The Mikasa Family Thread

[Prisma]

On January 14th, Princess Nobuko attended the 2024 Kodokan Kagami Biraki Ceremony at Kodokan Judo Institute in Bunkyo, Tokyo.

Photo: 2024 Kodokan Kagami Biraki Ceremony | Kodokan Judo Institute
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=769364601902546&set=a.603636358475372

 

[Prisma]

On January 13th, Princess Akiko attended the 60th All Japan University Rugby Football Championship Final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2559785284187582&set=pcb.2559787114187399
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2559785180854259&set=pcb.2559787114187399

 

[Prisma]

On February 3rd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha collaborated with Tohoku University of Art & Design to host the "World Class Japanese paper (washi)" workshop at the university's Research Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties.

Children learned about the traditional paper, manufacturing process, how it differs from Western paper and using washi for repairs.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/tuad1992/posts/pfbid02eds5kVXuW3wmVTjTTJpVZq7rcGUmbhkhr4a7hBwmQfFgVvZEVe6eBThvgT1LrN3el

https://twitter.com/x/status/1754433675012526268

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ETA: Princess Yuriko will be in mourning for 30 days for her younger sister Momoko Kyogoku who died on February 4 at age 96. The Imperial Household Agency reports the princess has been going out for personal reasons and is in good health.

Princess Yuriko also mourned for 30 days when her older sister Eiko Takagi died in 2019.

Sources: Sankei, NTV

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko will unofficially visit Bhutan March 5-12 at the invitation of Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

She will stay in Paro, Punakha and Thimphu touring temples, research institutes and national museum. Akiko will pay a courtesy visit to the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on March 10.

Princess Akiko will also visit Thangka Conservation and Restoration Center, where Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck is executive director. The princesses met in Kyoto last April when the Bhutanese princess visited Japan and discussed the traditional culture of both countries. Princess Akiko has a strong interest in Bhutan's Buddhist art so Princess Kesang invited her.

Sources: NTV, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On February 14th, Princess Akiko attended the "2023 Outstanding Athletes Awards Ceremony," sponsored by the Japan Keirin Autorace (JKA) Foundation at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=378070281606017&set=pcb.378073308272381

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On February 3rd, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha collaborated with Tohoku University of Art & Design to host the "World Class Japanese paper (washi)" workshop at the university's Research Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties.

Children learned about the traditional paper, manufacturing process, how it differs from Western paper and using washi for repairs.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/tuad1992/posts/pfbid02eds5kVXuW3wmVTjTTJpVZq7rcGUmbhkhr4a7hBwmQfFgVvZEVe6eBThvgT1LrN3el

https://twitter.com/x/status/1754433675012526268

[...]

More photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/pfbid0rHLUpyhkLG2fi82vwEGUDSnRSySU6p9j4Dtz8LNtWWZyUKJrV4c9ackjK7VVX5Lwl

 

[Prisma]

Princess Nobuko will be admitted to Keio University Hospital on March 3 and undergo surgery on both eyes for primary angle closure and cataracts on March 4. She has no symptoms and was diagnosed during a checkup at end of last year.

Sources: TBS, Sankei, NTV

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On February 19th, Princess Akiko attended the Prince and Princess Chichibu Cup 97th All Japan Student Ski Championships (Intercollegiate Skiing Games of Japan) in Kazuno, Akita Prefecture.

Photo: 鹿角インカレで閉会式　彬子女王殿下もご出席

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On January 27th, Princess Akiko and her cultural organization Shinyusha held an online discussion between Shinto priest and Buddhist monk entitled "Gods and Buddhas" with Chief Priest Tsuyoshi Nishikita of Mankusen Shrine and Chief Priest Yoshihide Kurashima of Shoganji Temple. There was so much interest, the session ran 30 minutes over and the panel still could not answer all questions. Shinyusha is considering holding a follow up session.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/shinyusha/posts/pfbid0Jsc7kA5zv3gMxE2gb5mK1PB2ztkLetPqwM3p4fFdgAeFkveiVfcE47xDderocBFcl

 

[Prisma]

On March 3rd, Princess Yuriko was admitted to St. Luke’s International Hospital in Chuo, Tokyo for a suspected mild cerebral infraction and aspiration pneumonia. Although she has difficulty moving her right limbs, Princess Yuriko is currently stable and being treated in the intensive care unit. She is producing a lot of phlegm but is able to talk. Princess Yuriko is receiving intravenous drip.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, she had not been feeling well since afternoon of March 2 and showed mild dehydration symptoms. Princess Yuriko had a normal checkup at the same hospital on February 22.

Sources: Sankei, NTV, Mainichi

Wishing Princess Yuriko a smooth recovery!

ETA: FNN says the aspiration pneumonia was a misdiagnosis. NHK says Princess Yuriko didn't eat for 3 days due to phlegm whereas Sankei's Google translation is clearer, indicating the "3 days without eating" was at her doctor's discretion and she was also getting IV at home.

Princess Yuriko Hospitalized for Possible Cerebral Infarction | Nippon.com

[...] The 100-year-old princess, staying at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, is in stable condition and is able to talk and communicate.

According to the agency, Princess Yuriko, aunt of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, was not feeling well due to mild dehydration on Saturday afternoon and visited the hospital on Sunday afternoon. She had some difficulty moving her right hand and leg and had a lot of phlegm. She was put on an intravenous drip in the intensive care unit on Sunday. [...]

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Il 3 marzo, la principessa Yuriko è stata ricoverata all'ospedale internazionale St. Luke di Chuo, Tokyo, per sospetta infrazione cerebrale lieve e polmonite da aspirazione. Sebbene abbia difficoltà a muovere gli arti destri, la principessa Yuriko è attualmente stabile ed è ricoverata nel reparto di terapia intensiva. Produce molto catarro ma è in grado di parlare. A discrezione del suo medico, la principessa Yuriko si asterrà dal mangiare per 3 giorni, ricevendo invece una flebo.

Secondo l'Agenzia della Casa Imperiale, non si sentiva bene dal pomeriggio del 2 marzo e mostrava lievi sintomi di disidratazione. La principessa Yuriko ha effettuato un normale controllo nello stesso ospedale il 22 febbraio.

Fonti: Sankei , NTV , Mainichi , FNN

Auguro alla principessa Yuriko una buona guarigione!

Did she suffered a stroke? I wish her a speedy recovery.

 

[Somebody]

Given that she is 100 years old being brought to the Intensive Care after a mild stroke sounds concerning. Hopefully she will respond well to treatment and will be made comfortable while hospitalized with family members being able to visit.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko attended the 95th International Miyasama Ski Games in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture from February 29 to March 3.

Photos: Volunteer's Ameblo blog , Facebook post Miki Araki

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Princess Nobuko successfully underwent eye surgery for primary angle-closure and cataracts on March 4 at Keio University Hospital. Crystalline lenses in both eyes were replaced with intraocular lenses.
Princess Yuriko remains stable at St Luke's International Hospital. No difference from March 3.

No discharge date yet for either princess.

Source: NTV

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On March 5th, Princess Akiko departed from Narita Airport after 11:30am for an unofficial visit to Bhutan. She will arrive tomorrow morning via Thailand. The courtesy visit to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is scheduled on March 9 local time.

Departure photos: NTV, TBS, NHK

Princess Akiko will unofficially visit Bhutan March 5-12 at the invitation of Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

She will stay in Paro, Punakha and Thimphu touring temples, research institutes and national museum. Akiko will pay a courtesy visit to the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on March 10.

Princess Akiko will also visit Thangka Conservation and Restoration Center, where Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck is executive director. The princesses met in Kyoto last April when the Bhutanese princess visited Japan and discussed the traditional culture of both countries. Princess Akiko has a strong interest in Bhutan's Buddhist art so Princess Kesang invited her.

Sources: NTV, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

On March 6th, Princess Nobuko was discharged from Keio University Hospital around 11am. Post-surgery progress has been uneventful. Vision is good, no pain and she stopped wearing eye patches.

Princess Nobuko will rest at home and follow up at hospital. While she gets used to the intraocular lenses, she will wear sunglasses with a light purple tint to avoid bright light.

Sources: TBS, Jiji, Sankei, NTV

 

[Prisma]

On March 9th, Princess Akiko paid a courtesy visit to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/KingJigmeKhesar/posts/pfbid0WbtFwH8AX9omMwUuxBwmJfsxG4yJFSeDhgejN2Cj3wFTmnXQEAnLqeRHihgBe5wGl

https://www.facebook.com/bbschannel3/posts/pfbid02vG7FQaUC43oFet6anZ9iG7e1eNSauL2W72mto5p3N6SrLnQVucKL8RBAuiVBeUGSl

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=318783167866333

Facebook

www.facebook.com

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "9 March 2024: His Majesty The King granted an Audience to Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Japan, at the Tashichhodzong today. HIH Princess Akiko of Mikasa is in Bhutan on a visit, accompa

12K likes, 96 comments - kingjigmekhesar on March 9, 2024: "9 March 2024: His Majesty The King granted an Audience to Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Japan, at the Tashichhodzong today. HIH Princess Akiko of Mikasa is in Bhutan on a visit, accompanied by a delegation from...

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1766473757546402007

 

[Prisma]

On the morning of March 11th, Princess Yuriko was transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward of St. Luke's International Hospital in Chuo, Tokyo. She was admitted on March 3rd and on the 4th, tests confirmed she suffered a mild cerebral infarction. Although the princess has not been able to eat, she started drinking water and seems to be making a good recovery. The difficulty in moving her right limbs has improved considerably. Discharge date remains unknown and will depend on her recovery.

Sources: Jiji, NTV, Sankei, FNN

 

[Prisma]

On March 12th, Princess Akiko returned to Japan via Thailand, arriving at Haneda Airport before 7am.

Photos: NTV, FNN (includes King Jigme Khesar's Instagram photos)

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English video of Princess Akiko's audience with the King

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1654591101981620

 

[Prisma]

On March 18th, Imperial Household Agency Vice Grand Steward Buichiro Kuroda reported Princess Yuriko has been exhibiting heart failure symptoms and new cerebral infarction symptoms in recent days. She continues to be treated in the general ward of St. Luke's International Hospital and is communicating with doctors.

Sources: FNN, NTV

 

[Prisma]

Princess Yuriko has been having difficulty breathing for the past few days. The cerebral infarction symptoms that made it difficult to move her right arm and leg at the time of her hospitalization have returned.

Although she is able to communicate with doctors, it is difficult for her to have a conversation and she is resting.

Source: Jiji

 

[Somebody]

That sounds concerning. Hopefully her family is able to visit and the nurses are able to make her comfortable while she is resting.

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On March 22nd, Princess Yōko began a 2-day visit to Kagoshima Prefecture:

On March 23rd, she visited Kirameki Terrace Health Hospital in Koma-cho, Kagoshima City. Princess Yōko observed and interacted with a child who has difficulty speaking clearly by practicing pronunciation.

Satoshi Hirakawa, Chief Engineer of the hospital, said that: "[Princess Yōko] is a very friendly person, and that made all the tension go away. Again, I think she has a kind heart."

Sources/video: Kyt-tv.com, NEWS.NTV

Screenshots:

 

[Prisma]

On March 25th, the Imperial Household Agency reported Princess Yuriko's symptoms of heart failure and cerebral infarction has significantly improved over the past week. Her condition has returned to a level close to when she was transferred to the general ward on March 11.

As long as she is at rest, Princess Yuriko does not have difficulty breathing and is able to have short conversations. Moving her limbs has largely been restored. She has a chronic heart condition, so doctors will continue to monitor her carefully. Princess Yuriko resumes rehabilitation on the 25th.

Sources: NTV, FNN

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On March 24th, Princess Yōko attended the "Welfare Equipment Exhibition and Seminar" in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Princess Yōko is Honorary President of an NPO that supports the deaf, and gave a speech at the event: "It is important not to become indifferent to anything. Doing things so that they don't become a nuisance will make the world and the environment easier for everyone to experience".

This event marks the end of Princess Yōko's visit to Kagoshima Prefecture.

Source/Video: MBC, NEWS.DIG
Screenshots:

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Mikasa family events for the week of April 1st-7th:

Princess Akiko will visit Nagano Prefecture for the 47th SIA Festival from April 3rd-5th.

Princess Akiko will also visit Mie Prefecture for the 2024 FIA F1 World Championship Series Japanese Grand Prix race from April 7th-8th. She will also inspect the local facilities.

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Princess Nobuko will visit Fukuoka Prefecture for the All Japan Invitational Judo Weight Class Championships 2024 from April 6th-7th.

Source: Blog.goo.ne.jp

 

[iceflower]

Princess Akiko at the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course today, April 7:


** Pic ** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko at a dinner or welcoming party during the April 3-5 visit to Nagano Prefecture for the 47th SIA (Ski Instructors Association) Festival 2024 in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture.

Photo: Facebook - Tsugawa Yuji

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Princess Yohko with F1 Grand Prix of Japan winner Max Verstappen at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 6.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1776468016135643283

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On February 25th, Princess Akiko attended the opening ceremony of the Kyoto Japanese Food Festival 2024 Symposium at Miyako Messe in Kyoto.

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko's book "Red and blue gown: Oxford study abroad record" was released in paperback on April 3. It was originally released in January 2015.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4569904009

Background: experiences from her book were posted on Twitter last May, such as how her diplomatic passport raised suspicions at the airport and Queen Elizabeth II's invitation. Many people became interested and wanted to read her book but it was hard to obtain. Paperback version is available for 1,320 Yen, including tax (~ $8.70 USD)

Source: Facebook - Shinyusha

July 2015 article on Princess Akiko's book: Student life through the eyes of royalty - BCCJ Acumen

 

[Prisma]

On April 8th, Princess Akiko finished her 2-day trip to Mie Prefecture with visits to Suzuka and Kuwana cities.

• Ise Katagami (paper stencils for dyeing textiles) and Suzuka sumi (ink sticks) at Suzuka’s Traditional Industry Hall
• toured the Western and Japanese style 1913 house Rokkaen in Kuwana where she also learned about "Thousand Cranes of Kuwana"

Although Princess Akiko didn't plan on making origami, she finished a hanamiguruma (3 cranes from 1 piece of washi paper) where the demonstrator had folded half the center "parent" crane. Akiko successfully completed the parent and 2 baby cranes in about 7 minutes with some guidance.

Photos: Isenp, Isenp2, Chunichi

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On March 18th, Princess Akiko gave a special lecture at the Rekishi Kaido Promotional Council’s "Tokyo Forum: A historical road that continues into the future ~We want to pass on Japan's history, culture, and traditions to the next generation~" at Nihonbashi Auditorium.

She spoke about her work providing opportunities for children to experience authentic Japanese culture and incorporate it into their lives.

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www.rekishikaido.gr.jp

Princess Akiko is introduced at 14:30

 

[Prisma]

On April 19th, Princess Akiko visited Meiji Jingu in Shibuya, Tokyo to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Empress Shoken's death.

Photos: FNN

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Princess Akiko gave an interview about her cultural organization Shinyusha to cousin Tadahiro Konoe for NPO Nanago75, where Konoe serves as director.

Nanago75 is also a cultural organization and has a special project called "kataraibito," where people involved in the inheritance and creation of culture are invited to share their stories. Princess Akiko is on the 7th episode.

Partial transcript and video preview: 語らひ人 彬子女王 | 特定非営利活動法人 七五 (posted February 1)
Full version requires membership.

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On April 22nd, Princess Yōko attended the spring annual festival at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda, in Tokyo.

Sources/Photos/Videos: Facebook, Facebook 2

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Another photo of Princess Yōko with Max Verstappen at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 6th.

Source/Photo: Twitter

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

On April 22nd, Princess Akiko attended the last day of "La Festa Primavera 2024" in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture. The Festival started on April 19 and the vintage cars crossed 2 Prefectures in 4 days.

Sources/Photos: Facebook, Facebook 2, Facebook 3

Also on April 22nd, Princess Akiko took a ride around Kyoto in one of the vintage cars as a passenger.

Photos: Facebook

That same evening, Princess Akiko attended the farewell dinner of "La Festa Primavera 2024" in Kyoto.

Photos: Facebook

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Another photo of Princess Yōko at the Spring annual festival at Yasukuni Shrine on April 22nd.

Source/Photo: Facebook

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Princess Yōko arriving in Kanoya City on 9th October 2023 to attend the special National Sports Festival in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Sources/Photos: Facebook, City.kanoya.lg.jp

 

[Prisma]

On April 24th, Princess Akiko attended the drawing contest for Türkiye's "April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day" at the Turkish Ambassador's residence in Tokyo. The event is part of cultural activities for the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan.

Photos and articles:
Japonya’da “23 Nisan” temalı resim yarışması düzenlendi - Haber 1
Japonya'da "23 Nisan" temalı resim yarışması düzenlendi - AA
Japonya Prensesi Akiko'dan Türkiye açıklaması - Star

 

[Prisma]

Princess Akiko is working on a crowdfunding initiative to help lacquerware artisans affected by the Noto earthquake. Crowdfunding will begin in June. She is also supporting a "Noh" performance on lacquerware to raise awareness of the traditional craft.

Source/photos: Asahi