Yoshihito, Prince Katsura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yoshihito |
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| Prince Katsura | |
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| Born | 11 February 1948 Kamiōsaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | 8 June 2014 (aged 66) University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan |
| Burial | 17 June 2014 Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery, Bunkyo, Tokyo |
| House | Imperial House of Japan |
| Father | Takahito, Prince Mikasa |
| Mother | Yuriko Takagi |
Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō, 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of Japan's Imperial Family. He was the second son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. Prince Yoshihito was also a first cousin to Emperor Akihito.
He was first known as Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa. On January 1, 1988, when he was 39, he received the title Prince Katsura (Katsura-no-miya). This allowed him to start a new branch of the Imperial Family. Prince Katsura passed away on June 8, 2014, at the age of 66.
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Early Life and School
Prince Yoshihito was born in Tokyo, Japan, at the Mikasa Family Home.
He went to Gakushuin University and finished his studies in Political Studies in 1971. After that, he studied in Australia at the Australian National University from 1971 to 1973. When he returned to Japan, he worked at the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. He was an administrator there from 1974 to 1985.
Public Work and Travel
Prince Katsura was very active in public service. In 1982, he went back to Australia. He was part of a Japanese group celebrating the Australia-Japan Society's tenth anniversary. He also visited New Zealand to help make the friendship between the countries stronger.
Even after he had some health problems in 1988, he continued his public duties. He often attended award ceremonies and events with leaders from other countries. He was also the president of several charity groups.
In July 1997, Prince Katsura visited Australia again. This time, he helped promote an exhibition about the traditional Japanese sport of sumo. There were sumo matches held in Sydney and Melbourne.
Health and Passing Away
Prince Katsura faced some health challenges. In May 1988, he had a series of strokes. He needed surgery for a serious brain condition. After this, he used a wheelchair. However, he still stayed active in public life. He continued to attend events and lead charity organizations.
From 2008, he was in and out of the hospital due to infections. In early 2014, he was diagnosed with a heart condition. On June 8, 2014, he had a severe heart attack and passed away. He was 66 years old.
His main funeral service, called "Renso no Gi," was held on June 17, 2014. It took place at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery in Tokyo. About 560 important people, including members of the Imperial Family, attended. His parents, Prince and Princess Mikasa, were the chief mourners. His niece, Princess Akiko, hosted the ceremony.
Prince Katsura never married and did not have any children. When he passed away, he was sixth in line to the Japanese throne.
Awards and Positions
National Awards
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum (received on February 27, 1968)
International Awards
Italy : Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (received on March 9, 1982)
Honorary Roles
- President of the Japan Australia New Zealand Society, Inc.
- President of the Agricultural Society of Japan
- President of the Japan Forestry Association
- President of the Japan Art Crafts Association
- President of the Japanese Urushi Craft•Art Association
