Atsuko Ikeda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Atsuko Ikeda
|
|
|---|---|
Atsuko Ikeda, c. 1952
|
|
| Born |
Atsuko, Princess Yori
(順宮厚子内親王) 7 March 1931 |
| Spouse(s) |
Takamasa Ikeda
(m. 1952; died 2012) |
| Children | Motohiro Ikeda (adopted) |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives |
|
Atsuko Ikeda (born March 7, 1931) was once known as Princess Atsuko Yori. She is the fourth daughter of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. This means she is the older sister of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the aunt of Emperor Naruhito.
In 1952, she married Takamasa Ikeda, who was not part of the imperial family. Because of this marriage, she gave up her royal title and left the Japanese Imperial Family. This was a rule required by law. Later, she became the most important priestess (called saishu) at the Ise Grand Shrine. She held this important role from 1988 to 2017. In April 2024, the former princess adopted Motohiro Nozu, who is the CEO of a company called Kabaya.
Contents
Atsuko Ikeda's Life Story
Princess Atsuko was born at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on March 7, 1931. Her father was Emperor Showa, and her mother was Empress Kōjun. When she was a child, people called her Yori-no-miya. She had three older sisters: Princess Shigeko Teru-no-miya, Princess Sachiko Hisa-no-miya (who sadly died as a baby), and Princess Kazuko Taka-no-miya.
Growing Up as a Princess
Like her older sisters, Princess Atsuko was not raised by her parents. Instead, court ladies took care of her. She lived in a special palace built for her and her sisters in the Marunouchi area of Tokyo.
She went to the Gakushūin Peer's School. During the time when the Allies occupied Japan after World War II, she and her siblings also had an American tutor named Elizabeth Gray Vining. This tutor taught them English language. Princess Atsuko finished her studies at Gakushuin University Women's College in March 1952.
Marriage and Leaving the Imperial Family
On October 10, 1952, Princess Yori married Takamasa Ikeda. He was the oldest son of a former marquis, Nobumasa Ikeda. A marquis was a noble title, and Takamasa was also a direct descendant of a powerful old ruler (called a daimyō) from the Okayama Domain.
Atsuko and Takamasa met at a Japanese tea ceremony in the Kōraku-en gardens. They decided to get married after only six months. However, their wedding had to be delayed because Atsuko's grandmother, Empress Teimei, passed away in 1951. There was a period of mourning after her death.
When she married, Princess Yori became the second daughter of an emperor to give up her royal status. She became a regular citizen, as required by the 1947 Imperial Household Law. This law states that female members of the imperial family lose their royal title if they marry someone who is not part of the imperial family.
Life After Marriage
After her marriage, the former princess moved to Okayama Prefecture. Her husband, Takamasa, was a wealthy cattle rancher. He also worked as the director of the Ikeda Zoo, which is located outside of Okayama city, for more than fifty years.
In 1965, she was hospitalized due to an illness. This caused concern for the Imperial Family.
Important Role at Ise Grand Shrine
In October 1988, Atsuko Ikeda took over an important role from her older sister, Kazuko Takatsukasa. She became the most sacred priestess (saishu) of the Ise Grand Shrine. This is a very important shrine in Japan. She served in this role until June 19, 2017. Her niece, Sayako Kuroda, then took over the position. Atsuko Ikeda also served as the Chairperson of the Association of Shinto Shrines until June 2017.
Recent Adoption
In April 2024, the former princess adopted Motohiro Nozu, who is the CEO of a company called Kabaya. About ten years before this, she and her husband had already talked about adopting someone to continue the Ikeda family line. Motohiro and his wife also changed their last name to Ikeda.
Honours
National honours
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown
Gallery
-
Emperor Showa's family in 1941
-
Emperor Shōwa's daughters
-
Japanese cherry blossoms, Prunus serrulata, a special symbol for Atsuko
-
Princess Atsuko with her younger brother and sister, Prince Akihito and Princess Takako, in September 1950
-
Princess Atsuko in 1951
-
Atsuko Ikeda at the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, in November 2009
