Atsuko Ikeda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Atsuko Ikeda
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Atsuko Ikeda, c. 1952
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| Born |
Atsuko, Princess Yori
(順宮厚子内親王) March 7, 1931 |
| Spouse(s) |
Takamasa Ikeda
(m. 1952; died 2012) |
| Children | Motohiro Ikeda (adopted) |
| Parents |
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| Relatives |
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Atsuko Ikeda (born March 7, 1931) was once known as Atsuko, Princess 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.
She married Takamasa Ikeda on October 10, 1952. He was not from the imperial family. Because of this marriage, she gave up her royal title. She also left the Japanese Imperial Family, as required by law. Later, she served as the most important priestess (called saishu) at the Ise Grand Shrine. She held this role from 1988 until 2017. In April 2024, the former princess adopted Motohiro Nozu.
Contents
A Royal Childhood
Princess Atsuko was born at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on March 7, 1931. Her father was Emperor Shōwa, and her mother was Empress Kōjun. Her childhood nickname was Yori-no-miya. She had three older sisters: Princess Shigeko, Princess Sachiko (who passed away as a baby), and Princess Kazuko.
Growing Up in the Palace
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 Tokyo. She went to the Gakushūin Peer's School. She and her siblings also had an American tutor, Elizabeth Gray Vining. This tutor taught them English language after World War II. Princess Atsuko finished her studies at Gakushuin University Women's College in March 1952.
Marriage and a New Life
On October 10, 1952, Princess Yori married Takamasa Ikeda. He was the oldest son of a former Marquis, Nobumasa Ikeda. Takamasa was also a direct descendant of a powerful old family from Okayama. They met at a Japanese tea ceremony. They decided to get married after only six months. However, their wedding plans were delayed. This was because her grandmother, Empress Teimei, passed away in 1951.
Becoming a Commoner
When she married, Princess Yori became the second daughter of an emperor to give up her royal status. She became a common person, as required by the 1947 Imperial Household Law. She also gave up a yearly allowance from the imperial family. After her marriage, the former princess moved to Okayama Prefecture. Her husband was a wealthy cattle rancher. He also managed the Ikeda Zoo near Okayama city for more than 50 years.
Important Roles and Family
In October 1988, Atsuko Ikeda took on a very important role. She became the chief priestess (saishu) of the Ise Grand Shrine. She took over this role from her older sister, Kazuko Takatsukasa, who was not well. Atsuko Ikeda served as the chief priestess until June 19, 2017. Her niece, Sayako Kuroda, then took over the role. She also led the Association of Shinto Shrines until June 2017.
Adoption in the Family
In April 2024, the former princess adopted Motohiro Nozu. He is the CEO of a company called Kabaya. About 10 years before this, she and her husband had already talked about adopting someone. They wanted to make sure the Ikeda family line would continue. Motohiro and his wife also changed their last name to Ikeda.
Special Awards
National Honours
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown: This is a very special award given in Japan.
Images for kids
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Emperor Showa's family in 1941
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Emperor Shōwa's daughters
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Japanese cherry blossoms, Prunus serrulata, a special symbol for Atsuko
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Princess Atsuko with her younger brother, Prince Akihito, and sister, Princess Takako, in September 1950
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Princess Atsuko in 1951
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Atsuko Ikeda at the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, in November 2009
