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Japanese Princess Yuriko, Oldest Imperial Family Member, Dies at 101. Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of Japan’s imperial family and wife of wartime Emperor Hirohito’s brother, passed away on Friday in a Tokyo hospital at the age of 101. The Imperial Household Agency did not confirm the cause of death, but Japanese media reported she died of pneumonia after her health deteriorated in recent weeks. Born in 1923 as an aristocrat, Yuriko married Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito, at 18, just months before World War II began. During the war, Yuriko lived in a shelter with her husband and infant daughter after their residence was destroyed in the U.S. fire bombings of Tokyo in 1945. Yuriko raised five children, supported her husband’s research into ancient Near Eastern history, and fulfilled her royal duties alongside her philanthropic work. Despite her long life, Yuriko outlived her husband, Prince Mikasa, and all three of her sons. Yuriko’s death reduces the already dwindling imperial family to just 16 members, only four of whom are male, underscoring Japan’s succession dilemma. The 1947 Imperial House Law enforces male-only succession and requires female royals who marry commoners to renounce their royal status, limiting the line of succession. Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito, remains the last male heir apparent, highlighting a pressing issue for maintaining the imperial lineage. Known for her active lifestyle even as a centenarian, Yuriko’s health declined following a stroke and pneumonia in March, leading to her passing after months of hospitalization.
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