperor Naruhito’s great-aunt, has died at the age of 101.
Princess Yuriko married Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito, who reigned from 1926 to 1947, at the age of 18. Prince Mikasa passed away in 2016 at the age of 100.
Princess Yuriko had been receiving treatment for recent illnesses.
A statement from palace officials today said that Princess Yuriko had died at the age of 101, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in his condolence message, “Since her marriage, Her Royal Highness Princess Yuriko has been a loyal supporter of her late husband, His Royal Highness Prince Mikasa, and as a member of the Imperial Household, she has made extensive contributions in a wide range of areas, including health, welfare, culture and sports.
She has particularly devoted herself to maternal and child health initiatives for many years, and has made extraordinary efforts with great dedication. I offer my heartfelt condolences to members of the Imperial Household and other close relatives of Her Royal Highness, and join the people of Japan in mourning this great loss.”
