Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko, born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō), is the first child of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa.[1] She married Tadateru Konoe on 16 December 1966. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese Imperial Family, as required by law.

Yasuko Konoe
Born
Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王)

(1944-04-26) 26 April 1944 (age 79)
Spouse
(m. 1966)
ChildrenTadahiro Konoe
Parents
RelativesImperial House of Japan

Education edit

 
Princess Yasuko (far right) with (from left to right) her brother Prince Tomohito, her mother Princess Mikasa, and her brother Prince Yoshihito, c. 1950

Yasuko was born at Numazu Imperial Villa, Numazu, In her childhood, Konoe attended Gakushuin Elementary School and then Gakushuin Women's Secondary School. She later completed her studies by graduating from the Department of Japanese Language and Literature, Faculty of Letters, Gakushuin University.

Marriage and family edit

 
Camphor laurel, Camphora officinarum, designated imperial personal emblem of Yasuko

Princess Yasuko married Tadateru Konoe on 16 December 1966. Upon her marriage, she left the Imperial House of Japan and took the surname of her husband.[1] Tadateru Konoe is the younger brother of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and adopted grandson (and heir) of former Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe. He is currently President of the Japanese Red Cross Society. They have a son named, Tadahiro (born 18 July 1970). Through Tadahiro and his wife, Keiko Kuni (m. 10 April 2004), Konoe has three grandchildren: two boys and one girl.

Titles and styles edit

Styles of
Princess Yasuko
(before her marriage)
 
Mikasa-no-miya mon
Reference styleHer Imperial Highness
Spoken styleYour Imperial Highness
  • 26 April 1944 – 16 December 1966: Her Imperial Highness Princess Yasuko[1]
  • 16 December 1966 – present: Mrs. Tadateru Konoe[1]

Honours edit

National honours edit

Ancestry edit

References edit