The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

I missed this info earlier: Princess Yohko noticed hearing loss because she suffers from Meniere's disease.
Source: Jiji

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/syc-20374910

On June 19th, Princess Akiko attended the 73rd Takamatsu-no-miya Memorial Cup Bicycle Race in Osaka Prefecture.

https://twitter.com/KsDream3/status/1538438428630859776
https://twitter.com/OreSunny/status/1538474660005720066

[Prisma]

Princess Yuriko will postpone cataract surgery due to fatigue from the heat. She was to be admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital on June 28. The cataract surgery on her left eye was scheduled for the 29th.

She visited her husband's grave on the morning of June 27 (monthly death anniversary) and felt tired from the afternoon due to the severe heat. She decided the reschedule after consulting with doctors.

Princess Yuriko had cataract surgery on her right eye in February 2020.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji, Asahi

[Prisma]

On July 12th, Princess Yuriko was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital in Chuo, Tokyo for cold symptoms. She had fever of 37 degrees C and chills from the previous day which did not improve in the morning, and now has coughing and feels fatigued. She consulted with a doctor before going to hospital due her age.

Sources: Sankei, NHK, Jiji

Wishing Princess Yuriko a speedy recovery.

[Prisma]

On July 13th, Princess Yuriko tested positive for Covid-19. She was admitted to St. Luke's International Hospital for cold symptoms (37 C fever, chills, cough, fatigue) on the 12th. Her temperature has dropped to 36 C with coughing only so the hospital currently considers her case to be mild.

Following confirmation of the princess' infection, the IHA tested her household staff and so far, 3 people have tested positive. The agency did not disclosure Princess Yuriko's vaccination status due to privacy reasons.

Sources: Mainichi, Sankei, Asahi

Japan's Princess Yuriko, 99, Infected with Novel Coronavirus | Nippon.com

[...]

Princess Yuriko developed a fever above 37 degrees Celsius on Saturday, but her body temperature returned to normal the following day. She again had a fever, around 37 degrees, from Monday and was hospitalized at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo on Tuesday.

She underwent a coronavirus test on Wednesday morning and tested positive. Her body temperature is now below 37 degrees, and she is eating well, according to the agency.

Princess Yuriko has not interacted with other members of the Imperial Family recently. [...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9syVnOVd3s

[Prisma]

On June 25th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session about taiko (Japanese percussion instruments). Panelists included Yoshihiko Miyamoto, President of Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten which has produced musical and festival equipment since 1861.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/p...zJcdYCFXyXpr5l

About Us | Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten Co.,Ltd. Taiko & Festival Instruments Since 1861

[...]

1926 Provided the set of musical instruments for the funeral ceremony of Emperor Taisho, has been granted the imperial warrant ever since.

1928 Provided the set of musical instruments for the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Showa.

[...]

On May 25th, Princess Akiko held "Kyoto Cultural Special Exercise I & II" to plan and manage workshops to convey Kyoto culture to children. This year, the seminars will prepare a Japanese dance workshop in October. Ms. Kyo Onoe was invited to give a lecture on traditional Japanese dance to Kyoto Sangyo University students. In the latter half of the class, Ms. Onoe guided students through basic behaviors such as how to hold a fan, how to stand, and how to sit.

Photos: https://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/news/2022...l_seminar.html


On April 18th, Princess Akiko attended the last day of "La Festa Primavera 2022" in Kyoto. She is honorary president of the vintage car road race. Competitors traveled from Nagoya to Kyoto over 4 days.

Select day 4: Photo Gallery | La Festa Primavera 2022

Princess Akiko welcomes participants at 42:15 and moves to speak at the dinner & award ceremony around 45:50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI6bqJPnNX8

[Prisma]

TV Tokyo's report about Princess Tsuguko's Covid-19 infection also mentions 5 of Princess Yuriko's staff tested positive for Covid-19. Initial reports last week stated "3 staff so far" in the Mikasa household.

Princess Yuriko remains hospitalized and there are no updates on her condition (which should be a good sign)

Source: https://txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp/txn/news_txn/post_255550

ETA: longer video of Princess Yohko's lecture in March where she disclosed her sensorineural deafness. Commentators include her recent letter to press at the beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS4Gv5hnSj4

[Prisma]

On July 15th, Princess Yohko attended the announcement of social welfare corporation Arinomama's "22nd Independence Awards" at the Miyagi Prefectural Office. She is chair of the selection committee, succeeding her father Prince Tomohito. The awards honor people with disabilities and their independence supporters.
Photo: Sankei

On July 23rd, Princess Yohko attended the "22nd Independence Awards," sponsored by social welfare corporation Arinomama, at the Welfare Plaza in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The awards were established in 1999 and were canceled 2020-2021 due to the pandemic.
Photo: Sankei

On July 3rd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha weeded rice fields and made rope in Niigata Prefecture.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/p...3ijqdEPmf6RUYl

Shinyusha x Kyoto Sangyo University Faculty of Letters' official Instagram account of the Kyoto Cultural Special Exercise Workshop: https://www.instagram.com/shinyusha_ksubunka

Princess Akiko gave an interview to Junko Sakai for Fujin Kōron magazine's August 2022 issue.
https://twitter.com/4im8hJV7aYKpppY/...00787185139716

[iceflower]

Princess Yoko visited Meiji Shrine on July 25 ahead of the 110th anniversary of the death of Emperor Meiji:


** gettyimages gallery **

[Prisma]

Thanks! NTV video of Princess Yoko's visit to Meiji Shrine

On July 25th, the Imperial Household Agency reported Princess Yuriko completed treatment for Covid-19 on July 19 but she has leg weakness from hospitalization and needs rehab. She is expected to be discharged soon.
Sources: Mainichi, Jiji

ETA: On July 26th, Princess Yuriko was discharged from St. Luke's International Hospital (Chuo, Tokyo) in the morning.
Sources: Sankei, Asahi

[Tatiana Maria]

Originally Posted by Prisma

The agency did not disclosure Princess Yuriko's vaccination status due to privacy reasons.

That explanation doesn't seem to hold water, given the agency already disclosed the vaccinated status of other members of the imperial family. I suppose Princess Mikasa might be more reserved about sharing medical information than other family members, but the disclosure about her Covid-19 complications would seem to disprove that.

Originally Posted by Prisma

TV Tokyo's report about Princess Tsuguko's Covid-19 infection also mentions 5 of Princess Yuriko's staff tested positive for Covid-19. Initial reports last week stated "3 staff so far" in the Mikasa household.

That seems like a quite a few, if the junior members of the family do not have extensive households.

Originally Posted by Prisma

On July 25th, the Imperial Household Agency reported Princess Yuriko completed treatment for Covid-19 on July 19 but she has leg weakness from hospitalization and needs rehab. She is expected to be discharged soon.
Sources: Mainichi, Jiji

It is unfortunate that the princess will be burdened with long-term complications from her bout of Covid-19. Many people her age will have experienced the same. I wish her a successful rehabilitation and full recovery.

[Prisma]

The agency discloses Covid-19 vaccination status with the family member's permission. Princess Yuriko won't share for whatever reasons and she's entitled to her privacy. As the oldest family member, there was speculation about her vaccination status. The agency has not revealed the vaccination status of Masako, Aiko, Hisahito (minor, parental consent), Akiko, Yohko, or Tsuguko.

Regarding staff sizes, I recall from the abdication thread (?) that Naruhito as Crown Prince had ~50 staff while the Akishino family, an "outer" court household had 10-20 staff. I assume the Mikasa, Mikasa East/Nobuko, and Takamado households have similar or less staff numbers as the pre-succession Akishino household.


On July 31st, Princess Akiko has Covid-19 and was admitted to Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital in Kyoto. Her symptoms include body aches, joint pain, and fever in low 38s degrees C. She was hospitalized at her doctor's discretion due to her history of asthma attacks.

Princess Akiko attended the Emperor Meiji's annual memorial ceremony in Kyoto on July 30. That night, she developed fever, headache, and throat discomfort. She took a PCR test the next morning and infection was confirmed.

She is the 4th Imperial family member to be infected with Covid-19. Princess Yohko will be examined soon as the sisters may have been in contact recently.
Sources: Sankei, Jiji, NHK, Asahi


Princess Yohko attended the 56th National Dojo Shonen Kendo Tournament July 28-29 at Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...88378178263349
https://www.facebook.com/29951237040...93734904319691

ETA: The IHA is canceling Princess Akiko's upcoming agenda.
- August 2-4: national junior high school student selection shogi championship held in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture
- August 5: worship at Meiji Jingu in Tokyo

The physical condition of her staff and Princess Yohko have not changed so far and will be tested.
Sources: TBS, NTV

ETA: Princess Nobuko worshipped at Meiji Jingu on July 28 ahead of the 110th anniversary of Emperor Meiji's death on July 30.
Source: Sankei Imperial Weekly 754

[Prisma]

Princess Yohko had a negative PCR test.

On August 1st, she attended the "46th Gathering to think about water" to commemorate Water Day in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is Princess Yohko's first attendance at this event. Then-Crown Prince Naruhito's family attended the 40th gathering in 2016.
Photo: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/soci...9cb1cb5fbb6ef8

TV Tokyo's report about Princess Akiko's Covid-19 infection used video from her Meiji Shrine visit in November 2020. She (or the IHA) will not disclose when she began her stay in Kyoto. Princess Yohko's negative PCR test result and Water Day event are included in Akiko's video.

Asahi Imperial schedule July 25-31 indicates Princess Akiko had a meeting at the Mikasa East residence in Tokyo on July 27 and she worshipped at Emperor Meiji's mausoleum in Kyoto on July 30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BBiXuOKSqQ

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko was discharged from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital on the morning of August 5th. Her temperature has returned to normal and her physical condition has stabilized although she still has sore throat. There are no signs of pneumonia. Princess Akiko will continue recuperating from Covid-19 at her residence in Kyoto.
Sources: NHK, Sankei


Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) will upload part of the Water Day event on Youtube at the end of August.
Source: https://www.mlit.go.jp/page/kanbo01_hy_008577.html

Vaporeon (Showers in Japanese) a Water-type Pokémon is Water Day's support ambassador.

[Prisma]

Kyodo translated their interview with Princess Akiko about Shinyusha's 10th anniversary (post 579)

Japan princess eager to engage with public by passing on culture - Kyodo News

Princess Akiko said she values the opportunity to use her position in the imperial family to pass on traditional culture to Japanese children as she highlighted the importance of engaging with the general public in an exclusive interview with Kyodo News.

The 40-year-old eldest daughter of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, who was a cousin of former Emperor Akihito, credited her experience studying abroad in Britain for a year at the age of 19 as the inspiration for her life work. She spent the 2001-2002 academic year at Oxford University while enrolled at Gakushuin University in Tokyo.

"I was the only Japanese student in my year, so I was asked many questions about Japan. The experience made me keenly aware of the need for knowledge that would enable me to properly talk about my country to people overseas," the princess said in the May interview.

Her current activities are focused on ensuring that Japanese children get a chance to encounter their cultural heritage, something she is undertaking through an organization she founded called Shinyusha.

"Children are the future of Japan. I wanted to start by conveying to them the rich flavor of rice and miso soup and the pleasure of such small things as laying around on tatami mats," she said. "Then I decided to start activities to pass on authentic Japanese culture to children."

[...]

It was an initiative that grew out of her experiences when she returned to Oxford University from 2004 to 2009 to research Japanese art collections at the British Museum.

[...]

While she said it was difficult to gather people when she first launched the organization in 2012, to her delight she found many participants became regulars after joining in once. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, talk sessions on various cultural topics are currently held online twice a month.

"My father told me when I was a child that the role of the imperial family is to connect with people and do what the people want. Even now, I still hold onto those words as support for my activities," she said.

[...] she strongly felt her responsibility as a member of the imperial family when she first attended New Year's greetings offered by then Emperor Akihito to the public in 2011.

"I heard ground-shaking cheers and saw small flags of the rising sun. I felt the weight of the emperor's words as some people shed tears. I realized then that I must be a person worthy to stand in such a position," she said.

[...]

"My father always said that his greatest asset is his people, and it is the same for me. I hope that by engaging with many people through Shinyusha and other activities, more people can understand my ideas."

While the princess admitted that it is challenging to hold many positions with the same level of enthusiasm, she also expressed her determination to use her position as a member of the imperial family to the advantage of others.

Princess Akiko also emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural traditions of the imperial household, saying she had learned a lot about the unique words and phrases used in relation to the household and other related knowledge from her 99-year-old grandmother Princess Yuriko, who is the oldest member of the imperial family.

"There is meaning behind the culture, and I believe that it is my duty as a member of the imperial family to continue to document and talk about it," she said.

[Prisma]

Originally Posted by Prisma

[...]

Princess Akiko gave an interview to Junko Sakai for Fujin Kōron magazine's August 2022 issue.
https://twitter.com/4im8hJV7aYKpppY/...00787185139716

Fujin Kōron posted the interview with photos in 2 parts.
part 1, 4 pages: https://fujinkoron.jp/articles/-/6454
part 2, 5 pages : https://fujinkoron.jp/articles/-/6457

Part 1 highlights:
- growing up surrounded by Japanese art, crafts, traditional performing arts, and annual events, Akiko didn't feel it was anything special initially.
- She says "when it comes to Japanese culture, many people think of it as a noble hobby, such as "You must wear a kimono to Kabuki." However, whether it is kabuki or ukiyo-e, pottery, lacquerware, kimono, tea ceremony, and so on, what is called Japanese culture is something that has been enjoyed in everyday life. I believe that culture should live in our lives."
- dictionary study for Japanese language, regional differences in Rakugo performances
- Sakai mentioned it's rare for a female Imperial family member to preside over an organization (like Shinyusha). Akiko responded, "It's not that I had a hard time because I'm a woman, or that I decided to do something because I'm a woman. If I were a man, I would have done the same."
- Akiko had trouble opening a bank account for Shinyusha because she doesn't have a last name and had to visit the bank 2-3 times.
- She was surprised workshops in Tokyo were not as well attended as workshops held in the Kansai region. After asking around, she learned Tokyo children are busier with cram school and lessons.
- Many people call her "Hime-chan" or "Hime-chama" (Hime is another word for princess). Once, when a friend ordered her birthday cake, she asked him to write "Happy Birthday Hime-chan"

Part 2 highlights:
- Study aboard 1st time and becoming aware she didn't know Japan well enough.
- Study aboard 2nd time for her doctorate.
- Ukiyo-e, folding screening, importance and differences of lighting.
- Akiko read her first adult book when she was in kindergarten, her father's "Tomo-san's Study Abroad." Prince Tomohito gave her furigana for all the kanji.
- Akiko was involved in compiling her father's writings for a book, published in June. She discovered how much he cared about his children.
- My father was the kind of person who said, "I'm not interested in children who can't argue," so I didn't have many memories of him when I was young. However, when I read the writings at that time, I realized that he was taking care of his daughters more than I had imagined. It was a new discovery."
- When Akiko grew old enough for talks, she and her father discussed "everything from the books I read, to the management of the organizations he served as a board member, when to assign bodyguards, and so on."
- Sakai heard allowances were decided through discussion.
- Akiko responded "I made a monthly budget, submitted a plan, and received an allowance. I was passionate about using up my pocket money to the nearest 10 yen. One day, when I showed his father my allowance book, he said in his usual informal tone, "What is it? This kind of thing is to trick parents and get a lot of money," he told me." (Akiko smiles)
- Akiko didn't feel pressure taking over duties after her father's death. She had been accompanying him on activities for years.
- Funny story about a ski tournament greeting: Prince Tomohito was coughing so Princess Akiko hurriedly read it for him. "However, the speech was about how the Japanese team was unsuccessful at the Olympics, and what was wrong with it. I felt my face turn pale while reading. Based on this experience, when I speak, I try to convey what I felt from my perspective, while keeping what my father was doing at the core of my heart."

[Prisma]

On August 20th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session about "Heaven's Rock Cave and the Expulsion of Susanoo no Mikoto," the 1st part of a mythology series.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/p...kNfb4dhfs8QPpl

On September 2nd, Princess Akiko attended the 2nd Classics Day Culture Fund Award ceremony in Kyoto. She is Honorary President of the Classics Day Prize Committee.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/kadokawadai...YJDKbbuojzP1al
https://twitter.com/ConsulKyoto/stat...01888162820096

Later on September 2nd, Princess Akiko and Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti of Italy and his wife attended a gala dinner commemorating the 25th edition of La Festa Mille Miglia at the Italian ambassador's residence. Opera singer Daisuke Oyama performed.
Photos: ニュース｜La Festa Mille Miglia 2022
大会レポート｜La Festa Mille Miglia 2022

On September 3rd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session on "Yamata no Orochi," the 2nd part of a mythology series.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/p...uG5hJws82emigl

[Prisma]

On September 8th, Princess Akiko gave a lecture on "Imperial Kimono" at Kyoto Sangyo University. She explained changes in Imperial women's clothing since the Meiji era and Empress Shoken's advocacy of Western clothing among the Imperial family.

Princess Akiko has been a distinguished professor at Kyoto Sangyo University's Institute of Japanese Culture since 2018.

Photo: Jiji

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko was appointed visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University in April 2022.

She gave an interview to the university's press about the position, her expectations of students, and being involved in university education. (posted September 21)

https://ritsumeikanunivpress.com/09/21/10350/ includes commemorative photo

Google translation

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko and students taking Kyoto Sangyo University's "Kyoto Culture Field Seminar" visited the studio of dyeing artist Sarasa Yoshioka on September 9 and Toshiaki Nagakusa's workshop, a Kyo-nui embroidery company, on September 13.

Photos: https://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/news/2022...ldseminar.html

On September 22nd, Princess Akiko, her cultural organization Shinyusha staff, and many Kokugakuin University students harvested rice in Niigata Prefecture. The year, the rice will be dedicated to Ise Jingu in November, Princess Akiko’s long cherished wish.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/p...u1TAAFUREGNvpl

[Prisma]

On September 29th, Princess Akiko attended the "140th anniversary ceremony of the Imperial Decree of the Six Shinto Sect" at Kokugakuin University Tokiwamatsu Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. About 120 people attended the ceremony.

Photo: https://www.chugainippoh.co.jp/artic...21005-006.html


Princess Yohko visited Tochigi Prefecture October 4-5 for the 77th National Sports Festival.
- table tennis in Kanuma City
- Nakagawa Aquatic Park in Otawara City
- Kenmin no Mori Forest Exhibition Hall in Yaita City
- kendo in Utsunomiya City
- Moka Cotton Hall in Moka City

Photos: https://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/articles/-/642581
(She's holding the aquatic park's mascot Nakappi & Konappi)


Princess Akiko visited Tochigi Prefecture October 6-7 for the 77th National Sports Festival.
- handball in Nogi Town
- Shimotsuke Fudoki Hill Museum in Shimotsuke City
- Haga Town General Information Center
- soft tennis in Nasu-Shiobara City
- Nasu Historical Museum in Nasu Town

Photo: https://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/articles/-/643387


Princess Yohko visited Kagoshima Prefecture October 7-8 to attend "Relief Life Festival! (Welfare Equipment Day 2022/Welfare Equipment Exhibition & Seminar in Kagoshima)" and give a special lecture. The exhibition runs October 1-8, featuring the latest nursing care and assistive devices for the elderly and people with disabilities. 50 companies participated this year with approximately 3,000 products.

Princess Yohko spoke about her sensorineural hearing loss, being deaf in both ears since her 20s. She used to look at people’s mouth movements, wondering what they were saying. She is now able to answer questions.

"The reality is that there are many children, even young ones, who cannot hear. If there is a place where everyone can easily come and listen, such as a hospital or a facility, it would be great if they could do more."

"I hope that many people will be more interested in hearing loss and that society will become more understanding."

"I would like to create a place, environment, and community development where it is easy for young people to understand whether they can hear or not. I would like to carry out activities strongly and positively," and expressed her willingness to continue such activities in the future.

Videos/articles: FNN, KYT, MBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f21BD9ggJw