In brief
Princess Yuriko, who passed away at the age of 101, leaves Japan’s imperial family with only 16 members, sparking debates around succession laws that exclude women. Her life was marked by service and philanthropy, amid the current concerns about the future of the monarchy.
Princess Yuriko of Japan, the oldest member of the imperial family and wife of Emperor Hirohito's brother, has died at the age of 101. Her death, confirmed by the Imperial Household Agency, occurred on Friday in a Tokyo hospital, reportedly from pneumonia, though no official cause was provided. Born into an aristocratic family on June 4, 1923, she married Prince Mikasa, Hirohito's younger brother, in 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II.Yuriko was a mother of five and balanced her family life with significant contributions to research and charity. She supported her husband's academic pursuits in ancient Near Eastern history while engaging in philanthropic efforts, particularly in maternal and child health. Following her husband's death in 2016, she continued to live independently until her health declined this year after suffering a stroke.Her passing leaves Japan's imperial family with only 16 members, including just four men, raising urgent discussions about the future of the monarchy. The current male-only succession laws, reflective of conservative values from the 1947 Imperial House Law, challenge the stability of the royal family, especially as the youngest male heir, Prince Hisahito, stands as the last available successor. The government is faced with the delicate issue of succession, caught between tradition and the necessity for reform to potentially include female successors. Despite her health issues, Princess Yuriko remained active, exercising regularly and keeping up with current events until her final days.
