Masahito, Prince Hitachi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Masahito |
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| Prince Hitachi | |
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Masahito in 2019
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| Born | Masahito, Prince Yoshi (義宮正仁親王) 28 November 1935 Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo City, Empire of Japan |
| Spouse |
Hanako Tsugaru
(m. 1964) |
| House | Imperial House of Japan |
| Father | Emperor Shōwa |
| Mother | Princess Nagako Kuni |
Masahito, Prince Hitachi (常陸宮正仁親王, Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō, born 28 November 1935) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan. He is the younger brother of Emperor emeritus Akihito. He is also the uncle of Emperor Naruhito.
Prince Masahito is the second son of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. He is known for his charity work. He also does important research on the causes of cancer.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Masahito was born at the Tokyo Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As a child, he was known as Prince Yoshi.
He went to the Gakushūin Peers' School for his primary and secondary education. In 1944, during World War II, Prince Yoshi was moved to Nikkō. This was to keep him safe from American bombing raids on Tokyo.
After the war, from 1947 to 1950, an American tutor named Mrs. Elizabeth Gray Vining taught Prince Yoshi and his sisters English. She wrote a book about her experiences.
University Studies and Cancer Research
Prince Yoshi earned his degree in chemistry from Gakushuin University in 1958. He then continued his studies at Tokyo University.
In 1969, he started working as a researcher. He joined the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. He focused on studying how cells divide. His research has been published in important science journals.
Prince Hitachi has received special recognition for his work. In 1997, he got an honorary doctorate from George Washington University. In 2001, he received another from the University of Minnesota. He also became an honorary member of the German Association for Cancer Research. This was to honor his important contributions to cancer research.
Marriage and Family
On 30 September 1964, Prince Masahito married Hanako Tsugaru. She was born on 19 July 1940. Her father was Yoshitaka Tsugaru, a former count.
The day after their wedding, Emperor Shōwa gave him a new title. He became Hitachi-no-miya, or Prince Hitachi. This allowed him to start a new branch of the Imperial Family.
Prince and Princess Hitachi live in a palace in Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo. They do not have any children.
Public Service and Charity Work
Prince Hitachi is the honorary president of many different charity groups. He especially supports organizations that promote international exchange.
For example, Prince and Princess Hitachi visited Nicaragua and El Salvador in 2005. This trip celebrated 70 years of friendly relations with these countries. In 2007, they visited France. In 2009, they went to Peru. This visit marked 110 years since Japanese people first settled there.
Health Updates
In early 2023, Prince Hitachi had a fever. He was hospitalized on March 1st. Doctors found he had ureteral stones. He had a procedure and was discharged a few days later.
He had another procedure on March 21st and went home on March 24th. On April 2nd, he was readmitted with a fever. He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. He was discharged from the hospital on April 24th.
Titles and Royal Styles
- 28 November 1935 – 1 October 1964: His Imperial Highness Prince Yoshi
- 1 October 1964 – present: His Imperial Highness Prince Hitachi
Honours and Awards
Prince Hitachi has received many awards and honors.
National Honours
Japan: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum (since 28 November 1955)
Foreign Honours
Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant (28 September 1965)
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (22 November 1965)
Nepal: Member of the Order of the Benevolent Ruler (19 April 1960)
Honorary Positions
Prince Hitachi holds many honorary positions. These include:
- President of the Japanese Society for the Preservation of Birds
- President of the Japanese Society for Disabled Children
- President of the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation
- President of the Japan-Denmark Society
- President of the Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities
- President of the Japan Art Association
- Honorary President of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research
- Honorary Vice-President of the Japanese Red Cross Society
See also
In Spanish: Masahito de Hitachi para niños
