Princess Takamado recalls husband

Princess Takamado

In an interview with The Daily Yomiuri, Princess Takamado reveals that she felt her husband, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 47 in 2002, is merely away from home and will return shortly.
Prince Takamado was extremely popular in his role as intermediary between the Imperial family and the people. Nov. 21 marks the 10th anniversary of his death. The prince was the third son of Prince Mikasa, Emperor Showa's brother, and Princess Mikasa. After graduating from Gakushuin University and studying in Canada, he worked as a nonregular staff member at the Tokyo-based Japan Foundation.


After marrying his wife in 1984 and establishing the Takamado branch of the Imperial family, he acted as a public relations man for the Imperial family, and enjoyed exchanges with young people who would become the next generation of leaders.

After Prince Takamado died, Princess Hisako took over her husband's official duties in such fields as international goodwill and music and sports, to which her husband was strongly committed. Currently, Princess Hisako acts as president or honorary president of more than 20 organizations.