The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

On July 12th, Princess Akiko and her organization Shinyusha weeded rice fields in Niigata City's Ozuki district. Unfortunately, Kokugakuin University students who traveled from Tokyo on a chartered bus, were not able to participate. Local Niigata university groups and cram school students participated.

In past years, Shinyusha visited in August to weed when the paddies are dry but the farmer invited the group to visit earlier to experience weeding when the paddies are still flooded.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3116026205178870

 

[Countessmeout]

On July 12th, Princess Akiko and her organization Shinyusha weeded rice fields in Niigata City's Ozuki district. Unfortunately, Kokugakuin University students who traveled from Tokyo on a chartered bus, were not able to participate. Local Niigata university groups and cram school students participated.

In past years, Shinyusha visited in August to weed when the paddies are dry but the farmer invited the group to visit earlier to experience weeding when the paddies are still flooded.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3116026205178870

Do we know why the Tokyo students were unable to participate? It seems odd they would charter a bus and travel there, only to be turned away.

 

[Prisma]

I don't know. Shinyusha's post didn't explain further. I remember Tokyo's governor asked residents to refrain from traveling to other prefectures but I thought the association or university would have considered that before chartering a bus and all.

Shinyusha posted a basic dashi recipe.

Kelp 30g
Bonito shavings 30g
Water 1.8l
Yields about 1.5l of basic dashi broth

1. wipe kelp with damp paper towel
2. cover kelp with water and soak overnight (at least 5-6 hours)
3. heat pot over medium heat and remove the foam
4. when bubbles appear, remove the kelp
5. heat until just before boiling and quickly add the bonito shavings
6. loosen/stir with chopsticks to separate the shavings
7. boil again, turn off heat and strain broth over paper towels
8. if the liquid doesn't drain, use chopsticks to press bonito shavings in paper towels

Illustrations:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3121532777961546

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha hosted an online dictionary workshop on July 25.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3126781557436668

 

[Prisma]

On August 8th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online seminar on Japanese mythology including stories and influences from the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3164610426987114

The next online seminar on 8/23 will be a cooking class to learn the basics of Japanese cuisine.

 

[Prisma]

On August 23rd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held its first online cooking class. Participants learned how to prepare (wash, drain, sharpen) and cook rice, Niiname-no-Matsuri (harvest festival), history of rice in Japan, rice cultivation, various rice dishes, and the difference between a regular bowl vs. rice bowl.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3209397345841755

Starting in October, Shinyusha will hold 5 online cooking classes to teach the basics of Japanese cuisine. Famous chefs from Kyoto and well-established people will join Shinyusha teachers.

 

[Prisma]

Shinyusha posted a "How to sharpen rice" video

 

[Prisma]

On September 5th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online tea session. The panel discussed sencha tea and the Chrysanthemum festival.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3249472775167545

 

[Prisma]

On September 16th, Princess Akiko attended the online memorial ceremony for the 130th anniversary of the sinking of Turkish warship Ertuğrul off the coast of Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. The memorial was originally scheduled for June but postponed and attendees limited to 7 including the mayor of Kushimoto.

The Ertuğrul was returning from a goodwill voyage to Japan when it encountered a typhoon, drifted into a reef, and sank on September 18, 1890. Over 587 sailors and officers died with only 69 survivors who returned home aboard 2 Japanese corvettes. The event became the foundation of Japanese-Turkish friendship. Princess Akiko is president of Japan-Turkish Society.

YTV, NHK videos

 

[Prisma]

On September 19th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session about Japanese sweets. The panel included 3 members from Japan's leading confectionery makers: Suzukake, Toraya, and Rokkatei.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3290088081106014

The confectionery companies' English websites:
https://www.suzukake.co.jp/english
https://global.toraya-group.co.jp/
https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/en/

 

[Prisma]

On September 20th, Princess Akiko and Shinyusha co-hosted a Waka poem workshop with Kamigamo Shrine and Kyoto Sangyo University. This is the 4th year students from Kyoto Sangyo University, under Princess Akiko's direction, are planning and managing a workshop normally held at the shrine. This year's theme is waka poems and took 4 months to organize. Professor Emeritus Kazuhiro Nagata (poet and cell biologist) was a lecturer and Chief Priest Tanaka of Kamigamo Shrine appeared in a video message. After a discussion on waka, tanka, and an example of singing waka, the children used Zoom’s chat function to answer quiz questions. Then, they were asked to draw a picture of the world described in a poem.

The next workshop will be on October 4th. The children will compose and submit a poem for an online song party. The compiled poems will be offered at Kamigamo Shrine’s Tsukinami festival on October 1st.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3293596974088458

 

[Prisma]

On September 24th, Princess Yuriko (97) was admitted to St Luke's International Hospital for pneumonia. She suffered coughing and fatigue for several days. There is no fever. She was diagnosed during a regular checkup and will stay about 1 week in the general ward, receiving medication.

Princess Yuriko visits St Luke’s International Hospital about once a month for checkups. Although mostly retired, she greeted new Imperial Police escort officers on September 16.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji, news24.jp

Wishing Princess Yuriko a speedy recovery!

 

[iceflower]

The Imperial Household Agency announced today, September 28, that Princess Yuriko was diagnosed with heart failure but was in a stable condition and able to converse. She will stay at hospital for two to three more weeks.


** japantimes: Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of emperor, diagnosed with heart failure **


** mainichi: Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of Japanese emperor, diagnosed with heart failure **

 

[Prisma]

On September 21st, Princess Akiko attended the bell-ringing ceremony held at Zojoji Temple in Minato, Tokyo to commemorate the International Day of Peace (United Nations).

Skip to ~6:15

Skip to ~21:10

 

[Prisma]

On October 4th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha co-hosted an online waka poetry reading (singing) workshop with Kyoto Sangyo University and Kamigamo Shrine. Children from the September 20 workshop composed the poems.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3335488746565947

 

[Prisma]

Princess Yuriko was discharged from St Luke's International Hospital on October 8th. She was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia on September 24 and later diagnosed with heart failure.

Princess Yuriko, great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, released from hospital - Kyodo News

... She has a healthy complexion and an appetite, and will carry on her daily life as usual while making periodic visits to the hospital, the agency said.

The princess received medications as her heart's ability to pump blood had been weakening and pleural fluid was building up. Her condition remained stable during her stay in the Tokyo hospital ...

 

[Prisma]

Takafumi Sen, second son of Sōshitsu Sen XVI and Masako Sen (Prince Mikasa's younger daughter), will be confirmed as heir apparent (wakasosho) of Urasenke Tea Ceremony on October 8, 2020. There will be an oath ceremony and tea ceremony at Jukoin Temple, a sub-temple in Daitoku-ji in Kyoto. Another tea ceremony will be held on October 13 at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

Takafumi was born in Kyoto in 1990. After graduating from Ritsumeikan University Faculty of Law in 2013, he became a board member of Urasenke general foundation in 2015, and became vice chairman in 2018. In addition to serving tea at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, he attends various events such as workshops throughout Japan.
Sources: kyoto-np.co.jp, Sankei

Elder brother Akifumi Sen is a copywriter/poet and re-registered in the family registry as Myeongsa Kikuchi in 2014. He's also known as Akifumi Kikuchi.

On October 9th, a tea ceremony showcased Takafumi Sen (30) as heir apparent (wakasosho) of Urasenke school of Japanese tea ceremony at Juko-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji temple, in Kyoto. Takafumi prepared thick tea (koicha) before the Buddha and dedicated to his ancestor Sen no Rikyū. His cousin Princess Akiko was among the ~90 guests. Due to coronavirus, the number of attendees was reduced and a planned celebration was cancelled. Takafumi took the oath on October 8.

Photos: Mainichi, Sankei

https://twitter.com/x/status/1314395787732774913

NHK reports the October 13 tea ceremony at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine will go ahead.

 

[Prisma]

On October 10th, Princess Akiko and Shinyusha held an online cooking class on dashi soup stock with Yoshiro Kiyama from Michelin one-star restaurant "Kiyama". Participants were sent ingredients in advance and instructed to soak the kelp for 2 hours before the class. While the kelp-water heated, they tasted multiple times to note the changing flavor. Dried bonito flakes were added and heat turned off after the kelp was removed. Kiyama encouraged participants to make dashi frequently and store in small bottles in refrigerator or freezer for best flavor.

Princess Akiko admitted to finding the process a "hassle" but challenged herself to make dashi once a week. Kiyama will be the lecturer for the next cooking class where participants will make rolled egg with dashi.

The next online session will be October 17, a 2-part course on Japanese colors with Jun Tanaka, a part-time lecturer of Gakushuin University.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3353589318089223

 

[Prisma]

On October 17th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held the first of a 2-part online session about Japanese colors. Jun Tanaka, a part-time lecturer at Gakushuin University and Princess Akiko’s senior, was the lecturer.

- Japanese colors were used for Tokyo Olympics posters and banners throughout the city.
- various traditional colors in the poem of Noriko Ibaraki.
- participants were quizzed to name at least 5 of the traditional Japanese colors.
- During the era of Prince Shotoku, colors and clothing styles were established at court so a person’s status could be easily identified.
- The brownish-orange “Korozen no goho" was restricted to the Emperor and the vermilion "Oudan" restricted for the Crown Prince.
- Dark colors were expensive as they required a lot of dye and could only be worn by high-ranking people.
- Even so, people enjoyed layering colors and various color combinations.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3373596036088551

 

[Ista]

I would love to have been able to have attended and understood the lecture. I have several books on kimono that have chapters on colors, especially in the Heian period--how they were developed and used, what combinations of the different layers meant, and how they indicated status, as well as more modern applications. I really respect the work Princess Akiko and Shinyusha are doing around Japanese cultural traditions, and am glad the organization has found a way to continue the work during the pandemic.

 

[Prisma]

On October 31st, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held the 2nd of a 2-part online session about Japanese colors featuring Jun Tanaka, a part-time lecturer at Gakushuin University. Topics covered colors of origami papers, gift wrap, enthronement clothing, seasons, and bean paste/mochi treats.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3411248562323298

Urasenke's English website posted about Takafumi Sen's confirmation as wakasosho, successor of Urasenke Japanese tea ceremony.

October 8: Wakasosho Oath-taking in the Rikyu Altar Hall at Konnichian

October 9: Wakasosho Confirmation Announcement Kencha-shiki and Debut Chakai

October 13: Meiji Shrine Centennial Celebration Urasenke Kencha-shiki Announcing Confirmation of Urasenke Wakasosho, and Wakasosho Debut Chakai

Princess Akiko attended October 9 and 13 ceremonies for her cousin.

 

[Prisma]

On November 8th, Princess Akiko and Shinyusha held an online cooking class for rolled egg with Yoshiro Kiyama from Michelin one-star restaurant "Kiyama."

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3431615820286572

 

[Prisma]

Mikasa princesses worshipped at Meiji Shrine for its 100th anniversary. Princess Nobuko visited November 9, Princess Yoko visited November 11, and Princess Akiko visited November 18.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei Imperial Weekly 668

I only found a photo of Princess Nobuko's visit.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1327064539280465920

 

[Prisma]

On November 21st, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session titled "Rice Talk!" before the Niiname-sai festival. Panelists included Hirofumi Miyao from Miyao Farm in Niigata and Masahito Miyazawa of Kaiseki restaurants Jiki Miyazawa and Godan Miyazawa in Kyoto.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3466930690088418

 

[Prisma]

On December 6th, Princess Akiko and her organization Shinyusha held an online cooking class on "Kyoto Ozoni" (Kyoto style Ozoni) with lecturer Hiroyuki Kato from Kaiseki restaurant Gion Kawakami.

Ozoni is a traditional New Year soup with rice cake (mochi) and other ingredients depending on region. Kyoto-style features white miso.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3509505555830931

 

[Prisma]

On November 22nd, Princess Akiko attended the 35th Children's Song Grand Prix Competition at EX Theater Ropponji. BS Asahi will broadcast the competition on December 26.

Photos: https://douyou-contest.com/lastyear/





On December 13th, Princess Nobuko attended the Judo Men's -66kg Tokyo Olympic playoff at Kodokan in Bunkyo, Tokyo.

Upper left:
https://media.gettyimages.com/photo...s-66kg-tokyo-picture-id1291326555?s=2048x2048

 

[Somebody]

I wonder whether princess Akiko (and her sister Yoko) has/have trouble finding an acceptable husband - and one that is willing to take on all the scrutiny that comes with marrying a Japanese princess. And/or is the IHA actively trying to keep them unmarried as they need them in their 'workforce'?!

She celebrated her 39th birthday today! And Yoko turned 37 two months ago.

 

[Prisma]

I don't think anyone or IHA is keeping them from marriage. While Princess Akiko seems content, she may feel a deep sense of obligation to support the Mikasa family. Both sisters took over many of their late father's patronages/activities. Allegedly there's a rift between mother Nobuko and her daughters. Nobuko who lives separately in an IHA building, not the Mikasa East residence. Weekly magazines claim Akiko was dating during her UK study abroad in 2007 and then someone at a research institute in 2009 but nothing progressed. No rumors regarding Yoko except speculation she's likely to meet someone through Kendo or other athletic activities.


On December 19th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online session titled "The story of the shrine that can't be heard now." Panelists included officials from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Tokyo Daijingu and Kamigamo Shrine.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/3546127888835364

 

[Tatiana Maria]

I don't think anyone or IHA is keeping them from marriage. While Princess Akiko seems content, she may feel a deep sense of obligation to support the Mikasa family. Both sisters took over many of their late father's patronages/activities. Allegedly there's a rift between mother Nobuko and her daughters. Nobuko who lives separately in an IHA building, not the Mikasa East residence. Weekly magazines claim Akiko was dating during her UK study abroad in 2007 and then someone at a research institute in 2009 but nothing progressed. No rumors regarding Yoko except speculation she's likely to meet someone through Kendo or other athletic activities.

I apologize if you have covered it before and I missed it, but have the tabloids gone into the alleged causes of the rift?

I was also wondering in light of Akiko's comment in 2013 (wishing the then government to come to a speedy conclusion on Imperial House Law revision as it could "have an effect on her future spouse") if anything has acted to change her mind about marriage. As you said, perhaps the years since taking over for her father has ingrained in her a sense of obligation to his patronages. I've wondered too whether she and her sister are trying to remain close to their mother and/or grandmother after the deaths of all the men in the Mikasa branch, but if the rumors of a rift are true that seems less likely.

 

[Prisma]

No need to apologize. I don't remember covering the rift. This November 2016 Jprime article describes some of the problems, take with a grain of salt ... or more.

- When relations were better, Princess Nobuko supported her husband through cancer treatments, planning menus of 6 meals a day while considering nutritional balance.
- Prince Tomohito and Princess Nobuko separated since summer 2004.
- Princess Nobuko suffered menopause and gastric ulcers, resting for about 2 years at her sister’s villa in Karuizawa.
- After returning to Mikasa East residence in Akasaka Estate, Nobuko withdrew (not sure what this means exactly) and her health remained unstable, being hospitalized repeatedly. In December 2008, she was admitted to Keio Hospital for nearly a year for "stress asthma."
- During this period, it seems Akiko and Yoko's relationship with their mother deteriorated, thinking she was leaving their sick father behind and neglecting public duties.
- Nobuko did not return to the Mikasa East residence when she was discharged in October 2009. Instead, she moved to the former IHA official residence in Chiyoda Ward and continued to live separately for medical treatment.
- Before Prince Tomohito died in June 2012, Princess Nobuko allegedly visited the hospital but was refused a meeting.
- Prince Tomohito was thinking of divorcing Princess Nobuko, an intention shared by Princesses Akiko and Yoko.
- Princess Nobuko suddenly became active after Prince Tomohito's death, publishing a cookbook and energetically attending events from local public duties to garden parties and court rituals.
- Princess Akiko expressed dissatisfaction with her mother’s "self-paced" activities. In a monthly magazine (Jprime didn’t specify which one), an unusual memorandum was published that if her mother wanted to return to public affairs, then she should explain to the people and greet Prince Mikasa.
- Princess Nobuko's medical condition was announced but she did not greet Prince Mikasa as "stress-induced asthma will recur."
- Perhaps because of that, she couldn't meet Prince Mikasa when she visited the hospital around August 15. (Prince Mikasa was hospitalized from May 2016 until his death)
- In July 2016, Princess Nobuko allegedly visited the Mikasa East residence with a lawyer and key dealer (locksmith?). It was an abnormal situation where she "invaded" her former home to retrieve her personal belongings.
- An IHA official claims "domestic violence" since the early days of marriage. Despite choosing Nobuko as "the best" and had "expectations," Prince Tomohito became disappointed in his wife's personality and behavior, leading to violence and alcoholism. (Note: Prince Tomohito's first proposal in February 1972 or 1973 was rejected as Nobuko Aso (16-18) was too young. They later married in 1980. English wikipedia reports the first proposal in 1973 but Japanese wikipedia claims the first proposal happened in February 1972)
- Reportedly, Nobuko enjoys being in the spotlight which dissatisfied her husband.
- Staff at Mikasa East residence have not abandoned hope for "reconciliation" noting there are dozens of old family photos with Tomohito, Nobuko, Akiko and Yoko. "If the daughters really hated their mother, they probably wouldn't keep such photos up."

Oddly, the Jprime article doesn't mention Princess Nobuko's stroke in 2004 which would impact one's health and activities.

Prince Tomohito alluded to family problems and his drinking in an October 2007 interview with the New York Times.

... "It's not only the past one or two years," the prince said of the stress behind his alcoholism. "As long as I can remember, the imperial family's been like one big ball of stress"

[...] the prince attributed his recurring cancer to stress, the same kind of stress that, he has said publicly, first led to his over drinking in his 30s and aggravated it in the last couple of years

[...]

The prince, who has two daughters with his wife, Princess Nobuko, cited difficulties at home. "Things became messed up inside our home," he said, adding, "When you’ve been together for 26 years, well, you know."