Masahito, Prince Hitachi

Masahito, Prince Hitachi is a member of the Imperial House of Japan and the younger brother of the late Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito). He was granted the title Prince Hitachi upon his marriage in 1964 and has undertaken official duties for the imperial family for decades. Prince Hitachi is also known for his lifelong career in biological research, having served as a senior researcher at the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and the Riken institute.

Early life and education

Prince Masahito was born on 28 November 1935 at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the second son and sixth child of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun. His early education was conducted at the Gakushūin Peer's School, the traditional institution for the nobility and imperial family. He later entered the Department of Science at Gakushuin University, where he developed a strong interest in biology. For his graduate studies, Prince Masahito attended the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo, focusing his research on cell biology and embryology. His academic work was conducted under the guidance of prominent scientists at the Misaki Marine Biological Station, a facility of the University of Tokyo.

Marriage and family

On 30 September 1964, Prince Masahito married Hanako Tsugaru, the daughter of the late Count Yoshitaka Tsugaru, a descendant of the Tsugaru clan of the Hirosaki Domain. The wedding ceremony was held at the Kashikodokoro sanctuary within the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Upon his marriage, he was formally granted the title Prince Hitachi and established his own branch of the imperial family, known as the Hitachi-no-miya. The couple has no children. They reside at the Hitachi Palace in the Minato ward of Tokyo.

Public life and duties

As a senior member of the Imperial House of Japan, Prince Hitachi has represented the institution at numerous official events both domestically and abroad. His duties have included attending the annual National Arbor Day Festival, presiding over ceremonies for the Japan Art Academy, and participating in events for the Japanese Red Cross Society. He has undertaken goodwill visits to countries including Sweden, Spain, and Thailand on behalf of Japan. Following the accession of Emperor Naruhito in 2019, Prince and Princess Hitachi assumed a more prominent role in supporting the new Emperor and Empress Masako, often attending state banquets and receiving foreign dignitaries at the Imperial Palace.

Scientific research and interests

Parallel to his royal duties, Prince Hitachi has maintained a dedicated career in scientific research. After completing his studies, he joined the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research as a researcher. His primary focus has been on the study of carcinogenesis, particularly using Japanese medaka fish as a model organism. He later held a position as a senior researcher at the prestigious Riken institute. His work has contributed to the understanding of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, resulting in publications in scientific journals. Prince Hitachi is also an honorary member of the Genetics Society of Japan and has been a patron of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Titles, styles and honours

Throughout his life, Prince Hitachi has held various titles and received numerous decorations. At birth, he was styled Prince Masahito (Masahito Shinnō). Upon his marriage, he was created Prince Hitachi (Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō). His style of address is His Imperial Highness The Prince Hitachi. He is a recipient of the highest Japanese orders, including the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum and the Order of the Paulownia Flowers. He has also received foreign honours such as the Royal Order of the Seraphim from Sweden and the Order of the Elephant from Denmark. In 2020, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Category:1935 births Category:Japanese princes Category:Japanese biologists Category:Recipients of the Order of the Elephant Category:Living people