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Yasuhito
Prince Chichibu
Chichibunomiya Yasuhito.jpg
Prince Chichibu in December 1940
Born (1902-06-25)25 June 1902
Aoyama Detached Palace, Tokyo City, Japan
Died 4 January 1953(1953-01-04) (aged 50)
Kugenuma Villa, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
Burial 12 January 1953
Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Spouse
(m. 1928)
Full name
Yasuhito (雍仁)
House Imperial House of Japan
Father Emperor Taishō
Mother Empress Teimei
Military career
Allegiance  Japan
Service/branch  Imperial Japanese Army
Years of service 1922–1945
Rank Major-General
Commands held 31st Infantry
Battles/wars Second Sino-Japanese War
Second World War

Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu (秩父宮雍仁親王, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinnō, 25 June 1902 – 4 January 1953) was an important member of the Imperial House of Japan. He was the second son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei, and a younger brother to Emperor Shōwa. Prince Chichibu was also a general in the Imperial Japanese Army.

Prince Chichibu was a strong supporter of sports, medicine, and international friendship. He and his wife, Princess Chichibu, worked to build good relationships between Japan and the United Kingdom. They were well-liked by the British royal family. Like other Japanese princes of his time, he served as an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army.

Prince Chichibu: A Royal Life

Early Life and Family

Prince Yasuhito was born on June 25, 1902, in Tokyo, Japan. His father was Emperor Taishō, and his mother was Empress Teimei. He was the second of four sons. His older brother later became Emperor Shōwa, who ruled Japan for many years.

The Prince studied at the Gakushuin Peers' School, which was a special school for children of the Japanese nobility. After that, he went to the Central Military Preparatory School. This prepared him for a career in the military.

On September 28, 1928, Prince Chichibu married Setsuko Matsudaira. She was the daughter of a Japanese diplomat. They did not have any children of their own.

His Role in the Military

Prince Chichibu joined the Imperial Japanese Army in 1922. He served as an active-duty officer for many years. He rose through the ranks and eventually became a Major-General.

He was involved in military service during important times in Japanese history. This included the period of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. His military career lasted until 1945.

Promoting Sports and Friendship

Prince Chichibu was very passionate about sports. He was known as the "Sports Prince" because he supported many different sports in Japan. He was especially interested in rugby. A famous rugby stadium in Tokyo, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, is named after him.

He also supported medical organizations and worked to improve international relations. The Prince and Princess Chichibu often visited other countries, especially the United Kingdom. They spoke English well and helped create friendly ties between Japan and other nations. Their efforts helped build understanding and goodwill.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1940, Prince Chichibu became ill with tuberculosis. This was a serious lung disease. He had to stop his active military duties because of his health. He spent his later years recovering and focusing on his health.

Prince Chichibu passed away on January 4, 1953, at the age of 50. He is remembered for his dedication to his country, his love for sports, and his efforts to promote international friendship. His legacy lives on through the stadium named after him and the positive relationships he helped build.

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